Bank Deals Weekly Summary for June 2, 2007

Quick Link for Rates

HSBC Direct finally launched their high yield online checking account this week. It's called the Online Payment Account (OPA), and like ING Direct's Electric Orange, it doesn't allow paper checks. Unfortunately, it's more of a "moderate yield" checking account with a rate of 2.50% APY. I'm surprised HSBC didn't at least try to match ING Direct's 4% APY. Even though the OPA is a disappointment, it might be useful for those who already HSBC Direct's Online Savings Account (see post).

There's again not much to report on savings accounts. FNBO Direct savings account remains the best deal with a yield of 6% APY guaranteed until 9/28/07. For all of my FNBO Direct posts, please see this page. For those in Ohio, you can get 6% APY for 118 days in a savings account at AmTrust Bank (see post).

CD Rates Update

The upward CD rate movement that I mentioned last week, continued this week. Long term CD rates increased at Bank of Internet USA, Transportation Alliance Bank and E-LOAN. However, there were some rate drops. E-LOAN lowered their 12-month CD rate from 5.45% to 5.41% APY. CD rates also dropped at Everbank and Pentagon FCU. Patelco Credit Union ended its 5.75% APY 14-month CD promotion. The 5.75% APY is now only available at Patelco in an IRA (see post).

Northrop Grumman FCU (NGFCU) raised their certificate rates once again this week. The best rates require a minimum deposit of $40K. The highest rate is on the 60-month term with a yield of 5.87% APY. NGFCU is one of those in which anyone can be eligible to join (see post).

It looks like NGFCU is having some competition. Western FCU did a major bump to their CD rates this week. Their rates now exactly match those offered by NGFCU, and like NGFCU, you can be eligible to join Western via an association open to all (see post). It's interesting to note that Western FCU is specifically targeting Northrop Grumman employees (see website). So perhaps this competition will help keep rates high at these two credit unions.

I added Air Force FCU to my main CD list this week. They're a lot like Navy FCU in their membership restrictions, but they are a bit easier since their FOM includes all US Armed Forces. In my list I only include Air Force FCU rates for a minimum deposit of $12.5K. Higher rates are available for minimum deposits of $25K and $100K. A 5.75% APY 36-month CD is available for a minimum of $100K (see post).

Local CD Deals

One of the best local deals is at Chartway FCU which continues to offer a 13-month CD with a "no strings attached yield" of 5.75% APY. You can also get a yield of up to 6.51% APY with a lot of strings attached (see post).

Another good local deal is at Vineyard Bank in California. They just started offering a 5.50% APY 12-month CD with some special early-withdrawal and additional-deposit features (see post).

For more local CD deals, refer to my local CD deal section below.

What's Behind Those Reward Checking Accounts?

I posted on two more local reward checking accounts this week. One in Texas pays 6.01% APY (see post) and one in Illinois pays 5.50% APY (see post). In both cases the high interest is paid up to a $25K balance. For more local reward checking accounts, please see my best checking accounts post.

Many are turned off by the 10-debit card transactions per month requirement. Also, some readers have expressed doubts if these reward checking high rates can last. I found one vendor of these reward checking accounts (BancVue) who claims these can be profitable to community banks and credit unions. Perhaps if the average customer maintains a balance far under $25K and uses the debit card on many large purchases each month, these will be profitable for the banks but not so great for the customers. These customers could make up for those who maintain balances near $25K and use their debit cards only for small purchases (and use 2%+ cash back credit cards for all other purchases).

Thanks to all who have helped by leaving comments or sending emails on rate updates. Sorry I can't post on all of your suggestions.

The rates listed below are based on Annual Percentage Yield (APY). No minimum balances are required unless noted. MMA next to the rates indicate a money market account. Most MMAs have check writing and ATM cards. Online savings accounts usually lack both of these. The top lists include banks and credit unions with broad availability and with minimums around $10K or less. Previous weekly summaries are available for May 26th, May 19th, May 12th, May 5th, Apr 28th, Apr 21st, Apr 14th and Apr 7th.

