Thanks for the response everyone. I was more concerned with it showing up as a loan on my credit than anything. I realize they would have to disclose if they were pulling your credit, but companies don't always do the right thing.... I can confirm that in my offer letter email they gave me the option of having a different offer letter that did not have the bonus language in it. I'm definitely going to hang on to the money until the 3 years is up and hopefully it will earn me some interest in the meantime.