Bank Deals Weekly Summary for May 24, 2008

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

The party is over at AARP Financial Savings Center. Both the savings account yield and Jumbo money market account yield were slashed today to 4.05% APY. A reader reported that the CSR told him that customers who already had opened an account will receive the old rates for a while. But there's no guarantee about how long that will last (see post).

Savings Accounts Recap

With this big rate drop at AARP Financial, there's now a group of 4 savings and money market accounts with non-promo yields around 4% APY. My preference goes to Alliant Credit Union's savings account which has a small minimum balance requirement, a long history of competitive rates, and an ACH transfer system (see post).

AARP Financial Savings Center wasn't the only one to cut online savings account rates this week. Other banks that made cuts this week include Provident, Nationwide, Beverly National, AmTrustDirect and PFF Bank & Trust. AmTrustDirect's cut in its e-Savings account was a surprise since it already had cut this rate the week before. In about 2 weeks, this yield has fallen from 3.25% to 2.75% APY. They did raise some of their CD rates this week, so perhaps they're trying to attract customers to these.

Certificate of Deposit Rates Recap

In addition to a top savings account, Alliant Credit Union continues to offer the best CD rate for terms from 12 to 24 months with a yield of 4.15% APY. For the one year term, Alliant increased its lead over Indymac's internet special CD after Indymac cut the yield from 4.10% to 4.05% APY.

For longer term CDs, I still have National City Bank on this list with a 5% APY 3 and 4-year CD. Today was the scheduled end-date, but based on history, it's likely to be extended. So I'm keeping it on the list for now. Update 5/25/08: The CD specials were extended, but the 5% yield was reduced to 4.75% APY.

E-LOAN increased rates on some of its CD terms this week. Its 36-month CD yield is near the top of the list with a 4.25% APY.

KeyDirect continues to offer a 5% APY on CDs with terms of 5 to 10 years.

Reward Checking Recap

I added 6 more reward checking accounts this week (see recap below). Three have yields of 6.01% APY. Unfortunately, all three have below average balance caps: two have $20K cap and one has a $10K cap.

One of the 6 reward checking accounts I added this week is available nationwide. The Texas ViewPoint Bank is allowing people in any state to apply online. Unfortunately, the yield is only 4% APY with a $25K balance cap.

I added ViewPoint Bank to my nationwide reward checking list below, but I had to take two banks off the list. Readers have reported Arizona Bank & Trust and Citizens Bank Minnesota have changed their policy and are now restricting new accounts to locals. In this post I look into what may be driving these policy changes.

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

Banking News

• Bank Failure Predictions and the Texas Ratio
• Banks Reducing Nationwide Availability of Reward Checking Accounts and Discouraging Small Debit Card Purchases
• Patelco Credit Union Absorbs Cal State 9
• Problems Grow at GMAC's Mortgage Unit, ResCap

Savings and Money Market Accounts - National

• Rates Slashed at AARP Financial Savings Center
• Research into AARP Financial Savings Center

CD Deals - National

• Agriculture FCU's No-Penalty 3.50% 36-Month CD - Easy Membership
• 4.65% 59-Month / 4.10% 43-Month CD at US Bank
• 4.70% 60-Month / 3.60% 20-Month CD at M&I Bank

Checking/Savings Account Bonuses

• $100 Checking Account Bonus at a Dallas Bank (Century)
• $75 Checking Account Bonus at Guaranty Bank
• Free iPod nano Checking Account Bonus at Bank of North Georgia
• Update on Bank of America's $75 Checking Account Bonus
• $75 Checking Account Bonus at a Wachovia Branch in Houston - Plus Recap on Wachovia Deals

Reward Checking Accounts

• 6.01% Reward Checking Account at an Iowa Bank - Guaranteed to 2010 (Dubuque)
• 4.00% Reward Checking Account at a Texas Bank - Available Nationwide (ViewPoint)
• 6.01% Reward Checking Account at New Mexico Bank & Trust
• 6.01% Reward Checking Account at a Washington State CU (Gesa)
• 5.01% Reward Checking Account at a Texas Credit Union (Members)
• 5.01% Reward Checking Account at a Texas Bank (Independent)

CD and Money Market Deals - Local

• 3.65% 10-Month / 3.65% 14-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank (East River)
• 4.05% 6-Month CD at a Houston Credit Union (Plus4)
• 4.00% 4-Month CD at a California CU (Pacific Transportation)
• 4.05% 24-Month CD at a WA/ID/MT/OR Bank (Golf Savings)
• 4.00% 12-Month / 4.50% 48-Month CD at an Illinois Bank (Wheatland)
• 4.00% Savings Account Guaranteed Until Jan 2009 at a Florida Bank (US Century)
• 4.05% 14-Month / 4.30% 24-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial) EXPIRED
• 4.30% 18-Month CD at a Colorado Bank (New Frontier)
• 3.70% 10-Month CD at a Florida / Alabama CU (Pen Air)
• Survey of High Yield Stimulus CDs

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 17th, May 10th, May 3rd, Apr 26th, Apr 19th, Apr 12th, Apr 5th, Mar 29th and Mar 22nd.

