Anonymous - #2, Monday, March 31, 2008 - 7:07 AM CT
In Massachusetts, Slade Bank is now Rockland Trust. On the Rockland Trust website, I didn't see any mention of a Rewards Checking Account.
glxpass - #3, Monday, March 31, 2008 - 9:16 PM CT
From Credit Union Deals:
Kansas CU:
Golden Plains CU - Golden Rewards Checking
6.01% APY, balance cap $25K
Possibly available to all. Apparently, membership in Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo qualifies one for membership in the credit union. It's unclear if a branch visit is required to open an account.
glxpass - #4, Monday, March 31, 2008 - 9:49 PM CT
New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts - Butler Bank 4.50% APY up to $50K in big print; still 6.01% APY (effective 4/1/2008) in small print. I believe the big print is probably correct.
Anonymous - #5, Monday, March 31, 2008 - 10:36 PM CT
Great work! How about putting an asterisk after the bank name if out-of-state customers are accepted?
Anonymous - #6, Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - 12:21 AM CT
Power Financial CU down to 5.01% as of 04.01.08
tuphat - #7, Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - 7:52 AM CT
First Federal (SC & NC), rate reduced to 4.26% APY as of April 1st. :(
glxpass - #8, Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 11:54 AM CT
I verified that a membership in Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo indeed qualifies one for membership in Gold Plains Credit Union, and that application for membership and the Reward Checking account can be done on-line.
We thus have another nationally available Reward Checking account. When queried about how long the 6.01% APY will last, the CSR said that it will go down later this year. I hope that means December, but somehow I doubt it. :-)
Banking Guy - #9, Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 7:08 PM CT
Thanks everyone for the updates. I've been trying to update the tables each night.
Thanks glxpass for the info on Golden Plains. Nice to see another nationwide reward checking account. I just did a post on bankdeals blog, and I'll update the tables tonight with this info.
One thing about Golden Plains that I could not find was their online membership application. Their application page has a "Golden Plains Online Enrollment" application, but that appears to be for online enrollment and not membership enrollment. Do you have a link to their membership application? Thanks.
Banking Guy - #10, Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 7:40 PM CT
Gain some and you lose some. I just received the following comment in the AAFCU posts:
I am an employee at Air Academy Federal Credit Union (AAFCU). I would like to clear up a misconception. Only employees and employees' families of the USAFA Association of Graduates are eligible to join AAFCU at this time. There are many other ways to join AAFCU and we serve members around the globe. Visit www.aafcu.com and click on membership for details.
Looks like AAFCU went through their official charter and found this even though it contradicts what's on their website and what I've been told by CSRs. Looks like we have to be extra careful about association memberships in terms of their FOMs. I'll follow up with the credit union tomorrow.
glxpass - #11, Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 11:28 PM CT
I took the CSR's word for it, but I can't find an on-line membership application, either. I'll follow-up in the morning with the credit union, and post here after I've done that.
glxpass - #12, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 12:07 AM CT
My above post was in reference to Golden Plains Credit Union, although I'm not too surprised at the AAFCU news.
I was told the same thing by a person at the USAFA AOG, that only employees and families of employees were eligible to join AAFCU, and that person said they confirmed it with a contact at AAFCU.
When I spoke with a CSR at AAFCU, they said membeship in AOG was sufficient, and (as I'm sure everyone who became an AAFCU member knows) in the on-line application membership eligibility section to click on Military, and select "I am a member of the USAFA Association of Graduates."
That option still shows, but there is wording on the Military section that states:
"I am or one of my family members is currently active duty or retired military. You may also choose this option if you are a United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Cadet or a USAFA Graduate."
So there's a conflict between the above wording, and the fact that you can be member of the USAFA AOG, which doesn't require attendance in or even a family connection to the USAFA.
At one time, an alterative was membership in the United States Air Force Althletic Association, but I've no idea if that's still valid.
glxpass - #13, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 10:03 AM CT
I've contacted Golden Plains Credit Union, and one can open an account there from out of their area, despite the lack of a membership/savings account application on their web site. Here's how:
1. Fill and and submit the on-line checking application.
2. Send in or fax or e-mail (I'm not sure of the fax number or e-mail address) to following, attention: Kayla:
A. Proof of membership of Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo. A receipt is fine.
B. Copy of driver's license
C. Funding for the savings share account (minimum $10) and the Reward Checking account (minimum $100 to open). The total funding amount can be on one check.
You can also fund the account by wire, but you must first send in the other materials and obtain a member number. The wire instructions (sorry, I don't know the fee) are:
1. Wire using routing number 301178181. This is actually for Kansas Corporate Credit Union in Witchita, KS.
2. On the wiring instructions say "Further credit goes to routing number 301178181, Golden Plains Credit Union.
This account opening process for out of area people might be fairly new to Golden Plains, so I'm sure the above instructions will get refined.
Banking Guy - #14, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 2:43 PM CT
Thanks glxpass for checking on this! I've updated the Great Plains CU post with your details.
And about AAFCU, I called again and received the same info as what you received: membership in AOG is sufficient. And as you mentioned, this is still an option in the online application. So I replied to that comment in the AAFCU post and asked them to email me to confirm.
glxpass - #15, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 3:50 PM CT
Regarding Golden Plains CU, I made a mistake for the routing number of Kansas Corporate Credit Union, whose routing number you use, with a note in the wiring instructions to say "further credit to Golden Plains Credit Union, routing number 301178181.
I repeated the Golden Plains routing number instead of giving the routing number for Kansas Corporate CU, 301180111.
Sorry about that!
glxpass - #16, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 3:54 PM CT
My proofreading skills are terrible.
Regarding Golden Plains CU, I made a mistake for the routing number of Kansas Corporate Credit Union, whose routing number you use, with a note in the wiring instructions to say "further credit to Golden Plains Credit Union, routing number 301178181", or something like that.
I repeated the Golden Plains routing number instead of giving the routing number for Kansas Corporate CU, 301180111.
Sorry about that!
glxpass - #17, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 4:02 PM CT
I said above:
"My proofreading skills are terrible."
As apparently realizing which entry I'm posting to. Sorry about the duplication!
On the other hand, my typing speed is definitely improving.
Banking Guy - #18, Friday, April 4, 2008 - 4:23 PM CT
Thanks for correcting the mistake. I've updated the post. It often takes me 5 or more proofreads before a post is somewhat clean.
Anonymous - #19, Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 6:25 AM CT
Bank of Little Rock in Arkansas rate is now 5.01
Banking Guy - #20, Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 2:17 PM CT
Thanks for the note. I've updated the Bank of Little Rock post, and this will get into the table in the next day.
Anonymous - #21, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 12:05 AM CT
Bank of Idaho is now 4.01% down from 6.01%
Anonymous - #22, Friday, May 2, 2008 - 8:07 PM CT
New bank to add to your list for Texas:
http://independent-bank.com/
Their "Free Rewards Checking" account offers 5.01% APY with only 8 uses of the debit card. They also give you the first 50 checks for free.
http://k2.secure-banking.com/3013c_files/IndBank_grid%20Feb08.pdf
glxpass - #23, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - 10:44 AM CT
I was curious why the Bank of Fayetteville isn't included on the Nationally Available list. Your entry for that seems to indicate a branch visit is unnecessary. Does it have some sort of geograhical restriction? Thanks!