Quick Links: Refer to the following links for the savings accounts and CDs that interest you: Liquid Account Rates: Savings Accounts, Special rates, Local checking/savings, Bank alternatives CD Rates: 3 Mo CDs, 6 Mo CDs, 9 Mo CDs, 12 Mo CDs, 18 Mo CDs, 24 Mo CDs, 36 Mo CDs, 48 Mo CDs, 60 Mo CDs, 84 Mo CDs, CDs by state Comments: read and discuss

As of June 2, 2007

Checking/Savings/Money Market Accounts:

• Checking/Savings Account Bonuses
• The Best Checking Accounts

• FNBO Direct - 6.00% (until 9/28) my post
• Geauga Savings Bank - 5.45% ($25K min), see post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.36% ($1K min), my post
• BankUnited - 5.35% (min $5K), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.31%, my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% MMA (min $500), my post
• iGobanking - 5.30%, my post
• Zions Bank - 5.30% MMA, outside of Utah, (min $1K) (5.36% $50K+), my post
• OneUnited - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• grand yield direct - 5.27% (min $2.5K) my post
• WTDirect - 5.26% ($10K min), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.25% ($5K min), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.25% (5.15% for MMA), ($25 min), my post
• Presidential Bank - 5.25% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 4.50% checking, my post
• Countrywide - 5.25% (min $10K), (5.40% $50K+) my post
• Direct Huntington - 5.20% ($1K min), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.16% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), my post
• Discover Bank - 5.14% MMA (min $10K)
• Mutual Bank - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• Savings Square - 5.10%, my post
• Bank of America AAA/NEA - 5.08% MMA ($10K min) (5.35% for $50K+) my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.05%, my post
• HSBC Direct - 5.05% ($50 related bonus) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.05%, my post
• AmboyDirect - 5.05% (5.10% for $20K+), my post ($25 bonus)
• UnivestDirect - 5.05%, (4% checking), my post
• EverBank - 5.01% ($1.5K min), 6.01% 3-mo promo, my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.00% MMA (min $5K, Costco members only, $50 deal for exec. members)
• Washington Mutual - 5.00% (requires checking), my post
• Salem Five Direct - 5.00% Checking (5.20% $25K+), 6.10% 2-mo promo and $25 bonus, my post
• ebank - 5.00% Checking ($2.5K min), my post
• Indymac Bank - 5.00% ($10K min)
• PFF Bank and Trust - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Citibank - 5.00%, requires checking account and bill pay usage, my post ($100 bonus)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 4.95% MMA (min $1K), my post
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 4.88% (min $10K), my post
• Corus Bank - 4.88% MMA (min $10K to open)
• MyBankingDirect - 4.75% MMA (min $5K), my post
• Capital One - 4.75% (MMA has same rate, but with checks and ATM. $100 min.), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.68% MMA (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $100), (4.86% $50K+/ 5.13% $100K+) offers checking, my post ($20 bonus)
• NetBank - 4.50% MMA ($500 min), 6-month intro rate, my post ($250 deal)
• ING Direct - 4.50%, (4% checking), my post ($25 bonus)
• GE Money - 4.50% (min $4K), (5.05% for $15K+), my post ($25 bonus)
• MetLife Bank - 4.40% MMA (min $5K), my post ($50 bonus)
• Imperial Capital - 4.20% MMA ($2.5K min), offers free checking, my post
• Melrose CU - 4.06% (min $25) my post

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• VirtualBank - 5.34% (min $10K), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.31% (min $8K)
• Countrywide - 5.30% (min $10K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.30%, ($2K min), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.26% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.25% (min $1K)
• GMAC Bank - 5.15% (min $500), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.10% (min $5K), my post
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• ebank - 5.00% (min $1K), 5.25% for ePremium checking customers
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.98% (min $500), my post
• Corus Bank - 4.88% (min $10K)