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 May 24, 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

• AARP Financial Savings Center - 4.05%, AARP membership req, account review
• EverBank - 4.01% ($1.5K min), 3mo promo, account review
• Alliant Credit Union - 4.00% (min $100) account review
• Corus Bank - 4.00% MMA (min $10K) account review
• Indymac Bank - 4.00% (E-Money Market) (min $1K) account review
• SmartyPig - 3.90% (min $25) access restrictions, account review
• Countrywide - 3.80% (min $10K), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.75%, new account promo, ($5K min), account review
• Capital One - 3.75% (Savings) (min $10K) account review
• Flagstar - 3.65% MMA, account review
• OneUnited - 3.60% (min $1K), account review ($50 bonus)
• Century Bank Direct - 3.57% MMA (min $1K) account review
• Provident Direct - 3.50%, account review
• OnBank - 3.49%, account review
• Amegy Bank - 3.46% (min $10K) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.46% MMA (min $100) account review
• Century Bank Direct - 3.41% (min $100) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.40% Checking, for those 50+, account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.40% MMA (min $1K), account review
• Century Bank Direct - 3.35% Checking (min $100) account review
• GCF Bank - 3.34% (min $100), 3-mo promo, 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
• FNBO Direct - 3.25%, account review
• M&T Bank - 3.25%, account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• Nationwide Bank - 3.25% MMA (min $1K) account review
• CapitalOne/Costco - 3.20% MMA (min $1K, Costco members only, $50 deal for exec. members)
• WTDirect - 3.16% ($10K min), account review
• ETrade Bank - 3.15%, post ($25 bonus)
• Beverly National Bank - 3.10% (min $5K) account review
• HSBC Direct - 3.05%, account review
• Heartland Bank Direct - 3.05%, ($500 min), account review
• AmboyDirect - 3.05% (Premium Savings) post ($25 bonus)
• Savings Square - 3.05%, account review
• Discover Bank - 3.04% MMA (min $2.5K) (3.14% for $50K+) account & bonus review
• UFB Direct - 3.01%, account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.01% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.01% ($5K min), account review
• UnivestDirect - 3.00%, (1.75% checking), 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
• Capital One - 3.00% MMA, account review
• KeyDirect - 3.00% MMA (min $50), Not all states, account review
• BankUnited - 3.00% (min $5K), account review
• MetLife Bank - 2.85% MMA (min $10K), post ($50 bonus)
• EverBank - 2.76% MMA ($1.5K min) account review
• grand yield direct - 2.75% (min $2.5K) account review
• BancoFortuna.com - 2.75%, account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.75%, account review
• Mutual Bank - 2.75% MMA (min $5K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 2.75% (e-Savings) account review
• Direct Huntington - 2.70% ($10K min) (3.00% $100K+), account review
• Citibank - 2.65% (Ultimate Money) requires chking & bill pay, account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 2.61% MMA (min $500), account review
• Presidential Bank - 2.60% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 2.00% checking, 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
• Rainier Pacific - 2.50% MMA account review
• PFF Bank and Trust - 2.50% (min $1K), account review
• Bank of America DoW - 2.40% MMA (min $5K) (2.45% for $100K+), account review
• Bank of America NEA - 2.19% MMA ($500 min) (2.45% for $50K+) account review
• Charles Schwab - 2.01% Checking, account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 1.88% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 1.77% (min $100), (2.53% $50K+/ 2.79% $100K+) post ($20 bonus)
• ebank - 1.75% MMA ($10K min) (2.50% for $100K+), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 1.75% (e-Money Market) (2.00% $25K+, 2.25% $50K+) account review

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• E-LOAN - 3.46% ($10K min), account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.35% (min $500), account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.30%, ($2K 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
• FirstFedDirect - 3.01% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.99% (min $10K), account review
• EverBank - 2.78% ($1.5K min)
• UFB Direct - 2.70% (min $8K)
• Element Financial - 2.70% (min $10K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 2.68% (min $500), account review
• IndyMac Bank - 2.50% (min $5K), account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.50% (min $10K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.50% (min $1K), account review