Banking Guy - #24, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 - 12:32 PM CT
Glxpass, you're right. For some reason I forgot to label the post with rcnationwide. This is what my program looks for to determine if it's nationwide. I've made this update, and it should be included in the next table update. Thanks!
glxpass - #25, Thursday, May 8, 2008 - 9:45 PM CT
Unfortunately in an e-mail sent today to its MAX Checking account customers, AAFCU has announced that it is dropping its MAX Checking rate from 6.01% APY to 4.5% APY, effective June 1.
An excerpt:
Dear Member:
Effective June 1, 2008 the new rate for MAAXIMUM Checking* on balances between one penny and $50,000.00 will be 4.50% APY**. Even though the Federal Reserve has dropped rates seven times from 5.25% to 2.0% (a 3.25% decrease), MAAXIMUM checking continues to be one of our highest paying deposit products offering an attractive rate of return. Thank you for doing business with Air Academy Federal Credit Union. It is our privilege to provide you with products that make a difference.
Anonymous - #26, Friday, May 9, 2008 - 1:20 PM CT
IQ Credit Union in Washington now down to 5.25%. This page indicates 5.75% I made a trip for nothing wasting 5 bucks in gas. Thought I would save someone the same trip.
Banking Guy - #27, Friday, May 9, 2008 - 6:19 PM CT
Thanks for the update on IQ Credit Union. I've updated that post, and the new rate will be reflected on this site soon.
Anonymous - #28, Friday, May 9, 2008 - 8:56 PM CT
Why don't you have a link on the Bank Deals site thta leads to this site?
Banking Guy - #29, Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 7:00 AM CT
I have links in my weekly summaries and in new reward checking posts. But you're right, more links were needed. So I just added a link in the sidebar under the banking resource section and in my finding-deals post under checking/savings resources. Thanks.
preferred stocks - #30, Monday, May 12, 2008 - 12:21 AM CT
http://www.egefcu.org/promotions/new.html
Anonymous - #31, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 1:33 PM CT
Hello,
Per your bank list:
"highyieldcheckingdeals"
you seem to be missing the following 2 banks:
TriStone community bank,NC
.01-25k at 6.05APY
1-336-794-0811
Capital Bank,NC
.01-25k at 5.01 APY
1-800-308-3971
both require the monthly debit
card use, ach and e-statement
james
cherry hill,nj
Anonymous - #32, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 1:41 PM CT
FYI-
Tristone bank (NC)& capital bank (NC) are nationwide.
The list does not indicate this.
Anonymous - #33, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 1:47 PM CT
Regarding the AAFCU-
To join the AAFCU, you simply need to pay $50 to join the
"USAFA Association of Graduates."
I'm sure you know of SOMEONE in your family who is/was a military vet...Thats how I joined!
Banking Guy - #34, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 7:33 PM CT
Thanks for the info on TriStone Bank and Capital Bank (from NC). I noticed the online application at TriStone Bank has the following:
Accepting applications in the following states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee.
I've updated my TriStone post to include these states. Do you know if they may actually include all states?
For Capital Bank, it does appear that they've made this available nationwide. It's a nice change from my first post when they said a branch visit would be required. I've made the label change on this post, and it should soon show up in the nationwide list.
About AAFCU, I'm afraid membership in USAFA Association of Graduates is no longer a qualification. Only employees are qualified. I have more details in that post.
Links to these posts are on the right column of the tables.
Anonymous - #35, Friday, May 16, 2008 - 11:17 AM CT
New bank to add to your list for Texas:
http://independent-bank.com/
Their "Free Rewards Checking" account offers 5.01% APY with only 8 uses of the debit card. They also give you the first 50 checks for free.
http://k2.secure-banking.com/3013c_files/IndBank_grid%20Feb08.pdf
Anonymous - #36, Monday, May 19, 2008 - 10:18 AM CT
I noticed on Scott Credit Union web site that their rate has dropped to 5.05 APY
Anonymous - #37, Monday, May 26, 2008 - 1:41 PM CT
Dedham Savings (in Mass) has reduced its rate from 6.02% to 5.01% as 22 May 2008, FYI.
Anonymous - #38, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 11:08 AM CT
I just wanted to let you know that Citizens Bank Minnesota no longer accepts out of state funds. They told me that this was because many out of state members were "abusing" the accounts. Perhaps this means that their debit card purchases weren't pricey enough to give the bank adequate compensation. Great site here. Thank you.
Banking Guy - #39, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 - 11:24 AM CT
Thanks for the comment about Citizens Bank Minnesota. I did this post about this issue last week after another reader noted this change. Note, I've removed this bank from the nationwide list.
Anonymous - #40, Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 5:22 AM CT
I have an account with Verity Credit Union - it has raised its rate to 6.75 for the month of JUNE to celebrate its 75th anniversary. As of July 1 the rate will drop to 5.05%
Tony Roberts - #41, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 10:30 AM CT
Coulee Bank ( http://www.couleebank.net ) offers an incredible 6.01% APY with their Rewards Checking account. The rate is easy to earn. All you have to do is make 10 check card transactions a month, use e-statements, and do 1 automatic payment a month (they call it ACH). Coulee Bank pays 6.01% on the first $25,000 and 1.01% on anything above that. The best thing about this account besides the rate is it is FREE, you can apply online, and it is from a great bank with real people that answer the phone. And as they like to say, Banking Green has its Rewards. The Rewards Checking account saves paper and preserves our natural resources. No wonder I feel good about recommending this to everyone I know. Check it out. I guarantee you will love it.
Anonymous - #42, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 11:28 AM CT
Verity CU will be down to 5.05% from July 2008. For the month of June 2008, they are offering 6.75%.
Anonymous - #43, Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 9:39 PM CT
I've noticed that there are some drawbacks to reward checking accounts. First, the daily ATM cash withdrawal limits are usually lower than standard checking or savings accounts. (Most are from $200-300-500; while standard accounts are from $300-1000.) Second, some of these banks consider a Friday afternoon ATM as a withdrawal and disallows your use of ATM for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Third, e-statements do not show any of your check images or posted checks when you view it for printin;. You have to click each check individually and print them separately. Plus, they're only available online for upto 30-60-120 days; after that period, you would be charged a fee to get check copy. This should be included in the general info.
Aaron - #44, Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 1:19 AM CT
TwinStar is down to 4.0%
Anonymous - #45, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 8:11 PM CT
Eastwood bank is down to 5.01%. MN/WI
http://www.eastwoodbank.com/promo5/landing.html
frugalboydave
Banking Guy - #46, Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 7:41 AM CT
Thanks. I've updated the Eastwood Bank post. The table will be updated in the next day or two.
Craig - #47, Friday, June 20, 2008 - 6:21 PM CT
Reward checking resource: http://www.money-rates.com/rewardschecking.htm
Anonymous - #48, Monday, June 23, 2008 - 4:10 PM CT
Institue for Savings ... dropped from 6.01% to 4% APR ... seems to be a trend. Please update.
Banking Guy - #49, Monday, June 23, 2008 - 4:50 PM CT
Thanks. Sorry to see such a big rate drop. I've updated my Institute for Savings post. The table will be updated soon with this change.
