Karenda,
The lease bonus is received in exchange of signing the lease. It us usually paid once for "Paid up Leae"
Do some additional research on MRF and you will find that most leases today are not good for the mineral owner and contain control issues you may not be willing to give up. The bonus amounts offered are not competitive in most cases, and the payment of the bonus by a bank draft is not a good wy to go. Exchange the signed lease for a check or bank TRANSFER to your account. Make sure the royalty rate is competitive by joining the Texas county group on MRF and asking for help. Other members are very willing to tell you what they are being offered for royalty rate and perhps current bonus amounts.
Hopefully you can confirm the net mineral acres the leasing company is willing to pay for from family records such as deeds, wills, probates, etc.
If you have less than 10 net mineral acres, and a well hasn't been drilled on your land, it won't make much difference in the long run but if you have 40 net mineral acres or more, you should seek some help. Folks here are generous with information if you will supply your legal location in a request. That information allows them to apply their expertise to your specific area. Education is key.