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Christian Community CU - 4.00% (7-mo) (min $500) not NCUA insured (ASI only) account review
• Corus Bank - 3.75% (min $10K) account review
• E-LOAN - 3.66% ($10K min), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.66% (min $500), account review
• Countrywide - 3.65% (min $10K), account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.50% ($2K min), account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.45% (min $500), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.44% (min $40K), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.40% (min $5K)
• ING Direct - 3.30%, account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.30% (min $1K)
• La Jolla Bank - 3.30% (min $10K), account review
• University FCU - 3.30% (min $2.5K), account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• FirstFedDirect - 3.25% (min $10K), account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.20% (min $10K), account review
• Intervest - 3.15% (min $2.5K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.00% (min $1K) 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
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• Bank of Internet - 2.99% (min $1K) account review
• Air Academy FCU - 2.95% (min $10K) restrictions to membership, account review
• CU of Georgia - 2.94% (min $50K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 2.85% (min $1K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 2.85% (min $500), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.80% (min $8K)
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• Principal Bank - 2.75% (7 mo) (min $5K), account review
• Element Financial - 2.75% (min $10K), account review
• iGObanking - 2.75% (min $500), account review
• Century Bank Direct - 2.75% (5 mo) (min $1K) account review
• Western FCU - 2.69% (min $40K), account review
• Washington Mutual - 2.65% (min $1K), account review
• KeyDirect - 2.65% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.55% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• IndyMac Bank - 2.50% (min $5K), 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:

• E-LOAN - 3.75% ($10K min), account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.70% ($2K min), account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.55% (min $500), account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• ING Direct - 3.30% account review
• Countrywide - 3.25% (min $10K), account review
• UmbrellaBank - 3.20% (min $1K)
• Century Bank Direct - 3.11% (10 mo) (min $1K) account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.10% (min $10K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.00% (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• Bank of Internet - 2.99% (min $1K) account review
• Academy Bank - 2.95% (min $500), account review
• Element Financial - 2.80% (min $10K), account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), 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 - 4.15% (min $25K) account review
• IndyMac Bank - 4.05% (min $5K), account review
• Countrywide - 3.95% (min $10K), account review
• E-LOAN - 3.95% ($10K min), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.95% (min $500), account review
• State Bank of India - 3.80% (min $5K) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.80% (min $5K)
• Corus Bank - 3.76% (min $10K) account review
• Zopa - 3.75% (min $500) account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.75% (min $1K) account review
• Imperial Capital - 3.75% ($2K min), account review
• Flagstar - 3.74% (min $500), account review
• Pacific Mercantile Bank - 3.66% (min $10K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 3.65% (min $500), account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.60% (min $10K), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.58% (min $40K), account review
• Melrose CU - 3.55% (min $5K) account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.54% ($1K min)
• Mutual Bank - 3.51% (min $1K) account review
• First State Bank - 3.50% ($1K min), account review
• Huntington - 3.50% (min $2K) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Element Financial - 3.45% (min $10K), account review
• University FCU - 3.45% (min $2.5K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.35% (min $1K) account review
• Discover Bank - 3.35% (min $2.5K)
• La Jolla Bank - 3.35% (min $10K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 3.30% (min $1K), account review
• ING Direct - 3.30% account review
• FirstFedDirect - 3.30%, (min $10K) account review
• iGobanking - 3.28% (min $500), account review
• Intervest - 3.25% (min $2.5K), 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)
• Air Force FCU - 3.25% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.15% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.10% (min $1K) account review
• GTE FCU - 3.09% (min $500) account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.05% (min $1K) account review
• VirtualBank - 3.05% (min $10K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.05% (min $500), account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.04% (min $50K), account review
• Principal Bank - 3.00% (14 mo) (min $5K), account review
• Western FCU - 3.00% (min $40K), account review
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• Academy Bank - 2.90% (min $500), account review
• Navy FCU - 2.90% ($20K min) (3.05% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Washington Mutual - 2.85% (min $1K), account review
• UFB Direct - 2.80% (min $8K)
• KeyDirect - 2.75% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Apple Bank - 2.75% (min $500) account review
• H&R Block Bank - 2.75% (min $250) account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.60% (min $10K), account review
• EmigrantDirect - 2.50% (min $1K)
• Lehman Brothers Bank - 2.12% (min $1K)