Anonymous - #50, Friday, June 27, 2008 - 2:30 PM CT
I market these programs to community banks and the banks are also saving money by not processing as many checks, sending E-statements rather than paper statements, and the use of other technology services. Community Banks are great places to bank, they know your name, treat you fairly, and appreciate your business. To the mega banks, you are just a number on a spreadsheet.
Reward Checking is for real, it is a fantastic product that has been around for 8 years and it is here to stay!
Anonymous - #51, Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 1:53 AM CT
Hawaii USA FCU has just started a $25K at 4.25%, with 10 credit card transactions, estatements and 1 ACH deposit as a requirement. The other big feature is that it is they are the only bank/credit union on Hawaii that offers shared banking with mainland credit unions. This is a big deal when wiring funds. Wires to/from the mainland must be completed before 10am HST/4pm EST. Same day wiring of funds in Hawaii is impossible and expensive.
hawaiiusafcu.org
cjdtech - #52, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - 10:56 AM CT
First Iowa State Bank has 5.01% reward checking. This may be available nationwide.
https://www.firstrewardchecking.com/index.html
Anonymous - #53, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - 11:52 AM CT
Verity Credit Union (in Washington) dropped their rate from 6.01% to 5.05%, effective 7/1/08; FYI.
Anonymous - #54, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - 3:37 PM CT
West Des Moines State Bank in Iowa is now offering reward checking. 5.00% up to $50,000; $25 in ATM fee refunds; requires 12 transactions per month.
http://www.westbankiowa.com/reward_me_checking
Anonymous - #55, Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 9:35 PM CT
Beacon Federal Credit Union (http://www.beaconfed.org) in Texas has reward checking at 5.5% APY up to $40,000.
Requirements:
• Complete twelve (12) check card
transactions
• Setup one (1) ACH direct deposit or auto debit
• Enroll and receive electronic statements
http://www.beaconfed.org/upload/visionrewardsinsert_15090.pdf
They are changing the website this month (July), so links might change on site
Anonymous - #56, Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 9:35 PM CT
Beacon Federal Credit Union (http://www.beaconfed.org) in Texas has reward checking at 5.5% APY up to $40,000.
Requirements:
• Complete twelve (12) check card
transactions
• Setup one (1) ACH direct deposit or auto debit
• Enroll and receive electronic statements
http://www.beaconfed.org/upload/visionrewardsinsert_15090.pdf
They are changing the website this month (July), so links might change on site
Anonymous - #57, Friday, July 25, 2008 - 7:39 AM CT
sorry to report that Legacy Bank in Oklahoma will be lowering rates on the win-win rewards checking AGAIN on 8/1, to 4%.
I must also comment that when I opened my account with them, I asked if they planned on lowering, and they said "no, not at all"....
Anonymous - #58, Monday, July 28, 2008 - 12:27 AM CT
American River Healthpro Credit Union is offering a 6% APY reward checking account with the usual requirements.
Anonymous - #59, Sunday, August 3, 2008 - 6:13 PM CT
The main page lists Liberty Bank as an Oklahoma bank. It appears they are only in Missouri.
Banking Guy - #60, Sunday, August 3, 2008 - 6:47 PM CT
Please refer to my Liberty Bank post. They have an online application which makes it look like it's available in MO, OK, AR and KS. If you find out that they are more restrictive, please let us know.
Anonymous - #61, Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 5:50 PM CT
Riverside in OR just dropped to 4.5%.
cjdtech - #62, Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 4:03 PM CT
It looks like Connexus Credit Union has two different reward checking accounts, one called MyRewards (3.51%) and another called Xtraordinary (5.15%). MyRewards is 10 debit card transactions, while Xtraordinary is 15. The Xtraordinary account is listed on CheckingFinder.
cjdtech - #63, Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 4:07 PM CT
Touchmark National Bank (Norcross, GA) has a 4.01% reward checking account. Requirements: 10 debit card purchases, 1 Automatic Payment or Direct Deposit transfer, Receive your monthly account statement electronically, Sign in to your online banking account at least once. Found this on CheckingFinder. A good choice for anyone in the Atlanta area.
cjdtech - #64, Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - 4:12 PM CT
LGE Community Credit Union (Marietta, GA) has a 3.5% reward checking account. In addition to the standard requirements and at least 15 check card transactions, other notable requirements include making at least one web bill pay.
Anonymous - #65, Sunday, August 17, 2008 - 12:50 AM CT
Michigan Heritage Bank headquartered in Farmington Hills, MI with several branches (Metro-Detroit suburbs) has a 5.5% checking account up to $25,000 called iEarn Checking http://mhbchecking.com/iearn_faq.asp
Thank you
Anonymous - #66, Saturday, August 23, 2008 - 10:30 AM CT
Dedham savings reduced their rate from 5.01% to 4.54% as of 8/22/08.
Anonymous - #67, Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 8:34 AM CT
The Community Bank in Mass dropped their rate from 6.01% to 5.01% as of 9/2/08.
Please update rate changes for this bank and for Dedham Savings as posted above. Thanks.
Banking Guy - #68, Tuesday, September 2, 2008 - 10:12 AM CT
Thanks for the news about Community Bank rate drop. The post has been updated, and this will be reflected in the table in the next week.
I've updated the rates for Dedham Savings Bank in both the post and in the table. If you don't see the change, make sure you refresh your browser cache.
To refer to the post describing the reward checking account, click the link in the right hand side of the table. This describes when the post has been updated with new account related information.
Anonymous - #69, Thursday, September 4, 2008 - 10:15 AM CT
Clinton Savings (Mass) from 4.51% to 4.01%... FYI.
Anonymous - #70, Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 9:12 AM CT
Thanks Banking Guy.
Another update: Mass - Monadnock Community Bank changes rate from 5.12% to 4.5% as of 9/6/08.
The general trend for reward checking is down... it is simply not worthwhile for banks to offer these high rates (5% or above), considering the people who bypass fair-size debit transactions and the few who failed to meet requirements. Thus reward checking rate hopping is a loser's game, IMO. Just stick with a bank until rate is comparable to non-reward online checking rate (e.g., 3.5% for HSBC) and hop bank to it.
Banking Guy - #71, Saturday, September 6, 2008 - 7:09 PM CT
Thanks. I've updated the rate in the post. I plan to update the table tomorrow (9/7/08).
At least most of these reward checking accounts don't have minimum balance requirements. It'll be easy to transfer funds to the online savings accounts if the rate becomes uncompetitive.
Anonymous - #72, Monday, September 15, 2008 - 10:53 AM CT
I have about $200,000 I'd like to put into reward checking accounts. But what will opening 8 of these do to my credit rating?
Anonymous - #73, Wednesday, September 17, 2008 - 12:26 PM CT
Tristone Community Bank lowered the Money Max Checking rate to 5.01% from 6.05% APY. Effective 9/16/08.
Anonymous - #74, Tuesday, September 23, 2008 - 11:00 AM CT
According to the Allegiance Bank website, the Rewards checking account rate has dropped from 5% to 4%. I e-mailed the bank and they confirmed this effective at the end of Sept.
Anonymous - #75, Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - 11:57 AM CT
Hi Banking Guy,
Midwest America Federal Credit Union has lowered their rate to 6.31%. Thanks.
