Bank Deals Weekly Summary for April 26, 2008

Quick Link for Rates, Recap of this week's posts

The Fed is meeting again next week, and the general consensus is that they'll cut the Fed funds rate by 25 basis points. There continues to be a trend of increasing long term CD rates, and with inflation on the rise, some may wonder if next week will be the last Fed rate cut. I'm not so sure. According to this article:

Merrill Lynch expects the U.S. Federal Reserve will eventually cut interest rates to 1%, although the pace of cuts will slow. The economic rebound will be "disappointingly modest" in 2009 and yields on 10-year bonds will dip below 3%, David Rosenberg, Merrill’s North American economist told clients in a note.

It seems possible that we could see a repeat of the 2002-2004 interest rate environment.

So you may want to consider some long term CDs in your cash portfolio. If rates do shoot up, you always have the option to do an early closure of the CD. If you choose a long-term CD without a large early withdrawal penalty, you won't lose too much. On the other hand, if you choose to stick with all short term CDs, and the Merrill's economist is correct, you may not have many decent cash options available when those short term CDs mature.

CD Rates Recap

Several banks raised their long term CD rates this week. These banks included Discover, GMAC, E-LOAN, AmTrustDirect, Element Financial and UFB Direct. In addition, there were some decent long term CD specials at several large banks. Wachovia came out with a 4.75% APY 60-month CD, US Bank has a 4.50% APY 59-month CD, and M&I Bank has a 4.50% APY 60-month CD. For those with very large savings, you can even get over 5% APY for a 60-month CD from Huntington (see the recap section below).

For shorter term CD deals, National City continues to offer a special 5% APY 48-month CD and a 4.25% APY 24-month CD. These require a checking account, without a checking the yields are 4.75% and 4.00% (see post).

Alliant Credit Union continues to offer a 4.40% APY CD with terms from 12 to 17 months ($25K minimum). Xceed Financial Credit Union continues to offer a 5% APY 5-month CD ($25K maximum).

Savings Account Rates Recap

It looks like this may be the last week with Alliant Credit Union's 4.35% savings account at the top of the list. Readers have reported being told that Alliant's board has decided to lower the savings account rate to 4% APY starting in May. Even with a 4% APY, it'll still be near the top, and it'll remain as one of the best savings account deals (see post).

I added Amegy Bank's savings account to my list this week. The savings account has a yield of 3.65% APY for balances over $1,000 (3.35% APY for balances between $1K and $10K). I first reported on it in October 2007 when the yield was 5.20% APY so it does have some history. However, it still lacks some important internet features like ACH transfers (see post).

One big disappointment this week was at Zions Bank which made a large rate cut on its Deseret Money Market Account. The yield for balances under $50K fell from 3.05% APY to 2.53% APY.

Reward Checking Recap

I added 5 more reward checking accounts (see recap below). Unfortunately, none of these new ones are available nationwide. Only one out of the 5 has a 6% yield, however, the other 4 out of 5 still have yields of 5% or higher. So even though this rate environment is having an effect on these reward checking accounts, it hasn't been nearly as bad as its effect to online savings accounts. I still have 7 in my nationwide list with yields around 6%.

For a list of all reward checking accounts (including ones available nationwide), please see my new High Yield Checking website.

Recap for the Week - Links to This Week's Posts

Savings and Money Market Accounts - National

• 3.65% Internet Savings Account at Amegy Bank

CD Deals - National

• GMAC Bank's Long Term CD Rates Up - Interest Rate Increase Expectations?
• Corus Bank Update - 4.00% Money Market Account, 3.75% CDs and Latest on its Financial Health
• Update on ING Direct CDs
• 4.50% 59-Month CD at US Bank
• 4.75% 60-Month CD and a New Way2Save Promotion at Wachovia
• 5.06% 60-Month Jumbo CD at Huntington Bank - Nationally Available
• 5% 5-Month CD ($25K Max) and $50 Money Market Account Bonus at Xceed Financial Credit Union
• 4.50% 60-Month CD at M&I Bank