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• NASA FCU - 5.80% (7 months) (min $10K), my post
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.48% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.48% (min $40K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.45%, ($2K min), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.42% (min $1K)
• Bank of Internet - 5.41% (min $1K) my post
• Countrywide - 5.41% (min $10K), my post
• World Savings - 5.41% (min $10K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.40% (min $5K), my post
• Ascencia Bank - 5.40% (min $500)
• Security Savings - 5.40% (7 months) (min $500), my post
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 5.40% (min $5K)
• VirtualBank - 5.39% (min $10K), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.39% ($10K min), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.38% (min $10K), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.37% (min $10K)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.36% (min $1K) my post
• NetBank - 5.35% (min $1K)
• iGobanking - 5.30% (min $500), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.26% (min $500), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• Washington Mutual - 5.15% (min $1K), rates vary by state
• ebank - 5.15% (min $1K), 5.40% for ePremium checking customers
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• ETrade Bank - 5.10% (min $1K), my post
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• ING Direct - 5.00%, my post
• Wells Fargo - 4.90% (5 months) (min $5K), rate and min vary by state, my post

9-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.41% (min $1K)
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K), my post
• iGobanking - 5.40% (8 months) (min $500), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.36% (min $1K) my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.31% (min $1K) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.30% (min $10K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.25% ($2K min), my post
• ING Direct - 5.25%, my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.10% (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• VirtualBank - 5.05% (min $10K), my post

12-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.54% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.54% (min $40K), my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.42% (min $1K) my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.41% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.41% ($10K min), my post
• Ascencia Bank - 5.40% (min $500)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.40% (min $1K)
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 5.40% (min $5K)
• La Jolla Bank - 5.40% (min $10K), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.39% ($1K min)
• Corus Bank - 5.37% (min $10K)
• Mutual Bank - 5.35% (min $2.5K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• NetBank - 5.35% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• FirstFedDirect - 5.31%, (min $10K) my post
• Navy FCU - 5.30% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• iGobanking - 5.30% (min $500), my post
• Air Force FCU - 5.30% (min $12.5K) restrictions to membership, my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.27% (min $500), my post
• AmboyDirect - 5.25% (min $10K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Imperial Capital - 5.25% ($2K min), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• Countrywide - 5.25% (min $10K)
• Melrose CU - 5.20% (min $5K) my post
• GTE FCU - 5.12% (min $500) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.11% (min $1K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.10% (min $5K), my post
• ING Direct - 5.10%, my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• Washington Mutual - 5.05% (min $1K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.05% (min $10K), my post

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Security Savings - 5.55% (17 months) (min $500), my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.42% (min $1K) my post
• NetBank - 5.40% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• E-LOAN - 5.31% ($10K min), my post
• iGobanking - 5.30% (min $500), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Discover Bank - 5.20% (min $2.5K)
• ebank - 5.15% (min $1K), 5.40% for ePremium checking customers
• AmTrustDirect - 5.15% (min $1K) my post
• Countrywide - 5.15% (min $10K)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 4.85% (min $5K) my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 4.75% (min $1K)

24-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.63% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.63% (min $40K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.47% (min $5K) my post
• Navy FCU - 5.40% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• Air Force FCU - 5.40% (min $12.5K) restrictions to membership, my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.32% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.31% ($10K min), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.30% ($1K min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• NetBank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.22% (min $500), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.20% (min $5K) my post
• Presidential Bank - 5.13% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.67% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.67% (min $40K), my post
• Air Force FCU - 5.50% (min $12.5K) restrictions to membership, my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.47% (min $5K) my post
• Navy FCU - 5.45% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• First State Bank - 5.35% ($1K min), my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.32% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.31% ($10K min), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.30% ($1K min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• NetBank - 5.28% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.20% (min $500), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.20% (min $5K) my post
• Countrywide - 5.15% (min $10K)
• ebank - 5.10% (min $1K), 5.35% for ePremium checking customers
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.02% (min $1K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.00% (min $1K) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 4.95% ($2K min), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 4.75% (min $1K)

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.78% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.78% (min $40K), my post
• Navy FCU - 5.50% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• First State Bank - 5.35% ($1K min), my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.32% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.31% ($10K min), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.30% ($1K min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• NetBank - 5.25% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• USA FCU - 5.22% (min $1K) my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.21% (min $500), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.20% (min $5K) my post
• Countrywide - 5.15% (min $10K)
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.13% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.10% (min $1K), 5.35% for ePremium checking customers
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 4.75% (min $1K)