Anonymous - #76, Thursday, October 9, 2008 - 10:23 AM CT
Hi,
Memphis Area Teachers Credit Union has lowered their rate to 4.33% two weeks ago. You need to update your list.
Anonymous - #77, Monday, October 20, 2008 - 10:33 AM CT
Rollstone B&T from 4.51% to 4.01%; general trend for Reward Checking is downward...
Anonymous - #78, Monday, October 20, 2008 - 2:14 PM CT
you need to update your data. a lot of things are outdated. For example Golden Plains Credit union acct is no more nationwide. Rates on some of the Institutions have fallen. But still your site is very useful.
Thanks
Banking Guy - #79, Monday, October 20, 2008 - 4:31 PM CT
About Golden Plains CU, do they require members to come into a branch now to open the reward checking account? They still seem to allow members of the Lee Richardson Zoo to qualify for credit union membership. Or has that changed?
If you find any out-of-date rates or eligibility requirements, please leave a comment. The best place are the comments of the account reviews (links on the right side of the table). Each link includes a date of the last update. I try to update the account review the same day I receive a comment. The table gets updated once or twice a week.
Anonymous - #80, Friday, October 24, 2008 - 4:08 PM CT
http://www.money-rates.com/rewardschecking.htm
Here is another referencing comparison site.
Also with the Patriot Act, some banks REQUIRE you to come physically into the bank. This defeats the purpose of comparison shopping because FL banks in Tampa stink. Crossroads in ILL requires a one time physically see you in person this as did Three Rivers credit union. Why is it anyone can join/open an e-bank account on-line without being in person (like Emigrant Direct (low rates 3.0LOL) and Smartypig.com (3.9) but have to fly/drive whatever to open a brick and mortar bank? This Patriot Act thing just hurts the little guy U.S. citizen and still lets illegals flood our borders.
Anonymous - #81, Friday, October 24, 2008 - 4:30 PM CT
A blogger said that e-statements do NOT have pictures of checks. This is NOT true because my USAA Fed Savings Bank has e-statement WITH copies of all my checks. I love this feature.
It depends on what service company the bank uses on whether they offer checks to be seen or not. USAA uses a company that SHOWS the checks on estatements but Security Service Federal Credit Union has a company exactly like what the blogger said the checks are not on estatements, you have to individually click and print the checks while they are seen in the 1st 30 days or pay for a copy after that. I am ditching SSFCU because their bill pay service provider changed today. I already did NOT like their no copy of checks checking statement and now their bill pay really stinks.
The same goes for what bill pay service company the bank uses determines whether 10 pending and last 10 payments made is shown on front page.
Anonymous - #82, Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 6:37 PM CT
I just upgraded to Quicken home and business 2007 (which you can find on internet cheaper)
I would probably buy 2008 as it's a newer version but do your homework.
I have rewards checking at Legacy, State Nat'l Bank of Texas, Charter, and MidwestAmerica FCU--
I was able to download all of these accounts into Quicken.
I was also able to click on the image of checks and deposits (if bank had them) and attach them to the transaction in Quicken.
this means when I open up Quicken on my computer I can click on any check transaction and see the personal Check that I wrote and some banks show the back side of it also. I did have a few challenges with Legacy because MidwestAmerica probably did a electronic check on my check to them to transfer money and it showed as no check.
I make copies of important checks and deposits before putting them in the mail and can scan them into Quicken.
Obviously, my statments come in all different forms etc from all of these banks and I haven't found a challenge with any of them. I do like it when the statements will include images of your checks and deposits. just my preference as we change from paper to electronic.
You can also scan in your receipts to a transaction in quicken so it's pretty cool. I'm still not sure on the printing of these receipts out if you needed to tho. That was one challenge we had with Quicken 2007 and I'm sure that they've worked on it otherwise a copy and paste to word would work.
I am watching the interest rates on these accounts and still have all of my money making 6.01 or 6.31. These accounts are out there.
I sure appreciate the updates on these accounts and rates.
I will be looking for 2 more accounts next week as I have money ready to come out of that awesome deal with WT/Direct where it came out to 9.31%.
Thanks to these websites and the Bank Guy and the rest of you that make all this information public.
Legacy Bank in Ok did go down to 3.50% or close to that in October. I moved my money when they went down to 4%.
The money is fairly easy to move and if the rates come back these accounts can sit there with $1.00 in them to keep them open.
Anonymous - #83, Sunday, October 26, 2008 - 6:41 PM CT
I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S PARTICIPATION AND BANK GUY FOR KEEPING US INFORMED AND DOING AN AWESOME JOB.
THANK YOU!!
Anonymous - #84, Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 3:12 PM CT
PLEASE MAKE A CORRECTION
MidWest America Federal Credit Union does not offer nationwide accounts.
Thanks
Banking Guy - #85, Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 6:09 PM CT
Has something changed regarding MidWest America FCU? Please see my account review with info from the credit union reps and the comments from readers. In the table, the links to the account reviews are on the right.
Anonymous - #86, Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - 10:28 PM CT
RE: MidWest America FCU
Your posting of 10/01/08 is correct that “Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the Allen County Investment Area of Fort Wayne, Indiana, or in the Illinois counties of Vermilion or Coles, or in the underserved areas of the Kentucky counties of Allen, Barren or Monroe.”. However, your posting of 7/15/08 that “It appears anyone can qualify for credit union membership by becoming a member of the Allen County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)” is not correct anymore.
The individual must live within 100 miles of the branch and be a member of SPCA to be a member of this credit union.
Therefore, this account can not be designated as “available nationwide”.
Thanks
Banking Guy - #87, Thursday, October 30, 2008 - 7:20 AM CT
Thanks for providing the details. It looks like they added the 100-mile restriction recently. I've updated my review, and on my next updates of these tables, the credit union will be removed from the nationwide table.
Anonymous - #88, Saturday, November 1, 2008 - 11:41 AM CT
Addison Avenue FCU (Mass): from 5.25% 60 4.5%... following general downward trend.
Anonymous - #89, Saturday, November 1, 2008 - 11:42 AM CT
5.25% --> (to) 4.5% for Addison FCU above.
Anonymous - #90, Monday, November 3, 2008 - 11:00 AM CT
According to the Allegiance Bank PA website, the Rewards checking account rate has dropped from 4% to 3.75%. Second month in a row to fall.
cjdtech - #91, Saturday, November 8, 2008 - 5:47 PM CT
Just like MWAFCU, GPCU also added a geography restriction to their reward checking account.
Anonymous - #92, Monday, November 10, 2008 - 5:11 PM CT
Is American River Health Pro Credit Union Insurance something I should worry about? It's not FDIC. Sacramento, CA. 4%
Anonymous - #93, Friday, November 14, 2008 - 4:35 PM CT
A new source to check out Rewards Checking accounts is www.checkingfinder.com. You can find all of the banks who offer the accounts and those that you can open online with. Great resource!
Anonymous - #94, Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 7:00 PM CT
Marborough Cooperative Bank (Mass): 5.25% (up to 25,000) --> 4.0% (up to $40,000), a big drop with the same downward trend.
Anonymous - #95, Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 7:03 PM CT
Correction for above post: Marborough Co-Operative Bank: 5.51% (up to 25,000) --> 4.00% (up to 40,000) as of 11/19/08.
