4.00% Reward Checking Account at First State Bank & Trust Company in Nebraska

Update 11/22/09: The top rate has fallen to 4.00% APY. Refer to the bottom of the post for the rate history.

First State Bank & Trust Company is offering a reward checking account called First Rate Checking. The account offers the following rates and features if certain monthly requirements are met:

• 4.00% APY on balances up to $30,000
• 0.75% APY on balances over $30,000
• 0.25% base rate if qualifications are not met
• ATM fees nationwide refunded without limit

Rates are listed at the bank's microwebsite as of 3/17/09. The monthly requirements include:

• 12 Visa debit card purchases
• one direct deposit or one automatic payment
• receive e-statements

Additional features of the account regardless of the monthly requirements include:

• $100 minimum initial deposit
• no minimum balance requirements
• no monthly fees
• multiple accounts can be opened, but requirements must be met for each account

It appears a branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in Fremont, Nebraska which is about 25 miles northwest of Omaha.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1956 (FDIC Certificate # 17639).

Other Reward Checking Accounts

To find reward checking accounts in other areas of the nation or to learn more about these accounts, please refer to my High Yield Checking website.

Rate History:
11/17/09: 4.00% APY up to $30K
03/17/09: 5.00% APY up to $30K; 0.75% over; 0.25% base

Tags: First State Bank & Trust Company, Nebraska, checking account, reward checking account