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Alliant Credit Union - 4.15% (min $25K) account review
• Mutual Bank - 4.00% (min $1K) account review
• National City Bank - 4.00% (min $10K) 3.75% w/o chk, account review
• M&T Bank - 3.78% (min $5K) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.75% (min $5K)
• GMAC Bank - 3.75% (min $500) account review
• Advanta Bank - 3.66% (min $10K), account review
• Discover Bank - 3.61% (min $2.5K)
• 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
• Bank of Internet - 3.35% (min $1K) account review
• Intervest - 3.35% (min $2.5K), account review
• ETrade Bank - 3.30% (min $1K), 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
• Countrywide - 3.00% (min $10K), account review
• EverBank - 3.00% ($1.5K min)
• Academy Bank - 2.85% (min $500) account review
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• iGObanking - 2.75% (min $500) account review
• H&R Block Bank - 2.75% (min $250) account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.60% (min $10K), 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)

24-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Alliant Credit Union - 4.15% (min $25K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.10% (min $500) account review
• Ascencia Bank - 4.01% (min $500), account review
• National City Bank - 4.00% (min $10K) 3.75% w/o chk, account review
• iGObanking - 4.00% (min $500) account review
• Capital One - 4.00% (min $5K) account review
• KeyDirect - 4.00% (23 mo) (min $5K),Not all states, account review
• E-LOAN - 3.97% ($10K min), account review
• OnBank - 3.96% (min $500), account review
• M&T Bank - 3.87% (min $5K) account review
• Discover Bank - 3.82% (min $2.5K)
• State Bank of India - 3.80% (min $5K) account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.75% (min $5K)
• Countrywide - 3.75% (min $10K), 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)
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.60% (min $40K), account review
• Element Financial - 3.60% (min $10K), account review
• Melrose CU - 3.55% (min $5K) account review
• University FCU - 3.55% (min $2.5K), account review
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Intervest - 3.40% (min $2.5K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.37% (min $500), account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.35% (min $1K) account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.35% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Air Force FCU - 3.35% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.25% (min $50K), account review
• ebank - 3.25% (min $1K), 3.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 3.25% ($1.5K min)
• Delta Community CU - 3.20% (min $1K) account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.20% (min $1K) account review
• UFB Direct - 3.05% (min $8K)
• Western FCU - 3.05% (min $40K), account review
• 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
• VirtualBank - 2.79% (min $10K), account review
• H&R Block Bank - 2.75% (min $250) account review
• National Bank of KC - 2.70% (min $10K), 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)

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• National City Bank - 4.75% (min $10K) 4.50% w/o chk, account review
• E-LOAN - 4.25% ($10K min), account review
• M&T Bank - 4.16% (min $5K) account review
• Discover Bank - 4.13% (min $2.5K)
• GMAC Bank - 4.10% (min $500) account review
• Capital One - 4.10% (min $5K) (4.35% $100K+) account review
• State Bank of India - 4.06% (min $5K) account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.01% (min $1K), account review
• KeyDirect - 4.00% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.97% (min $500), account review
• Countrywide - 3.95% (min $10K), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.85% (min $5K)
• Mutual Bank - 3.80% (min $1K) account review
• Melrose CU - 3.80% (min $5K) account review
• Intervest - 3.77% (min $2.5K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.75% ($1K min)
• Advanta Bank - 3.75% (min $10K), account review
• University FCU - 3.75% (min $2.5K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.70% (min $500), account review
• Element Financial - 3.70% (min $10K), account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.65% (min $40K), account review
• First State Bank - 3.65% ($1K min), account review
• Air Force FCU - 3.60% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.55% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.51% (min $1K) account review
• EverBank - 3.50% ($1.5K min)
• AmTrustDirect - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Doral Bank Direct - 3.50% (min $1K) account review
• Agriculture FCU - 3.50% (min $1K), account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.35% (min $1K) account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.35% (min $50K), account review
• Flagstar - 3.35% (min $500), account review
• UFB Direct - 3.30% (min $8K)
• ETrade Bank - 3.30% (min $1K), account review
• Delta Community CU - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• National Bank of KC - 3.25% (min $10K), account review
• Patelco CU - 3.20% ($1K min), account review
• Principal Bank - 3.20% (33 mo) (min $5K), account review
• Navy FCU - 3.20% ($20K min) (3.30% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Western FCU - 3.20% (min $40K), account review
• ebank - 3.00% (min $1K), 3.25% for ePremium checking customers
• H&R Block Bank - 3.00% (min $250) 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)

