I did a live chat and came up with this
David Krause
3:42:43 p.m.
Thank you for contacting Consumers Credit Union, this is David. How may I assist you today?
me
3:43:41 p.m.
Hi. I'm a little confused about the 5.09% checking rewards account. I see you have to spend $1,000 a month, but if you want to earn 5%, how many transactions must you make - 1, 12 or 24?
David Krause
3:44:56 p.m.
There is no restriction on how many credit card transactions you would need to complete provided that at least $1,000.00 has been spent on the credit card. A total of twelve debit card transactions would also need to be completed. The two transaction requirements are conducted on two separate cards, but you could make one credit card transaction for $1,000.00 and then twelve debit card transactions to earn the 5.09% APY tier.
So 12 debits and then you use the credit card. If you use the credit card 12 times but you don't hit $1,000 you still get 4%. I think this is more or less what I'm already doing.
It's still not work free, but for $800-$1,000 in interest (assuming these rates last), it doesn't sound that bad. (I will admit I'm not thrilled about the idea of having to use a separate credit card, I thought they were referring strictly to credit transactions on the debit card).