60-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Northrop Grumman FCU - 5.87% (min $40K), my post
• Western FCU - 5.87% (min $40K), my post
• Navy FCU - 5.60% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• Agriculture FCU - 5.50% (min $1K), my post
• Air Force FCU - 5.50% (min $12.5K) restrictions to membership, my post
• Bank of Internet - 5.42% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.41% ($10K min), my post
• First State Bank - 5.35% ($1K min), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.30% ($1K min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• USA FCU - 5.27% (min $1K) my post
• Melrose CU - 5.25% (min $5K) my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.23% (min $500), my post
• NetBank - 5.20% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• Countrywide - 5.15% (min $10K)
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.13% (min $1K), my post
• Members Credit Union - 5.13% (min $2K), my post
• Presidential Bank - 5.13% (min $1K)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.10% (min $1K) my post
• Washington Mutual - 5.10% (min $1K), rates vary by state
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• VirtualBank - 5.10% (min $10K), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.10% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.00% (min $1K), 5.35% for ePremium checking customers
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 4.95% ($2K min), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 4.75% (min $1K)

84-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Navy FCU - 5.70% ($20K min) restrictions to membership, my post
• Countrywide - 5.15% (min $10K)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.10% (min $1K)
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.00% (min $1K), my post

High Rates with Conditions / Large Balances - Open to All

• 10% Affinity Savings Account for kids ($500 max)
• 6.01% Everbank 3-month intro rate on checking account
• 6.00% Money Market Account at Lockheed FCU ($10K Max)
• 5.40 Money Market Account with $250K initial deposit
• 5.40% Personal and Business Money Market Account with $100K balance
• 5.35% Money Market Account at Bank of America with $50K+

Checking and Saving Accounts at Local Banks/Credit Unions

• Local High Yield Reward Checking Accounts
• 6.00% Savings Account for 118 Days at AmTrust (Ohio)
• 6.00% Money Market Account Intro Rate (New Jersey)
• 6.00% 3-Month Money Market Promo at Amboy (New Jersey)
• 5.50% No-Minimum Online Savings Account (New York)
• 5.25% Money Market Account for 3 months (New York)
• 5.25% Checking Account (Florida)
• 5.05% Low-Minimum Online Savings Account (California)
• 5.00% Free Checking at Capital One (Central Texas)
• 5.00% Money Market Account (Utah)

CD Specials at Local Credit Unions/Banks Over the Last Two Months

• Alabama deals and CD rates
• Arizona deals and CD rates
• California deals and CD rates
• Colorado deals and CD rates
• Connecticut deals and CD rates
• District of Columbia deals and CD rates
• Florida deals and CD rates
• Georgia deals and CD rates
• Idaho deals and CD rates
• Illinois deals and CD rates
• Indiana deals and CD rates
• Kansas deals and CD rates
• Kentucky deals and CD rates
• Maryland deals and CD rates
• Massachusetts deals and CD rates
• Maine deals and CD rates
• Michigan deals and CD rates
• Nevada deals and CD rates
• New Hampshire deals and CD rates
• New Jersey deals and CD rates
• New York deals and CD rates
• North Carolina deals and CD rates
• Ohio deals and CD rates
• Oregon deals and CD rates
• Pennsylvania deals and CD rates
• Rhode Island deals and CD rates
• South Carolina deals and CD rates
• Tennessee deals and CD rates
• Texas deals and CD rates
• Washington State deals and CD rates
• West Virginia deals and CD rates
• Wisconsin deals and CD rates

Terms of 60 Months and Over

• 6.15% 60-Month CD at a Utah CU (Pacific Rails)
• 6.02% 60-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - $100K+ (SAFE FCU)
• 6.00% 72-Month CD at a DC Credit Union (Bank-Fund Staff)
• 5.90% 72-Month CD at a Missouri Bank - and 6.11% IRA (Garden City)
• 5.65% 60-Month CD at a Washington State Bank (Westsound)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 5.80% 46-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Research)
• 5.59% 36-Month CD at a Kansas Bank (Town & Country)
• 5.50% 36-Month CD at a New York Bank (LibertyPointe)
• 5.50% 24-Month CD at a New York Bank (LibertyPointe)
• 5.50% 34-Month CD at a Virginia CU (NMA)