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• National City Bank - 4.75% (min $10K) 4.50% w/o chk, account review
• E-LOAN - 4.55% ($10K min), account review
• Capital One - 4.50% (min $5K) (4.75% $100K+) account review
• M&T Bank - 4.39% (min $5K) account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.35% (min $500) account review
• KeyDirect - 4.25% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Discover Bank - 4.23% (min $2.5K)
• Countrywide - 4.20% (min $10K), account review
• Melrose CU - 4.06% (min $5K) account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.01% (min $1K), account review
• Advanta Bank - 4.00% (min $10K), account review
• Washington Mutual - 4.00% (min $1K), account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 3.94% (min $500), account review
• Mountain America CU - 3.90% (min $1K) account review
• University FCU - 3.87% (min $2.5K), account review
• Intervest - 3.85% (min $2.5K), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.80% (min $5K)
• Element Financial - 3.80% (min $10K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 3.79% ($1K min)
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 3.77% (min $40K), account review
• First State Bank - 3.75% ($1K min), account review
• Agriculture FCU - 3.70% (min $1K), account review
• Air Academy FCU - 3.65% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• Flagstar - 3.65% (min $500), account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.56% (min $50K), account review
• EverBank - 3.50% ($1.5K min)
• 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) restrictions to membership, account review
• National Bank of KC - 3.50% (min $10K), account review
• Patelco CU - 3.45% ($1K min), account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.41% (min $1K) account review
• Western FCU - 3.38% (min $40K), account review
• USA FCU - 3.25% (min $1K) account review
• ebank - 3.00% (min $1K), 3.25% for ePremium checking customers
• 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 - 5.00% (min $5K), Not all states, account review
• Discover Bank - 4.75% (min $2.5K)
• Capital One - 4.75% (min $5K) (5.00% $100K+) account review
• E-LOAN - 4.75% ($10K min), account review
• Wachovia - 4.75% (min $5K) req chk, account review
• M&I Bank - 4.70% (min $2.5K), Not all states, account review
• US Bank - 4.65% (min $1K), Not all states, account review
• State Bank of India - 4.58% (min $5K) account review
• M&T Bank - 4.57% (min $5K) account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.50% (min $1K), account review
• GMAC Bank - 4.35% (min $500) account review
• Melrose CU - 4.32% (min $5K) account review
• EverBank - 4.25% ($1.5K min)
• Advanta Bank - 4.25% (min $10K), account review
• Navy FCU - 4.25% ($20K min) (4.40% for $100K+) restrictions to membership, account review
• Countrywide - 4.20% (min $10K), account review
• Intervest - 4.15% (min $2.5K), account review
• Mountain America CU - 4.11% (min $1K) account review
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.10% (min $500), account review
• Mutual Bank - 4.10% (min $1K) account review
• Northrop Grumman FCU - 4.09% (min $40K), account review
• University FCU - 4.05% (min $2.5K), account review
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 4.04% ($1K min)
• ETrade Bank - 4.00% (min $1K), account review
• Element Financial - 4.00% (min $10K), account review
• Agriculture FCU - 4.00% (min $1K), account review
• iGobanking - 4.00% (min $500), account review
• Washington Mutual - 4.00% (min $1K), account review
• First State Bank - 4.00% ($1K min), account review
• Ascencia Bank - 3.97% (min $500), account review
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 3.80% (min $5K)
• Flagstar - 3.80% (min $500), account review
• UFB Direct - 3.80% (min $8K)
• Air Academy FCU - 3.75% (min $10K) membership restrictions, account review
• National Bank of KC - 3.75% (min $10K), account review
• Air Force FCU - 3.75% (min $25K) restrictions to membership, account review
• CU of Georgia - 3.71% (min $50K), account review
• Patelco CU - 3.71% ($1K min), account review
• Western FCU - 3.55% (min $40K) account review
• Bank of Internet - 3.52% (min $1K) 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
• USA FCU - 3.30% (min $1K) 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) restrictions to membership, account review
• KeyDirect - 5.00% (min $5K) (5.50% 10yr $100K+) Not all states, account review
• Capital One - 5.00% (min $5K) (5.25% 7yr / 5.50% 10yr for $100K+) account review
• Pentagon Federal CU - 4.51% (min $1K), account review
• Intervest - 4.17% (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 Coulee 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 Golden Plains Credit Union - $25K 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 Capital Bank - $25K Cap
• 5.01% Reward Checking at West Texas National Bank - $25K 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 Provident Credit Union - $25K Cap
• 4.00% Reward Checking at ViewPoint Bank - $25K Cap
• 3.51% Reward Checking at Connexus 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)
• 3.05% Checking Account (Florida)
• 3.05% Money Market Account (Utah)
• 3.05% No-Minimum Online Savings Account (New York)
• 2.95% Low-Minimum Online Savings Account (California)