Anonymous - #96, Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - 12:13 PM CT
Another reference
www.checkingfinder.com
Anonymous - #97, Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 7:26 PM CT
Minnesota has a new Rewards checking Bank.
Olmsted National Bank
https://www.bankononb.com/
5.01% up to 25,000
with the standard requirements.
That makes two rewards checking accounts in the city of Rochester, MN. They must be competing with Eastwood bank.
D in MN
Banking Guy - #98, Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 9:25 PM CT
Thanks! Nice to see another one of these in MN. I'll post on this soon.
Anonymous - #99, Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 11:21 PM CT
Eastwood Bank in MN has dropped their Rewards checking interest Rate to 4.01%. I'm not sure when they did this.
D in MN
Banking Guy - #100, Friday, November 28, 2008 - 6:25 AM CT
Thanks. Sorry to see the big rate cut. I've updated the post. At least Olmsted National Bank will give those in Rochester, MN an opportunity to keep at 5%. I have a new post on that here. It'll be on the table soon.
Anonymous - #101, Monday, December 1, 2008 - 3:32 PM CT
I just got word that Coulee bank has lowered their rewards checking rate to 5.01% (down from 6.01%)
Anonymous - #102, Monday, December 1, 2008 - 4:33 PM CT
Coulee Bank has indeed lowered the rate for their reward checking to an APY of 5.01% (4.90% APR) as of 12-1-2008.
Anonymous - #103, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 11:08 AM CT
Harbor Credit Union in Wisconsin offers reward checking at 5.01% APY on their web site. This differs from your last update.
Banking Guy - #104, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 1:58 PM CT
Thanks. I've updated the Harbor CU post. I'll be updating the table soon. These rate cuts are keeping me busy :-(
Anonymous - #105, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 3:31 PM CT
Many of these reward checking accounts need constant monitoring... they are trending downward... E.G., Orange Savings (TX): now at 4.01% (up to $35,000) from 6.01%.
Anonymous - #106, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - 3:36 PM CT
... Texas Citizen Bank... 5.01% from 5.26%.
Anonymous - #107, Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 2:53 PM CT
Add Central Bank in Houston with their eChecking account.
www.centralbankhouston.com
3.5% APY up to $50,000;
1.5% over $50,000;
Requirements are posted; rates and cap are not:
10 Visa debit transactions;
3 ACH type includes bill pay; direct deposit;
6 locations scattered;
Fluent English/Spanish/Vietnamese.
Online application, but requires a personal branch visit for signature.
Banking Guy - #108, Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 5:08 PM CT
Thanks. I'll post on this soon.
Anonymous - #109, Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 6:51 PM CT
Am thinking of opening 2 accounts:
1. Community Bank of Pleasant Hill, MO
2. The Provident Bank, NJ
In the current economic crises should I worried with these 2 banks? Anyone who has an account with these?
Thanks
Anonymous - #110, Friday, December 12, 2008 - 8:37 PM CT
Above post: Why would you worry if you keep your money under the FDIC limit ($250K) per bank?
Anonymous - #111, Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 5:31 PM CT
Indeed, many of rates on the list are outdated.
Banking Guy - #112, Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 6:18 PM CT
If you see out-of-date rates, please leave a comment in the account review (links on the right side of the table). With almost 300 accounts and with the falling interest rate environment, your help in updating these are much appreciated.
Anonymous - #113, Friday, December 19, 2008 - 10:38 AM CT
Thanks for explaining. I will leave comments in the account review in future.
James Hampton - #114, Sunday, December 28, 2008 - 1:53 AM CT
I recently (November) opened an account with CB of Pleasant Hill. It has a safe and sound rating of 3 stars (out of 5) by Bankrate. It took time (about 10 days) to fully set up and fund. Up and until yesterday, it was paying 6.10%. Now it is listing only 5.01%.
As of today, the only nationwide accounts paying 6% is Southern Missouri Bank (rating 4 stars). Charter Bank will reduce their rate to 5.01% starting in February.
The top 4 banks listings for Washington state are the same as of today.
Anonymous - #115, Thursday, January 1, 2009 - 7:44 PM CT
M/A COM FCU (Mass) from 6.00% to 3.00%; big drop! I think that most banks that offer reward checking account found out that the benefit is not that great and are dropping rate like crazy.
Anonymous - #116, Monday, January 5, 2009 - 11:59 AM CT
Bank Newport (RI, listed under Mass) from 5.05% to 4.65% as of 5 January, 2009.
Anonymous - #117, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - 10:10 PM CT
Monadnock Community Bank (in Mass) from 4.50% to 4.00%.
Anonymous - #118, Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 11:53 AM CT
Advantis in OR now BACK UP to 4.2%!!!
koz22 - #119, Monday, January 19, 2009 - 2:31 PM CT
Coulee Bank is at 5.01%. Available nationwide. www.CouleeBank.net
Anonymous - #120, Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 10:35 PM CT
Crescent State Bank, NC is at 5.01%. www.crescentstatebank.com
Anonymous - #121, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 9:38 PM CT
Alaska reward checking (low APY)- rate table 12/17/08:
Denali State Bank
Xtreme Checking
1.26% APY up to $25K
0.50% over $25K
10 debit/mo mandatory else $25 service charge
checks are $2.50 ea
ATM refunds via pdf fill-in form (mail,fax) by 10th of month.
Note: 12 mo CD has same APY
Anonymous - #122, Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 9:52 PM CT
South Dakota reward checking - rate table dated 10/10/08
Reliabank Dakota
Ultimate Checking
4.07% APY up to $25K
1.01% over $25K
0.25% requirements not met
12 check card purchase
1 direct dep or 1 ACH or 1 bill pay
located in 5 South Dakota communities
Anonymous - #123, Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 12:41 PM CT
Maine reward checking -
Machias Savings Bank
Ultimate Green Checking
1.5% APY up to $10K
10 debits; $100 to open
machiassavings.com
Anonymous - #124, Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 2:35 PM CT
West Virgina & Virginia reward checking -- dated 7/31/08
Pentleton Community Bank -
"Reward Checking"
4.51% APY up to $25K;
1.01% over $25K; 0.11% otherwise
10 check card transactions
1 dir dep or ACH; $50 to open
3 loc's in W VA & 1 in VA
[click on MORE INFO, far left panel]
Anonymous - #125, Sunday, January 25, 2009 - 4:02 PM CT
The Bank of Georgia in Peachtree City, GA offers Rewards Checking, paying 5.25% with 10 debit transactions, 1 direct dep or ACH and estatements, max $25,000 locations in PTC, Fayetteville, Newnan, Fairburn. Best customer service and great for small businesses. I've completed the requirements for 2 months and it is EASY! Enjoy your great rate! www.bankofgeorgia.com
Anonymous - #126, Sunday, January 25, 2009 - 8:16 PM CT
more Kentucky reward checking...