Checking/Savings Account Bonuses

• $75 Checking Account Promotion at Great Wisconsin Credit Union
• Update on HSBC Checking and Savings Account Bonuses
• $50 Checking Account Promotion at SunTrust Continues

Reward Checking Accounts

• 5.00% Reward Checking Account at a Philadelphia Bank (Allegiance)
• 5.10% Reward Checking Account at a Colorado Bank (The State Bank)
• 6.01% Reward Checking Account at an Arkansas Bank (First National Bank of Wynne)
• 5.01% Reward Checking Account at a Virginia Bank (First National Bank of Altavista)
• 5.15% Reward Checking Account at an Alabama Bank (Keystone)

CD and Money Market Deals - Local

• 4.40% 5-Month / 4.20% 10-Month CD at an Oregon CU (Advantis)
• 4.75% 3-Month / 3.75% 6-Month CD at a California CU (California Pacific)
• 4.00% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha Bank & Trust)
• 4.15% 10-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (Chevron)
• 5.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii Credit Union (Maui County Employees')
• 4.00% 8-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Premier American).
• 4.03% 6-Month / 4.03% 12-Month CD at a California CU - Jumbo (American First)
• 7.50% 12-Month CD at a California CU - $1K Max - Also a $100 Checking Bonus (Meriwest)

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 Apr 19th, Apr 12th, Apr 5th, Mar 29th, Mar 22nd, Mar 15th, Mar 8th, Mar 1st and Feb 23rd.

Quick Links: Refer to the following links for the savings accounts and CDs that interest you: Liquid Account Rates: Savings Accounts, Reward Checking, 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 April 26, 2008

Checking/Savings/Money Market Accounts:

• High Yield Reward Checking Accounts Around the Nation
• Checking/Savings Account Bonuses
• Latest CD and Savings Account Deals with No Major Deposit Limitiations

• Alliant Credit Union - 4.35% (min $100) account review
• SmartyPig - 4.30% (min $25) access restrictions, account review
• Indymac Bank - 4.05% (E-Money Market) (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 4.01% ($1.5K min), 3mo promo, account review
• Countrywide - 4.00% (min $10K), account review
• Corus Bank - 4.00% MMA (min $10K) account review
• Century Bank Direct - 3.82% MMA (min $1K) account review
• Provident Direct - 3.75%, account review
• Capital One - 3.75% (Savings) (min $10K)
• Nationwide Bank - 3.65% MMA (min $1K) account review
• Flagstar - 3.65% MMA, account review
• Amegy Bank - 3.65% (min $10K) account review
• Century Bank Direct - 3.61% (min $100) account review
• OneUnited - 3.60% (min $1K), account review ($50 bonus)
• Beverly National Bank - 3.50% (min $5K) account review
• OnBank - 3.49%, account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.46% MMA (min $100) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.40% Checking, for those 50+, account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.40% MMA (min $1K), account review
• UFB Direct - 3.35%, account review
• GCF Bank - 3.34% (min $100), 3-mo promo, account review
• WTDirect - 3.31% ($10K min), account review
• Washington Mutual - 3.30% (requires checking), account review
• ShoreBank - 3.30%, account review
• iGObanking - 3.28%, account review
• Amboy Direct - 3.25% (min $3K) (eSavings) account review
• BankUnited - 3.25% (min $5K), account review
• FNBO Direct - 3.25%, account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.25% (e-Savings) account review
• M&T Bank - 3.25%, account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Savings Square - 3.25%, account review
• CapitalOne/Costco - 3.20% MMA (min $1K, Costco members only, $50 deal for exec. members)
• Discover Bank - 3.14% MMA (min $2.5K) (3.25% for $50K+) account & bonus review
• HSBC Direct - 3.05%, account review
• Heartland Bank Direct - 3.05%, ($500 min), account review
• AmboyDirect - 3.05% (Premium Savings) post ($25 bonus)
• EverBank - 3.01% MMA ($1.5K min) account review
• ETrade Bank - 3.01%, post ($25 bonus)
• FirstFedDirect - 3.01% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), account review
• ING Direct - 3.00%, (1.75% checking), post ($25 bonus)
• Indymac Bank - 3.00% MMA (min $25K) (4.00% $75K+) account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.00%, ($25 min), account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.00% MMA (min $500), account review
• Salem Five Direct - 3.00% Checking (3.50% $100K+), account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.00% MMA ($2.5K min) (3.65% for $100K+) account review
• grand yield direct - 3.00% (min $2.5K) account review
• Capital One - 3.00% MMA, account review
• E-LOAN - 3.00% ($5K min), account review
• KeyDirect - 3.00% MMA (min $50), Not all states, account review
• Presidential Bank - 2.75% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 2.10% checking, account review
• BancoFortuna.com - 2.75%, account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.75%, account review
• Mutual Bank - 2.75% MMA (min $5K), account review
• Direct Huntington - 2.70% ($10K min) (3.00% $100K+), account review
• UnivestDirect - 2.70%, (1.80% checking), account review
• Citibank - 2.70% (Ultimate Money) requires chking & bill pay, account review
• Rainier Pacific - 2.70% MMA account review
• MetLife Bank - 2.60% MMA (min $5K), post ($50 bonus)
• PFF Bank and Trust - 2.60% (min $1K), account review
• Zions Bank - 2.53% MMA, outside of Utah, (min $2.5K) (3.05% $50K+, 3.25% $100K+), account review
• Melrose CU - 2.52% (min $25) account review
• MyBankingDirect - 2.50% MMA (min $5K), account review
• Bank of America DoW - 2.43% MMA (min $10K) (2.60% for $50K+), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 2.40% (e-Money Market) (2.65% $25K+, 2.90% $50K+) account review
• Bank of America NEA - 2.36% MMA ($500 min) (2.61% for $50K+) account review
• Charles Schwab - 2.26% Checking, account review
• VirtualBank - 2.02% (min $100), (2.79% $50K+/ 3.05% $100K+) offers checking, post ($20 bonus)
• ebank - 1.75% MMA ($10K min) (2.50% for $100K+), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 1.71% MMA (min $500), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 1.61% (min $10K), account review

