3.61% Checking Account at AL/TN/MS Bank (CB&S Bank)

Update 11/09/09: The top yield has fallen to 3.61% APY.

CB&S Bank is offering a new checking account called the Star Rewards Checking. It pays 3.61% APY on balances up to $25K (0.75% over) and provides automatic reimbursements of all ATM fees if the following requirements are met:

• 10 debit card purchases
• 1 direct deposit or ACH auto debit
• receive electronic statements

Other features of the account regardless of monthly requirements include:

• $100 minimum initial deposit
• No minimum balance requirements
• No monthly service charge

When I contacted the bank in 2006, I was told that no hard credit pulls are done; only ChexSystem is used when you open this account.

The CSR stated that you must visit a branch to open an account. Branches are located in several cities of Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

The bank is federally insured by the FDIC.

Rate History:
11/01/09: 3.61% APY up to $25K; 0.75% over; 0.15% base
03/27/08: 4.41% APY up to $25K
12/09/06: 5.61% APY up to $25K; 1.01% over

Edit 7/18/09: Updated post with newer format.
Edit 2/22/09: Citizens Bank has changed its name to CB&S Bank.

Tags: Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, checking account, reward checking account