Update on Ally Bank's CD Renewal Bonus

Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 1:11 PM by Ken - Bank Deals Guy
If you have an Ally Bank CD that is maturing, you may want to contact Ally Bank and see if they'll offer you a renewal bonus. As I mentioned in December, readers have reported receiving loyalty bonuses that are 0.50% over their currently posted rates. A 0.50% retention bonus was also recently mentioned in this BestCashCow post.

I tried to get more info from an Ally CSR, but if you don't have a maturing CD, they don't disclose much. I was only able to get confirmation that renewal bonuses are possible:
It is a possibility depending on the date of maturity and if you have a qualifying CD.

One reader in my last Ally review mentioned that he was told by the CSR that he could add money to the rollover CD and still receive the 0.50% bump. Another reader mentioned that you could change the matured CD to a new term or the 9-month no-penalty CD and still receive the 0.50% bump. If you have received this retention offer from Ally, please leave a comment about your experience.

It's always a good practice to contact your bank before a CD matures to see if they can offer you a better rate for the renewal. I haven't seen banks, other than Ally, offer 0.50% above their listed rates. A smaller bump of 0.25% is more common (like what PenFed is offering). As I mentioned in my post on the things your bank won't tell you, CD rates are negotiable. So don't let your CDs automatically renew without contacting the bank.

You may also like:

Sallie Mae Bank's Internet CD Rates - Available NationwideAmerican Express Bank's Internet Savings Accounts and CDs - Updated ReviewEverBank's $75 Bonus on Top of its 2.25% 3-Month Intro RateFive Best Regular Interest Checking Accounts Available Nationwide

 
 
In order by popularity, then date posted.
Mark K.

Mark K. - #1, Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 3:55 PM

I had a one-year CD that matured on the 7th of January, and, after seeing this post on Bank Deals, I called just now (Sunday, the 10th) to ask about the renewal rates. I waited less than a minute to speak to a CSR, and he clearly and efficiently explained to me everything I wanted to know. The renewal for another year was for 1.80 percent plus the "loyalty bonus" of an additional 0.50 percent, making it 2.30 percent. In today's market, that's a very good deal, so I gladly renewed it. The whole process took barely a minute. I was really impressed -- it's a lot better than the customer service I've experienced with most banks. (And thanks also to Bank Deals for prompting me to call!)


1
Anonymous

Anonymous - #2, Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 4:09 PM

had the same story with Ally as Mark K. but i renewed for 9 mothns (as i choose the no risk) and we got 1.90%. great CS, i tried to get more by contacting the exec dep. but they said thats the most approved by the their Board.


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Anonymous

Anonymous - #3, Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 5:04 PM

I had a 9 month CD mature 1/2/10 and rolled it into a 12 month. I'm still waiting to see the 2.30% reflected online.
I called and was told it would show 10 days after it matured. I can't complain about customer service. They answered all my questions and no wait time.
Now it's just wait and see that the new rate shows up.
I still prefer the ease of opening and renewing CD's at ING.


1
Anonymous

Anonymous - #4, Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 6:11 PM

I actually received a call from them 10 days before maturity. They offered me the 0.50% bump if I called back to renew it for 12 months at the onset of the grace period.

As good a deal as that would have been, I am currently engaged in an installment savings program with Hanmi, and am depositing approximately the amount of the Ally CD every month, so I had to decline.


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Anonymous

Anonymous - #5, Sunday, January 10, 2010 - 8:26 PM

Yes - I also called and was offered the bonus of 0.5% plus was able to add funds form my money market account. Went for 12 months, got 2.3% - not bad. Was told that bonus would only show up after the 10 day grace period since they have the deal to increase rates should they change during these 10 days.

Nice surprise after my ordeal with UmbrellaBank/Beal Bank.


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