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• GMAC Bank - 3.50% (min $500), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.25% ($10K min), account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.25% (min $1K)
• Countrywide - 3.25% (min $10K), account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Imperial Capital - 3.20%, ($2K min), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.99% (min $10K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 2.95% (min $500), account review
• FirstFedDirect - 2.95% (min $10K), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.80% (min $8K)
• EverBank - 2.78% ($1.5K min)
• Element Financial - 2.70% (min $10K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.70% (min $1K), account review
• IndyMac Bank - 2.60% (min $5K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.50% (min $10K), account review

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Xceed Financial CU - 5.00% (5 mo) (min $500/max $25K) account review
• Premier America CU - 5.00% (5 mo) (min $1K/max $5K) account review
• Countrywide - 3.75% (min $10K), account review
• Corus Bank - 3.75% (min $10K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.60% (min $500), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.55% (min $500), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.50% ($10K min), account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• University FCU - 3.40% (min $2.5K), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.37% (min $40K), account review
• NASA FCU - 3.35% (7 mo) (min $5K) account review
• ING Direct - 3.30%, account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.30% (min $1K)
• La Jolla Bank - 3.30% (min $10K), account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.30% ($2K min), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.25% (min $5K)
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Intervest - 3.20% (min $2.5K), account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.20% (min $10K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.08% (min $500), account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.01% (min $10K), account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.00% (min $1K) account review
• Capital One - 3.00% (min $5K) account review
• AmboyDirect - 3.00% (7 mo) (min $10K), account review
• Flagstar - 3.00% (min $500), account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.98% (min $1K) account review
• Air Academy FCU - 2.95% (min $10K) restrictions to membership, account review
• Century Bank Direct - 2.95% (5 mo) (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 2.91% ($1.5K min)
• Principal Bank - 2.90% (7 mo) (min $5K), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.85% (min $8K)
• Western FCU - 2.80% (min $40K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.80% (min $1K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• Element Financial - 2.75% (min $10K), account review
• iGObanking - 2.75% (min $500), account review
• KeyDirect - 2.75% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Washington Mutual - 2.65% (min $1K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.55% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• AmTrustDirect - 2.50% (min $1K) account review
• IndyMac Bank - 2.50% (min $5K), account review
• CU of Georgia - 2.43% (min $50K), account review
• Wells Fargo - 2.40% (5 months) (min $5K), rate and min vary by state, account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.07% (min $1K)