Terms of 12 Months to Under 24 Months

• 12.00% 12-Month CD at a Texas / California CU - $1.2K Max (Premier America)
• 6.13% 12-Month CD at a Tennessee CU - $100K+ (UPS Employees)
• 6.12% 12-Month CD at a Kentucky CU - $50K Max (Members Heritage)
• 6.00% 15-Month CD at a South Carolina CU Continues (MCAS Beaufort)
• 5.85% 12-Month CD at a Utah CU (Pacific Rails)
• 5.75% 13-Month CD at a Missouri Bank Continues (Champion)
• 5.75% 19-Month CD at a Indiana CU (Afena)
• 5.75% 13-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (Chartway) - up to 6.51% possible
• 5.65% 12-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha)
• 5.65% 13-Month CD at a Washington State CU Continues (WSE)
• 5.61% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU (El Paso Employees)
• 5.55% 14-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Guardian)
• 5.55% 13-Month CD at a Florida CU (Sunshine State)
• 5.54% 12-Month CD at a Kansas Bank (Town & Country)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a New York CU (Countryside Community)
• 5.50% 18-Month CD at a Washington State Bank (Westsound)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a Texas Bank (First National Bank Southwest)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a FL/NY/MA/VT Bank (Trustco)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Silver State)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a California CU (San Mateo)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (PA HealthCare)
• 5.50% 15-Month CD at a North Carolina CU Continues (Coastal) - Easy Membership
• 5.50% 18-Month CD at a Maryland Bank (Fidelity & Trust)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU (West Texas)
• 5.50% 12-Month CD at a California Bank - with withdrawal feature (Vineyard)
• 5.49% 12-Month CD at a Alabama CU (APCO Employees)
• 5.45% 12-Month CD at a Arizona Bank (Choice Bank)
• 5.43% 12-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 9.00% 9-Month CD at a Colorado CU - $2K Max (Elevations)
• 7.15% 5-Month CD at a Georgia Bank - $25K Max (First Citizens Bank of Georgia)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a California / Texas CU - $7K Max (Premier America)
• 6.17% 9-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Langley)
• 5.75% 7-Month CD at a Missouri Bank Continues (Champion)
• 5.70% 9-Month CD at a Texas CU Continues (San Antonio City Employees)
• 5.70% 8-Month CD at a California CU (The Golden 1) - with Worry-Free Feature
• 5.65% 6-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha)
• 5.64% 6-Month CD at a Virginia Bank (Sonabank)
• 5.60% 6-Month CD at a Los Angeles Bank (California Business)
• 5.55% 11-Month CD at a California CU Continues (Pacific Service)
• 5.55% 9-Month CD at a Dallas Bank (One World)
• 5.55% 6-Month CD at a Alabama CU (APCO Employees)
• 5.52% 7-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial)
• 5.50% 5-Month CD at a California Bank (Los Padres)
• 5.50% 5-Month CD at a Michigan Bank (Bank of Auburn Hills)
• 5.50% 9-Month CD at a Michigan Bank (Bank of Auburn Hills)
• 5.50% 11-Month CD at a Oregon CU (OnPoint Community)
• 5.50% 6-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Silver State)
• 5.50% 4-Month CD at a DC Bank (Bank of Georgetown)
• 5.50% 9-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Power)
• 5.50% 6-Month CD at a California CU (Dow) - and 6.03% IRA
• 5.50% 9-Month CD at a Maine CU (PeoplesChoice)

Bank Account Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund - 5.12% 7-day yield
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 5.04% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 5.01% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bond Rate Starting Nov 2006, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives
• SmartMoney Brokerage Survey

Historical Rates from the Federal Reserve (Federal funds, Treasury bills, CD's)