How to spend an extra $500
Right now, you can get $500 bonus cash* from UBT for opening a new checking account and meeting requirements. What will you do with a cool half-grand of bonus bucks? While we’re sure you have plenty of ideas, we have some great suggestions, just in case.
So let’s get right to them!
Invest in yourself
- Invest it: Start a small portfolio of stocks and mutual funds and let it ride the market.
- Pay off debt: Reduce high-interest credit card debt to save yourself money in the long run.
- Build a nest egg: Boost your savings for future unexpected expenses. Let it earn interest.
- Insurance premiums: Pay for a portion of your health, auto, or home insurance.
Make your home even better
- Energy-efficient appliances: Upgrade to appliances that save your planet and pocketbook.
- Home improvement: Upgrade your home with new fixtures or repairs.
- Hire a housecleaner: Have someone come in and give the place an overhaul.
- Personal IT upgrades: Upgrade your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Cooking gadgets: Get that fancy kitchen gadget you’ve been obsessed with lately.
- Car maintenance: Make those repairs to take your car into the next phase of its life.
Lobby for your hobbies
- Go antiquing: Make the old new again by shopping some of the local antique malls.
- Decorate a room: Do a room makeover by investing in new décor.
- Invest in pets: Spoil your pet(s) or buy a new one. Have any room in the yard for chickens?
- Invest in a hobby: Invest in materials for a new hobby like painting or gardening.
- DIY project kits: Try your hand at woodworking, electronics, or crafting.
- Art supplies: Invest in high-quality materials to get the creative juices flowing again.
- Shopping spree at your favorite store: Shop ‘til you drop. Then shop some more.
Upgrade your experiences
- Comedy show tickets: Treat yourself and friends to a memorable night of laughter.
- Subscription boxes: Sign up for quirky monthly boxes like “Bacon of the Month.”
- White elephant: Stock up on funny gifts to surprise your friends with for special occasions.
Invest in your fitness
- Fitness gear: Purchase that fancy bike you’ve been wanting for years and finally enjoy it!
- Health and wellness: Join a gym or enroll in a marathon training class.
Invest in your mind
- Education: Take an online course or buy educational materials you’ve been eyeing.
- Learn a second language: Purchase language learning software or classes. ¡Muy bien!
- Professional development: Attend a conference or workshop in your field.
Get out of town
- Travel: Take a short trip or weekend getaway. Or enjoy a shopping spree staycation!
- Outdoor gear: Buy camping, hiking, or fishing gear. Time in nature is good ROI.
Arts, culture, and community
- Invest in art: Commission a humorous portrait or caricature. Or shop local art dealers.
- Get cultured: Attend concerts, theater performances, or art exhibits.
- Photography gear: Upgrade your camera or buy new lenses, backdrops, or accessories.
- Make a donation: Give to a cause or organization near and dear to your heart.
The great news: How you choose to spend your $500 bonus cash* is entirely up to you! While we’ve given some pretty good options, we’re sure you have some ideas of your own. Chat with a banker to get started today — or better yet, open your new checking account online in less than 5 minutes.
Learning Center articles, guides, blogs, podcasts, and videos are for informational purposes only and are not an advertisement for a product or service. The accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your own tax, legal, and financial advisors.
*To qualify for the checking promotion, you cannot be a primary accountholder on an existing UBT personal checking account. Offer not valid if existing checking account closed in the last 120 days. Receive $500 when you open a Simply Free, Simply Free Plus, Simply Free Platinum, or Premium Interest Advantage checking account and complete the following within 90 calendar days of account opening: (1) have $2,500 in electronic direct deposits posted; and (2) enroll in paperless statements via online or mobile banking. Bonus is credited to your active account within 100 days of account opening if you meet requirements. $1,000 opening deposit required on Simply Free Plus checking accounts. Various Annual Percentage Yields (APY) offered for interest-earning checking accounts based on the account and balance maintained. For example, Simply Free Platinum requires $100 minimum daily balance to earn 0.14% APY as of 5/8/2025. Fees may reduce earnings; rates subject to change. Promotion offers limited to one new checking account per person and cannot be combined with other offers. Simply Free Platinum accounts designed for people ages 50 and over. Premium Interest Advantage is limited to residents of Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties in Nebraska. This offer is only available in Nebraska and Kansas. Available 5/01/2025 to 9/30/2025. Member FDIC.