9-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• GMAC Bank - 3.60% (min $500), account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.35% ($2K min), account review
• ING Direct - 3.30% account review
• Countrywide - 3.25% (min $10K), account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.20% (min $1K)
• Century Bank Direct - 3.15% (10 mo) (min $1K) account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.01% (min $10K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.98% (min $1K) account review
• Academy Bank - 2.95% (min $500), account review
• EverBank - 2.91% ($1.5K min)
• Element Financial - 2.80% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 2.75% (min $1K) account review
• iGObanking - 2.75% (min $500), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.55% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• IndyMac Bank - 2.40% (min $5K), account review

12-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Alliant Credit Union - 4.40% (min $25K) account review
• IndyMac Bank - 4.15% (min $5K), account review
• Countrywide - 4.10% (min $10K), account review
• Patelco Credit Union - 4.07% (min $1K) account review
• State Bank of India - 4.06% (min $5K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.90% (min $500), account review
• Corus Bank - 3.75% (min $10K) account review
• Zopa - 3.75% (min $500) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.60% (min $5K)
• University FCU - 3.60% (min $2.5K), account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.60% (min $10K), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.55% ($10K min), account review
• Flagstar - 3.55% (min $500), account review
• Melrose CU - 3.55% (min $5K) account review
• Pacific Mercantile Bank - 3.55% (min $10K) account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.54% ($1K min)
• Mutual Bank - 3.51% (min $1K) account review
• Discover Bank - 3.51% (min $2.5K)
• Huntington - 3.50% (min $2K) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• First State Bank - 3.50% ($1K min), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.49% (min $500), account review
• Element Financial - 3.45% (min $10K), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.42% (min $40K), account review
• La Jolla Bank - 3.35% (min $10K), account review
• Air Force FCU - 3.35% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• ING Direct - 3.30% account review
• iGobanking - 3.28% (min $500), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Intervest - 3.25% (min $2.5K), account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Capital One - 3.25% (min $5K) account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• UmbrellaBank - 3.25% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 3.25% ($2K min), account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.15% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Principal Bank - 3.15% (14 mo) (min $5K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.13% (min $500), account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.10% (min $1K) account review
• GTE FCU - 3.09% (min $500) account review
• VirtualBank - 3.05% (min $10K), account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.05%, (min $10K) account review
• Western FCU - 3.04% (min $40K), account review
• KeyDirect - 3.00% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• ETrade Bank - 2.90% (min $1K), account review
• Academy Bank - 2.90% (min $500), account review
• Navy FCU - 2.90% ($20K min) (3.05% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.86% (min $1K) account review
• Washington Mutual - 2.85% (min $1K), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.80% (min $8K)
• Apple Bank - 2.75% (min $500) account review
• CU of Georgia - 2.68% (min $50K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.60% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• H&R Block Bank - 2.25% (min $250) account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.12% (min $1K)
• NewBank - 2.00% (min $5K), account review

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Alliant Credit Union - 4.40% (17 mo) (min $25K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.70% (min $500)
• Advanta Bank - 3.66% (min $10K), account review
• Discover Bank - 3.56% (min $2.5K)
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.55% (min $5K)
• Capital One - 3.55% (min $5K) account review
• Element Financial - 3.50% (min $10K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• First State Bank - 3.50% ($1K min), account review
• Intervest - 3.35% (min $2.5K), account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Flagstar - 3.20% (min $500), account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.15% (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• Countrywide - 3.00% (min $10K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.90% (min $1K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.86% (min $1K) account review
• Academy Bank - 2.85% (min $500) account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• iGObanking - 2.75% (min $500) account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.60% (min $10K), account review
• H&R Block Bank - 2.50% (min $250) account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 2.50%, account review
• IndyMac Bank - 2.35% (min $5K), account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.17% (min $1K)
• NewBank - 2.00% (min $5K), account review

