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Best. Investment. Ever. Or Is It?
Best Bank Account Interest Rates - Summary for Week Ending April 13, 20143.01% 15-Month CD at Beacon Bank in Minnesota
POSTED ON BY Ken Tumin
[ Update: Another reader has received information from the bank that a branch visit is required. Small banks often change their policies on this, so please check with the bank for the latest requirements. ]
There's an online application, and I was told by the CSR that they accept applications from any state without a branch visit. According to the CSR, the CD rate won't lock until they receive the funds. They do accept wire transfers ($7.50 incoming wire transfer fee). The CSR expected these CD rates to last at least through this week, but there's no guarantee.
The bank also offers a reward checking account that pays 4.01% APY on balances up to $25K, as of 3/11/09 (see post).
Beacon Bank is based in Shorewood, Minnesota with branches in Duluth, Eden Prairie, Excelsior and Shorewood.
The bank has strong ratings for safety and soundness: 5 stars (superior) at BauerFinancial and 4 stars (sound) at Bankrate.com. These ratings are based on 9/30/08 financial data. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 10581).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me news of this CD promotion.
I just called them to get a bit more info and was told they need an in-person signature in order to open the account.
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