High-Yield Reward Checking Account at a Kansas Bank (Union State)

Update 4/08/10: The top rate has fallen to 3.25% APY.

Union State Bank has a rewards checking account that pays 3.25% APY on balances up to $25,000 (1.00% for above) and refunds ATM fees if the following monthly requirements are met:

• 10 debit card purchases
• one direct deposit or ACH debit
• access online banking
• receive e-statements

If these are not met, the rate falls to 0.30%. The minimum initial deposit is $25. There are no monthly service fees.

One notable feature mentioned in the FAQ page is that a customer is allowed to open multiple accounts (each has to meet separate requirements). This is a nice feature for those who want to go over the $25K balance cap. However, those who go over $25K with just one account don't have it too bad since it pays a respectable 3% which is about the same as most online savings accounts currently pay.

Update 6/11/09: The bank has changed its policy on nationwide availability. The website now states:

Effective 06/10/2009, Union State Bank - Bank of Atchison will no longer open accounts for residents outside of Kansas and Missouri.

Update 4/27/09: I've just confirmed with the bank that people from any state can apply online without a branch visit. Be sure to use the CheckingFinder application. The link to this application is in the middle of their reward checking page.

Branches are located in the Kansas cities of Everest, Horton and Atchison. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1951 (FDIC Certificate # 18610).

Other High Yield Reward Checking Accounts

For other high yield reward checking accounts and to learn more about these accounts, please refer to my High Yield Checking website.

Rate History:
04/08/10: 3.25% APY up to $25K; 1.00% over $25K;
07/01/09: 5.01% APY up to $25K; 1.50% over $25K; 0.30% if req's not met
02/17/09: 5.01% APY up to $25K; 2.50% over $25K; 0.30% if req's not met
05/06/08: 6.01% APY up to $25K; 3.00% over $25K; 0.30% if req's not met