24-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• National City Bank - 4.25% (min $10K) 4.00% w/o chk, account review
• Countrywide - 4.25% (min $10K), account review
• Alliant Credit Union - 4.15% (min $25K) account review
• State Bank of India - 4.06% (min $5K) account review
• OnBank - 3.83% (min $500), account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.80% (min $500)
• E-LOAN - 3.77% ($10K min), account review
• Discover Bank - 3.76% (min $2.5K)
• University FCU - 3.75% (min $2.5K), account review
• Capital One - 3.75% (min $5K) account review
• Mutual Bank - 3.70% (min $1K) account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.66% (min $10K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.64% ($1K min)
• Element Financial - 3.60% (min $10K), account review
• Melrose CU - 3.55% (min $5K) account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.51% (min $500), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• KeyDirect - 3.50% (min $5K),Not all states, account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.45% (min $5K)
• Air Force FCU - 3.45% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.43% (min $40K), account review
• Intervest - 3.40% (min $2.5K), account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.40% (min $1K) account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.35% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.32% (min $500), account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.20% (min $1K) account review
• Western FCU - 3.11% (min $40K), account review
• EverBank - 3.10% ($1.5K min)
• Navy FCU - 3.05% ($20K min) (3.20% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Apple Bank - 3.00% (min $500) account review
• Flagstar - 3.00% (min $500), account review
• CU of Georgia - 2.94% (min $50K), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.90% (min $8K)
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.70% (min $10K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.61% (min $1K) account review
• H&R Block Bank - 2.50% (min $250) account review
• ING Direct - 2.50% account review
• IndyMac Bank - 2.40% (min $5K), account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.28% (min $1K)
• Presidential Bank - 2.25% (min $1K)
• NewBank - 2.00% (min $5K), account review

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Countrywide - 4.50% (min $10K), account review
• State Bank of India - 4.32% (min $5K) account review
• E-LOAN - 4.01% ($10K min), account review
• Discover Bank - 4.00% (min $2.5K)
• Capital One - 4.00% (min $5K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.00% (min $500)
• KeyDirect - 4.00% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.97% (min $500), account review
• University FCU - 3.95% (min $2.5K), account review
• Mutual Bank - 3.80% (min $1K) account review
• Melrose CU - 3.80% (min $5K) account review
• Intervest - 3.75% (min $2.5K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.75% ($1K min)
• Advanta Bank - 3.75% (min $10K), account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 3.75% (min $1K), account review
• Element Financial - 3.70% (min $10K), account review
• Agriculture FCU - 3.65% (min $1K), account review
• First State Bank - 3.65% ($1K min), account review
• Air Force FCU - 3.60% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.59% (min $500), account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.55% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.54% (min $40K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.40% (min $1K) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.35% (min $5K)
• Flagstar - 3.35% (min $500), account review
• EverBank - 3.25% ($1.5K min)
• Western FCU - 3.24% (min $40K), account review
• Patelco CU - 3.20% ($1K min), account review
• Principal Bank - 3.20% (33 mo) (min $5K), account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.20% (min $50K), account review
• Navy FCU - 3.20% ($20K min) (3.30% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• UFB Direct - 3.15% (min $8K)
• ebank - 3.00% (min $1K), 3.25% for ePremium checking customers
• H&R Block Bank - 3.00% (min $250) account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.95% (min $1K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 2.91% (min $1K) account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.90% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 2.50%, account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.38% (min $1K)
• NewBank - 2.00% (min $5K), account review