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

• 5.00% 60-Month CD at a Michigan CU - $5K Max (United Financial)
• 5.00% 60-Month CD at a Florida CU (Keys)
• 4.78% 60-Month CD at a California Credit Union Continues (UNCLE)
• 4.75% 60-Month CD at a Illinois/Indiana CU - ASI-Insured Only (Credit Union 1)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 5.00% 36-Month CD at a New Hampshire Credit Union (NHFCU)
• 4.50% 48-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (Wheatland)
• 4.25% 36-Month CD at a Texas Bank (Highlands)
• 4.18% 24-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Heritage)
• 4.06% 24-Month CD at a Maryland CU (Oldham Family Alliance)
• 4.05% 24-Month CD at a WA/ID/MT/OR Bank (Golf Savings)
• 4.00% 24-Month CD at a Virginia CU - Plus $100 Checking Bonus (Northwest)
• 4.00% 25-Month CD at a Michigan Bank (Bank of Auburn Hills)
• 4.00% 24-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Riverside)
• 3.75% 30-Month CD at a Pennsylvania Bank (Third Federal)

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)
• 4.30% 18-Month CD at a Colorado Bank (New Frontier)
• 4.25% 23-Month CD at a Indiana CU (Horizon One)
• 4.10% 18-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (NewBridge)
• 4.05% 23-Month CD at a Florida CU (Keys)
• 4.04% 18-Month CD at a California Credit Union Continues (UNCLE)
• 4.00% 12-Month CD at a New Hampshire Credit Union (NHFCU)
• 4.00% 18-Month CD at a Texas Bank (First National)
• 4.00% 12-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (Wheatland)
• 3.98% 14-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Heritage)
• 3.90% 12-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Freedom)
• 3.90% 12-Month CD at a Illinois/Indiana CU - ASI-Insured Only (Credit Union 1)
• 3.90% 12-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 3.80% 12-Month CD at a Maryland CU (Oldham Family Alliance)
• 3.75% 15-Month CD at a Michigan Bank (Bank of Auburn Hills)
• 3.70% 12-Month CD at a Arizona Bank (Community Bank of Arizona)
• 3.67% 12-Month CD at a New York City Bank (Savoy)
• 3.65% 14-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank (East River)
• 3.50% 12-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Community Bank of Nevada)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 5.00% 9-Month CD at a Michigan CU - $20K Max (Dort Federal Credit Union)
• 4.40% 5-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Advantis)
• 4.25% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii Credit Union (Maui County Employees')
• 4.20% 10-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Advantis)
• 4.05% 6-Month CD at a Houston Credit Union (Plus4)
• 4.01% 11-Month CD at a Arizona Bank (First National Bank of Arizona)
• 4.01% 11-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (First National Bank of Nevada)
• 4.00% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha Bank & Trust)
• 4.00% 7-Month CD at a California CU - Easy Membership/ASI-Insured Only (Christian Community)
• 4.00% 4-Month CD at a California CU (Pacific Transportation)
• 3.90% 9-Month CD at a Florida Bank (Freedom)
• 3.90% 6-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 3.88% 5-Month CD at a SoCal Bank (Golden Coast)
• 3.83% 10-Month CD at a California Bank (Pacific State)
• 3.75% 10-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (St. Charles)
• 3.75% 4-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (St. Charles)
• 3.75% 9-Month CD at a Texas Bank (First National)
• 3.70% 9-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Great Florida)
• 3.70% 7-Month CD at a CA/NY Credit Union - plus a Savings Account Promo (First Entertainment)
• 3.70% 10-Month CD at a Florida / Alabama CU (Pen Air)
• 3.68% 3-Month CD at a SoCal Bank (Golden Coast)
• 3.65% 9-Month CD at a Arizona Bank (Community Bank of Arizona)
• 3.65% 10-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank (East River)
• 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)
• 3.30% 6-Month CD at a Nevada Bank (Community Bank of Nevada)

Bank Account Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• GE Interest Plus - 3.30% rate for $50k+
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 2.54% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 2.43% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• TIAA-CREF Money Market Fund - 2.41% 7-day yeild
• Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund - 2.34% 7-day yield
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bonds for 2008, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives

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