Franklin Bank & Trust
"Bonus Checking" $100 to open
5.0% up to $25K; 1% over; 0.25%
12 debit; 1 dir dep or ACH
www.fbtco.com
--------
Bank of Oldham County
"TBOC Checking"
1.76k% up to $10K; 0.25%
1 dir dep; 10 debit POS
www.thebankoc.com
________
River City Bank in Louisville metro area:
"Maximum Checking"
3.5% APY up to $20K; NOW acct yield over
10 debit; 1 direct deposit
www.rivercitybankky.com
Anonymous - #127, Sunday, January 25, 2009 - 10:20 PM CT
more Kentucky credit union RC options:
Jefferson County FCU
"Rewards Plus"
rates are dated 12/1/2007
4.25% up to $50K; 0.50% over
1 dir dep; 1 ACH debit; 1 bill pay
"transactions to the account in aggregate amount greater than $250"
www.jcfcu.org
-------
Class Act FCU
"Honors Checking" rate table 1/1/09
4.0% up to $25K; 1.01% over; 0.25%
www.classact.org/index.asp
--------
Park Community FCU
"HI Checking" = High Interest
rates dated 2/4/08
4.01% up to $25K; 1.01% over; 0.25%
10 debit; 1 dir dep
www.parkfcu.org
---------
(real "iffy" many same features as RC)
Kentucky Telco FCU
"Prestige Checking"
2.52% up to $10K; 0.50% over; thru 1/31/09
'DirectAdvantage netpay of $800/mo or more' ???
www.kytelco.com
Anonymous - #128, Monday, January 26, 2009 - 12:20 AM CT
an Oregon bank w/ rewards checking
Columbia River Bank
"Ultimate Checking"
rates as of 10/3/08
4.01% up to $25K; 0.87% over; 0.11%
10 debits; 1 dir dep or 1 ACH debit
www.columbiariverbank.com
Anonymous - #129, Monday, January 26, 2009 - 11:57 AM CT
FYI- bank of blue valley, located in Kansas City, KS advises that their high yield checking account can only be opened up in person at their branches in Kansas City. I think this would disqualify them from remaining on the nationwide bank list.
Anonymous - #130, Monday, January 26, 2009 - 6:01 PM CT
Vermont rewards checking -
Mascoma Savings Bank
"Free Rewards Checking"
3.55% APY up to $50K; 1.01% over; .1%
12 debit; 1 dir dep or ACH auto debit
rate table is dated 1/21/09
(upfront RC presentation is out of date)
Anonymous - #131, Monday, January 26, 2009 - 7:22 PM CT
more New Hampshire rewards checking -
First Colebrook Bank
"Moose Rewards Checking"
flyer says 10/14/08, rate table 12/17
5.15% APY up to $30K; 1.01% over;0.25%
10 debit, 1 dir dep or ACH auto debit
$10 to open; $50 ATM nationwide
www.firstcolebrookbank.com
--------
Meridith Village Savings Bank
[very unique 6-mo promotional rate..]
"Mobile Advantage Checking Promotion"
4.01% APY up to $25K for 6 month if...
14 debits met, then...
1.01% APY after 6 month; 0.05% req not met
www.mvsb.com
------
Members First Credit Union
"Rewards Checking"
4.01% APY up to $25K; 1.01% over;0.10%
12 debit, 1 dir dep or ACH auto debot
www.membersfirstnh.org
Anonymous - #132, Monday, January 26, 2009 - 11:17 PM CT
more Washington State reward checking-
Coastal Community Bank
"Green Rewards Checking" dtd 2/11/08
4.01% APY up to $25K;1.01% over;0.05%
10 debit; 1 dir dep or ACH auto debit
$100 to open; $25/mo ATM fees
www.coastalbank.com
---------
Timberland Bank
"Smart Money Checking" dtd 3/6/08
4.01% APY up to $25K;1.01% over;0.25%
10 POS debit; estatement & email addr
(NO dir dep or ACH auto debit)
all ATM fees nationwide refunded
24 branches in 6 western WA counties
www.timberlandbank.com
Anonymous - #133, Friday, January 30, 2009 - 9:27 PM CT
It would appear that Midwest America FCU has lowered the rate from 6.31 to 5.11 as of 1/30/09.
Anonymous - #134, Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 12:18 AM CT
more California reward checking-
Premier Valley Bank 3.01% APY $25K
www.premiervalleybank.com
Bank of the Sierra 4.51% APY $25K
"Sierra Reward Checking"
www.bankofthesierra.com
CoastHills FCU 3.04% APY ($250K??)
"SuperReady Checking"
www.coasthills.coop
Pacific Resource CU 4.25% APY $25K
"High Flying Checking"
www.prcu.org
Los Angeles Police FCU 3.56% APY $25K
"Performance Checking"
www.lapfu.org
Families and Schools Together CU
4.08% APY $25K "Fast Rewards Checking"
www.fastcu.com
Foothill FCU 4.10% APY $25K
"My Choice Checking"
www.foothillcu.org
Point Loma CU 3.56% APY $25K
"Ultra Rewards"
www.plcu.com
Credit Union of Southern California
2.49% APY
"E-Z Earn Checking"
www.cusocal.org
Anonymous - #135, Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 8:30 AM CT
Maximum ATM withdrawals for most reward checking accounts are limited to $500; some are less!
Anonymous - #136, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 - 3:55 PM CT
Coulee Bank
5.01% APY
Up to $20 cash back ATM fees
Available nationwide
FREE!
http://www.CouleeBank.net
Anonymous - #137, Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 7:58 AM CT
Dedham Savings (Mass) from 4.54% to 4.02% as of 2/19/09.
Kevin - #138, Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 7:10 PM CT
The way I see the BancVue system allows you to support a local business, gain better benefits and make more money doing it. On top of that you don't deal with hidden fees and corporate customer support. High interest rate checking accounts with BancVue are a win-win even if some of the rates have dropped.
Anonymous - #139, Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 6:20 PM CT
Please update the rates for the Vintage Bank in Texas. The APY they offer on their Reward checking has been lowered to 3.25%
Anonymous - #140, Friday, February 27, 2009 - 7:39 PM CT
Communication Credit Union in Oklahoma has just dropped their APY from 5.25 to 4.25.
Anonymous - #141, Sunday, March 1, 2009 - 11:22 AM CT
On March 1, First New England Federal Credit Union dropped rate to 4.15% (from 5.15%) and max balance to $20,000 (from $25,000).
Jason - #142, Sunday, March 1, 2009 - 8:27 PM CT
Check out the latest top bank rates from CheckingFinder.com.
Bank Rates:
First Robinson Savings Bank - Robinson, IL 6.01
Southern Missouri Bank & Trust 6.01
Bank of Ripley - Ripley, TN 5.26
Communication Federal Credit Union - OK 5.25
LA DOTD Federal Credit Union - Denham Spring, LA 5.25
Keystone Bank - Auburn, AL 5.15
Connexus Credit Union - Wausau, WI 5.15
Altra Federal Credit Union 5.05
Farmers and Merchants - Nashville, IL 5.05
Community State Bank - Poteau, OK 5.05
First State Bank - Kansas City, KS 5.03
State Employees Credit Union - Santa Fe, NM 5.02
Grand Bank of Texas - Grand Prairie, TX 5.02
Harbor Credit Union - Green Bay, WI 5.01
Malvern Federal Savings Bank - Paoli, PA 5.01
Union State Bank - Everest, KS 5.01
United National Bank - Cairo, GA 5.01
First Banking Center - Lake Geneva, WI 5.01
Noble Bank & Trust - Anniston, AL 5.01
The Community Bank - Brockton, MA 5.01
Bank of Little Rock - Little Rock, AR 5.01
Community Bank of Pleasant Hill - Pleasant Hill, MO 5.01
Community Bank of Raymore - Raymore, MO 5.01
Olmsted National Bank - Rochester, MN 5.01
Royal Banks of Missouri - St. Louis, MO 4.78
Texas Citizens Bank - Pasadena, TX 4.76
Courtesy of BancVue
Anonymous - #143, Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 3:17 PM CT
Southland Credit Union has dropped to 3.0%
Anonymous - #144, Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 3:55 PM CT
BankNewport (RI/Mass) dropped rate from 4.65% to 4.14% as of 3/3/09 ($50K limit). Guys, the rate has no place to go but downward to the 3-4% norm.