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• National City Bank - 5.00% (min $10K) 4.75% w/o chk, account review
• Countrywide - 4.50% (min $10K), account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.35% (min $500)
• Capital One - 4.30% (min $5K) account review
• KeyDirect - 4.25% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• M&T Bank - 4.17% (min $5K) account review
• E-LOAN - 4.10% ($10K min), account review
• Discover Bank - 4.08% (min $2.5K)
• University FCU - 4.05% (min $2.5K), account review
• Advanta Bank - 4.00% (min $10K), account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.90% (min $1K) account review
• Intervest - 3.85% (min $2.5K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.81% (min $500), account review
• Element Financial - 3.80% (min $10K), account review
• Melrose CU - 3.80% (min $5K) account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.79% ($1K min)
• Pentagon Federal CU - 3.75% (min $1K), account review
• Agriculture FCU - 3.75% (min $1K), account review
• First State Bank - 3.75% ($1K min), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.70% (min $40K), account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.65% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Flagstar - 3.65% (min $500), account review
• H&R Block Bank - 3.50% (min $250) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Navy FCU - 3.50% ($20K min) (3.30% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Patelco CU - 3.45% ($1K min), account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.45% (min $50K), account review
• Western FCU - 3.38% (min $40K), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.35% (min $5K)
• EverBank - 3.25% ($1.5K min)
• USA FCU - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.21% (min $1K) account review
• Washington Mutual - 3.15% (min $1K), account review
• ebank - 3.00% (min $1K), 3.25% for ePremium checking customers
• National Bank of KC - 2.95% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 2.50%, account review
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.43% (min $1K)

60-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• KeyDirect - 4.75% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• State Bank of India - 4.58% (min $5K) account review
• Capital One - 4.50% (min $5K) account review
• Countrywide - 4.50% (min $10K), account review
• M&T Bank - 4.37% (min $5K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.35% (min $500)
• E-LOAN - 4.30% ($10K min), account review
• Discover Bank - 4.28% (min $2.5K)
• Advanta Bank - 4.25% (min $10K), account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.25% (min $1K), account review
• Navy FCU - 4.25% ($20K min) (4.40% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• University FCU - 4.15% (min $2.5K), account review
• Mutual Bank - 4.10% (min $1K) account review
• Mountain America CU - 4.10% (min $1K) account review
• Melrose CU - 4.06% (min $5K) account review
• Intervest - 4.05% (min $2.5K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 4.04% ($1K min)
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 4.01% (min $40K), account review
• Element Financial - 4.00% (min $10K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.00% (min $500), account review
• Agriculture FCU - 4.00% (min $1K), account review
• iGobanking - 4.00% (min $500), account review
• First State Bank - 4.00% ($1K min), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.97% (min $500), account review
• Flagstar - 3.80% (min $500), account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.75% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• EverBank - 3.75% ($1.5K min)
• Air Force FCU - 3.75% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• ETrade Bank - 3.75% (min $1K), account review
• Patelco CU - 3.71% ($1K min), account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.61% (min $50K), account review
• UFB Direct - 3.60% (min $8K)
• Western FCU - 3.55% (min $40K) account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Telcom Credit Union - 3.50% (min $500) account review
• H&R Block Bank - 3.50% (min $250) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.46% (min $1K) account review
• USA FCU - 3.45% (min $1K) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.35% (min $5K)
• Washington Mutual - 3.25% (min $1K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 3.05% (min $10K), account review
• Apple Bank - 3.00% (min $500) account review
• ebank - 3.00% (min $1K), 3.25% for ePremium checking customers
• ING Direct - 3.00%, account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.48% (min $1K)
• Presidential Bank - 2.35% (min $1K)

84-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Navy FCU - 5.00% ($20K min) (4.40% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• KeyDirect - 5.00% (min $5K) (5% 10yr) Not all states, account review
• Capital One - 5.00% (min $5K) (5.25% 10yr) account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.49% (min $1K), account review
• Intervest - 4.07% (min $2.5K), account review
• Countrywide - 3.00% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)

High Yield Reward Checking Accounts - Open to All

• 6.01% Reward Checking at Citizens Bank - $25K Cap
• 6.01% Reward Checking at Charter Bank - $25K Cap
• 6.01% Reward Checking at First New England FCU - $25K Cap
• 6.01% Reward Checking at West Texas National Bank - $25K Cap
• 6.01% Reward Checking at Golden Plains Credit Union - $25K Cap
• 6.01% Reward Checking at Arizona Bank & Trust - $20K Cap
• 6.00% Reward Checking at Southern Community Bank & Trust - $25K Cap
• 5.09% Reward Checking at Consumers Credit Union - $25K Cap
• 5.06% Reward Checking at Heartland Community Bank - $30K Cap
• 5.01% Reward Checking at Coastal FCU - $50K Cap
• 4.44% Reward Checking at First Arkansas Bank & Trust - $50K Cap
• 4.01% Reward Checking at State Bank of Toledo - $70K Cap
• 4.01% Reward Checking at Connexus Credit Union - $25K Cap
• 4.01% Reward Checking at Provident Credit Union - $25K Cap

Checking and Saving Accounts at Local Banks/Credit Unions

• Local High Yield Reward Checking Accounts Ordered by States
• Local High Yield Reward Checking Accounts
• 4.25% 3-Month Money Market Promo at Amboy (New Jersey)
• 3.25% Checking Account (Florida)
• 3.20% Money Market Account (Utah)
• 3.05% Low-Minimum Online Savings Account (California)
• 3.05% No-Minimum Online Savings Account (New York)

CD Specials at Local Credit Unions/Banks Over the Last Month

• Alabama deals and CD rates
• Alaska deals and CD rates
• Arizona deals and CD rates
• Arkansas deals and CD rates
• California deals and CD rates
• Colorado deals and CD rates
• Connecticut deals and CD rates
• Delaware deals and CD rates
• District of Columbia deals and CD rates
• Florida deals and CD rates
• Georgia deals and CD rates
• Hawaii deals and CD rates
• Idaho deals and CD rates
• Illinois deals and CD rates
• Indiana deals and CD rates
• Iowa deals and CD rates
• Kansas deals and CD rates
• Kentucky deals and CD rates
• Louisiana deals and CD rates
• Maine deals and CD rates
• Maryland deals and CD rates
• Massachusetts deals and CD rates
• Michigan deals and CD rates
• Minnesota deals and CD rates
• Mississippi deals and CD rates
• Missouri deals and CD rates
• Montana deals and CD rates
• Nebraska deals and CD rates
• Nevada deals and CD rates
• New Hampshire deals and CD rates
• New Jersey deals and CD rates
• New Mexico deals and CD rates
• New York deals and CD rates
• North Carolina deals and CD rates
• North Dakota deals and CD rates
• Ohio deals and CD rates
• Oklahoma 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
• South Dakota deals and CD rates
• Tennessee deals and CD rates
• Texas deals and CD rates
• Utah deals and CD rates
• Vermont deals and CD rates
• Virginia deals and CD rates
• Washington State deals and CD rates
• West Virginia deals and CD rates
• Wisconsin deals and CD rates
• Wyoming deals and CD rates

Terms of 60 Months and Over

• 5.30% 60-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Northwest)
• 5.10% 60-Month CD at a Illinois/Indiana CU - ASI-Insured Only (Credit Union 1)
• 4.78% 60-Month CD at a California CU (UNCLE)
• 4.65% 60-Month CD at a Colorado Bank (New Frontier)
• 4.50% 60-Month CD at a Washington State Bank (Cashmere Valley)
• 4.45% 60-Month CD at a DC Credit Union (Library of Congress)
• 3.95% 60-Month CD at a Texas Credit Union (SACU)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 5.00% 36-Month CD at a New Hampshire Credit Union (NHFCU)
• 4.96% 36-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Northwest)
• 4.82% 24-Month CD at a California CU (Mission City)
• 4.25% 48-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Sunshine Savings)
• 4.18% 24-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Heritage)
• 4.15% 24-Month CD at a DC Credit Union (Library of Congress)
• 4.15% 24-Month CD at a California CU (Schools)
• 4.07% 24-Month CD at a Texas CU (NavyArmy)
• 4.00% 36-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One)
• 4.00% 27-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Summit)
• 4.00% 40-Month CD at a Maine CU - No Early Withdrawal Penalty (Penobscot)
• 4.00% 24-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Greylock)
• 3.95% 24-Month CD at a California Bank (Pacific State)
• 3.85% 24-Month CD at a Texas Credit Union (SACU)
• 3.85% 24-Month CD at a Southwest FL Bank (Florida Community)