Anonymous - #145, Tuesday, March 3, 2009 - 7:41 PM CT
Credit Union to add to your list for California
Families and Schools Together Federal Credit Union: www.fastcu.com
"" - #146, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 12:29 PM CT
cornerstone bank in North Dakota dropped to
3.6% 0-50000 and
1.5% 50000+
Anonymous - #147, Friday, March 20, 2009 - 11:24 AM CT
Here's another one that isn't on the list:
Phelps County Bank in Missouri
4.01% checking up to 25K, 1.01% above
requirements:
10 debit txns
DD or ACH
electronic statements
log in to online banking
http://www.phelpscountybank.com/page1.cfm?Id=1
Appears a branch visit is required. Branches are in Rolla and St James in central Missouri.
Anonymous - #148, Friday, March 27, 2009 - 1:56 PM CT
US Federal Credit Union in Minnesota has lowered its amplified checking rates to 3.8%.
usfed.org
Anonymous - #149, Saturday, March 28, 2009 - 11:18 AM CT
NewportFed (R.I.) reduced their rate from 4.5% to 4.15% lately.
Anomymous - #150, Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 3:22 PM CT
FYI Allegiance Bank in Pennsylvania recently lowered the rewards checking rate to 3.00%.
Anonymous - #151, Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 11:10 PM CT
FYI:
Midwest federal credit union
You list the rate as 5.11% for $25,000
New rate per their website is now 3.51
It dropped...
Anonymous - #152, Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - 6:58 PM CT
Bank of Ripley lowered it's rate from 5.26 to 4.26 as of April 1, 2009.
Anonymous - #153, Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 4:04 PM CT
It seems Community Bank of Pleasant Hill has dropped to 3.01% APY.
Anonymous - #154, Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 7:49 PM CT
Charter TurboChecking down from 5.01% to 4.01% APY** on balances to $25,000 beginning May 1, 2009
Anonymous - #155, Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 11:25 PM CT
yes. Community Bank of Pleasant Hill has dropped to from 5% to 3.01% APY, in one nasty shot.
My $ is leaving there just as fast.
Anonymous - #156, Friday, April 3, 2009 - 10:51 AM CT
West Bank Iowa to drop rate fom 5% to 4% as of 4/15/09.
Anonymous - #157, Saturday, April 4, 2009 - 3:18 PM CT
Hyperion bank in Phila,Pa is paying 5% up to 50K, 10 debit transactions.account must be opened up in person so this bank should be listed under the state category.
Anonymous - #158, Sunday, April 5, 2009 - 6:47 AM CT
These bank lists are very helpful - BUT ..for internet banking one of the MOST useful features ANY account can have is ACH - bank-to-bank transfer capability. It really would be nice if your list included some indication if a bank is offering this rather than having to visit each site.
Anonymous - #159, Monday, April 6, 2009 - 11:42 AM CT
West Bank of IA is no longer on the current list but their website still has the same rewards checking deal:
http://www.westbankiowa.com/reward_me_checking/rewards
Anonymous - #160, Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - 12:42 PM CT
evantage bank (listed first on nationwide list) is not offering that interest rate. It is dropping on 4/16 (new cycle period)per their CS rep.
Anonymous - #161, Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 5:07 PM CT
I'm Leaving Community Bank also after a 2% point without no warning. Quicken downloads are also a pain in the butt with this bank..
I just opened a Malvern Federal Savings.
Anonymous - #162, Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 5:08 PM CT
I meant Community Bank of Pleasant Hill.
Anonymous - #163, Monday, April 13, 2009 - 10:04 PM CT
Why was west bank iowa removed?
Anonymous - #164, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - 5:29 PM CT
Heartland Community Bank dropped to 4.02%
Anonymous - #165, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - 5:58 PM CT
Midwest America credit union dropped to 3.51%
Anonymous - #166, Friday, April 17, 2009 - 8:43 AM CT
www.myvalleybank.com has offered 5.01% since January 2008. Can apply online.
Banking Guy - #167, Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 6:35 AM CT
@ Anonymous April 13: West Bank of Iowa was removed from the nationwide list since it no longer accepts out-of-state applications. I still have it under Iowa in the full list.
@ Anonymous April 17: Thanks for the Valley Bank info. I posted on this in June 2008 and it's in my full list under Virginia. The online application appears to limit applicants to Virginia.
Anonymous - #168, Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 1:30 PM CT
Most, if not all, banks do not refunds ATM machines outside the US. And, most of them do not state the fees of how much they charge for both ATM use and debit card (as credit) at outside-US places. Can you please give us some guidance of the fees if we use the debit card for purchase ouside-US? Do these Reward Banks pay the Visa transaction fee, or do they charge us the fee?
Banking Guy - #169, Saturday, April 18, 2009 - 5:23 PM CT
There are a few reward checking accounts offering refunds of ATM fees outside the US. One that's available nationwide is First Arkansas Bank and Trust (see post).
Anonymous - #170, Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 11:08 AM CT
Dedham Savings (Mass) sent out letters to change their $50K limit to $25K as of 18 June, also limiting to one account per customer.
Anonymous - #171, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - 5:59 PM CT
Evantage Bank & Bank of the Wichitas sent out emails today saying they are dropping the rate to 4% for the first 10,000, effective May 5th.
AmericaNet Bank, which actually runs both Evantage & Bank of the Wichitas' online divisions (or they are all owned by same parties), will also be dropping to 4% as well I am sure.
So those three, from 5.25 to 4% effectively.
Anonymous - #172, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 - 6:59 PM CT
Contacted and confirmed with customer service.
All 3 of the Oklahoma 5.25% banks, Bank of the Wichitas (Redneck Bank), Evantage Bank, and AmericaNet Bank, have reduced to 4% APY.
Great Blog/Site btw.
I've found myself following these things too now.
Anonymous - #173, Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 5:30 PM CT
oh man i wish i qualified for United. the rate is guaranteed until 2010. pondering moving...
Anonymous - #174, Friday, May 1, 2009 - 7:30 PM CT
addison now down to 3.5%
Anonymous - #175, Saturday, May 2, 2009 - 1:22 PM CT
ProvidentSmarkChecking NJ down to 4.01%. They now have 3 other e-account products: Green, myTunes checking, and PowerSavings at providentnjdirect dot com. All require participating in Provident connect online banking and estatements.
Anonymous - #176, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - 5:48 PM CT
UMass Five College FCU changed its rate from 4.59% to 4.09%.