Terms of 12 Months to Under 24 Months

• 7.50% 12-Month CD at a California CU - $1K Max - Also a $100 Checking Bonus (Meriwest)
• 4.52% 12-Month CD at a California CU (Mission City)
• 4.50% 12-Month CD at a New Hampshire Credit Union (NHFCU)
• 4.50% 12-Month CD at a Colorado Bank (New Frontier)
• 4.23% 12-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Pinal County)
• 4.15% 12-Month CD at a Illinois/Indiana CU - ASI-Insured Only (Credit Union 1)
• 4.05% 12-Month CD at a California CU (Schools)
• 4.04% 18-Month CD at a California CU (UNCLE)
• 4.03% 12-Month CD at a California CU - Jumbo (American First)
• 4.00% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU (Dallas Telco)
• 4.00% 15-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Sunshine Savings)
• 4.00% 12-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Silver State)
• 3.98% 14-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Heritage)
• 3.95% 12-Month CD at a Washington State Bank (Cashmere Valley)
• 3.92% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU (NavyArmy)
• 3.75% 18-Month CD at a Chicago Bank (Beverly Bank & Trust)
• 3.71% 12-Month CD at a Chicago Bank (Beverly Bank & Trust)
• 3.70% 12-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One)
• 3.67% 12-Month CD at a New York City Bank (Savoy)
• 3.50% 23-Month CD at a South Florida CU (BrightStar)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 5.00% 9-Month CD at a Michigan CU - $20K Max (Dort Federal Credit Union)
• 5.00% 5-Month CD at a Premier America CU - $5K Max - Easy Membership
• 5.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii Credit Union (Maui County Employees')
• 4.75% 3-Month CD at a California CU (California Pacific)
• 4.40% 5-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Advantis)
• 4.25% 9-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Tucson Old Pueblo)
• 4.25% 5-Month CD at a New Jersey Bank - and $100 Checking Bonus (OceanFirst)
• 4.20% 10-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Advantis)
• 4.15% 10-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (Chevron)
• 4.03% 7-Month CD at a California Bank (Pacific State)
• 4.03% 6-Month CD at a California CU - Jumbo (American First)
• 4.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank - Liquid Feature (Grand Bank & Trust)
• 4.00% 6-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Silver State)
• 4.00% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha Bank & Trust)
• 3.90% 11-Month CD at a Washington State CU - and $100 Checking Bonus (Sound)
• 3.88% 5-Month CD at a SoCal Bank (Golden Coast)
• 3.85% 5-Month CD at a South Florida CU (BrightStar)
• 3.80% 9-Month CD at a Ohio CU - and $50 checking bonus (Toledo Area Community)
• 3.75% 9-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Summit)
• 3.75% 9-Month CD at a California CU - Easy Membership/ASI-Insured Only (Christian Community)
• 3.75% 6-Month CD at a California CU (California Pacific)
• 3.70% 9-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Great Florida)
• 3.68% 3-Month CD at a SoCal Bank (Golden Coast)
• 3.60% 5-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 3.60% 3-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 3.56% 6-Month CD at a New York City Bank (Savoy)
• 3.50% 4-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Great Florida)
• 3.00% 4-Month CD at a Maine CU - No Early Withdrawal Penalty (Penobscot)

Bank Account Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• GE Interest Plus - 3.30% rate for $50k+
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 2.67% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• TIAA-CREF Money Market Fund - 2.62% 7-day yeild
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 2.58% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund - 2.42% 7-day yield
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bonds for Spring 2008, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives

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