Anonymous - #177, Thursday, May 7, 2009 - 3:35 PM CT
Bank2 now says on their website:
"Changes as of 5/6/09...This account will be limited to 2 accounts per household. Also limited to Oklahoma residents and Bank2 loan customers."
When I spoke to them today, they also said that the rate may be going down soon, but for existing accounts will be guaranteed at 5% until Jan 1, 2010.
Anonymous - #178, Friday, May 8, 2009 - 1:27 PM CT
hyperion bank-rate to remain at 5%, max balance to drop from 50k to 30k. Effective july 2009
Anonymous - #179, Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 1:35 AM CT
Provident Credit Union Super Rewards Checking went down from 3.26% APY to 3.01% APY as of May 1st. But it still only needs 10 debit card charges (and they can be signature or PIN).
Anonymous - #180, Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 1:38 AM CT
Arizona Bank & Trust is closing the Cash Rewards accounts of all customers outside of "their community" which probably means the metro Phoenix AZ area.
Accounts will be closed on July 1st. The debit card will be closed on June 25th so that all charges will post prior to closure.
Questions to kgabel@arizbank.com or 480-844-4505
Anonymous - #181, Friday, May 15, 2009 - 9:35 AM CT
Farmers and Merchants Bank will change its rate for Platinum Reward Checking from 4.51% to 4.01%.
Anonymous - #182, Saturday, May 16, 2009 - 9:39 AM CT
First Colebrook Bank in NH went from 5.15% to 4.15% on 5/13/09.
Anonymous - #183, Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 2:34 PM CT
I am curious how these banks are able to provide this much massive interest rates!! Any clue?
Ken - #184, Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 5:43 PM CT
Take a look at this post that discusses the math behind the high yields. The debit card usage requirements have a lot to do with it.
Anonymous - #185, Thursday, June 4, 2009 - 12:15 AM CT
Community National Bank in TN has a rewarding checking for 4.5% for up to $25k.
Anonymous - #186, Friday, June 5, 2009 - 10:55 PM CT
BankNewport (RI/Mass): 4% to 3.55%
Anonymous - #187, Friday, June 5, 2009 - 11:00 PM CT
Ken: Weel the $900/month debit usage is way off for smart savers. Most would use credit cards for cash rewards, thus would use the reward checking debit cards for very samll amounts 9say $12/month. So it is a losing game for banks.
Banking Guy - #188, Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 5:13 AM CT
Yes, if banks get too many smart savers compared to average checking account customers, they'll have trouble paying the high rates. Fortunately, the average checking account customer appears to spend a lot more with his/her debit card than $12/month. Also, they tend to maintain smaller balances. The only data I have on this is what my local credit union provided (in the Math behind reward checking post). It'll be interesting if we can get data from more banks and credit unions on this. I will look into this.
Anonymous - #189, Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 9:46 PM CT
I am not sure about the overall customer statistics. However, it may be fair to say that many nominal bank customers are not aware of the reward checking product. Even for those who are, most are reluctant to go through the trouble of debit card transaction/direct deposit just to get 1-2 percentage of interest. What's left are those smart ones who do rate chasing. I doubt that banks will make any money from that crowd. In short, many banks will not be able to keep up the high yield and will have to change their rules to lower limit, or lower interest, local customers only, or all above; for the long term.
Ken - #190, Tuesday, June 9, 2009 - 8:22 PM CT
Malvern FSB rate drop 5.01% to 3.50% - I rcvd my checks today so I guess I'll stick w/ it for now...the frustrations of being a rate chaser continue.
Anonymous - #191, Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 9:14 AM CT
malvern has terrible customer service. voicemail at 10am?? I'm closing my account with them asap!!
Anonymous - #192, Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 10:16 AM CT
FYI- Union state bank is listed as being a available on a national basis. Nope, it is not as of 6/10/09 per their website.
Banking Guy - #193, Thursday, June 11, 2009 - 10:34 AM CT
Thanks. Sorry to see another bank change its nationwide policy. I've updated the Union State Bank post and removed its nationwide label. When I update the tables this weekend, it'll fall off the nationwide list.
Anonymous - #194, Friday, June 12, 2009 - 11:37 AM CT
First State Bank of Kansas City
5% up to 25k
https://www.firstchoicechecking.com/index.html
Q: Isn't this bank account available on a nationwide basis?
Anonymous - #195, Monday, June 15, 2009 - 6:11 AM CT
BCSB in Baltimore, MD offering 4% reward checking with $25,000 balance cap.
Anonymous - #196, Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 9:28 AM CT
Dedham Savings changed their rate from 4.02$% to 3.51% today, in addtion to the $25K limit (from $50K). I already moved out from this bank since they annouced the limit change last month.
Anonymous - #197, Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 4:10 PM CT
First State Bank of Kansas City
no longer accepting applications for their high yield account if you are out of state.
Anonymous - #198, Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 11:57 AM CT
Members First Credit Union in Manchester, NH
4.01% up to 25k
https://www.membersfirstnh.org/whiteboard1.php
Anonymous - #199, Monday, June 29, 2009 - 12:37 PM CT
Thanks for all your work.
My contribution:
University of Maine Credit Union offers a high yield checking account. Membership is limited to students, faculty, employees, and alumni of the University of Maine system.
http://www.ucu.maine.edu/
The account is 4.01% up to 25k for 12 debits, 1 direct deposit or ACH, estatements, and accessing online banking.
https://www.rewarduchecking.com/index.html
Anonymous - #200, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - 6:38 PM CT
Foothill Federal Credit Union located in Arcadia, Califonira implemented a rewards checking product called the MyChoice Checking Account back in October of 2007. The account requires 10 debit card transactions per month, at least 1 electronic deposit or withdrawal per month and estatements with a valid email address. Curretnly, teh account pays 3.25% for qualifying members. We would like to be added to the list.
Anonymous - #201, Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - 12:28 AM CT
coulee bank just dropped their rate from 5 to 4%.
Their new nationwide ranking reflects this change.
Rick - #202, Thursday, July 2, 2009 - 6:25 PM CT
It doesn't look like the Bank of Idaho has any branches in Utah, yet it is listed there. I checked on their site.
Thanks for the great work you do.
Anonymous - #203, Thursday, July 2, 2009 - 6:56 PM CT
Buckhead Community Bank (Georgia) dropped to 3.0 APY on July 1, 2009
Banking Guy - #204, Saturday, July 4, 2009 - 5:02 PM CT
@ Anonymous June 30 4:38 PM:
Regarding Foothills FCU, thanks for the info. Do you know who is eligible to join? They don't seem to provide many of these details on their website.
@ Rick:
Regarding Bank of Idaho, I believe they allow Utah residents to apply through their online Kasasa application. That is why I list them under Utah.
@ Anonymous July 2, 2009: Thanks for the update. Sorry to see the rate drop.
Anonymous - #205, Monday, July 6, 2009 - 1:58 AM CT
I am new to Rewards Checking, having opened two accounts with Union State Bank and Coulee Bank in the past two months. I have not used these accounts as of yet because of their debit card transaction requirements. I am somewhat confused on how these transactions work. If these banks want you to have 10 POS transactions a month, is that a "credit" or "debit" transaction when let's say you're getting a couple of gallons of gas? If I'm correct, you don't actually put in your pin # for it to qualify as a transaction do you? If anyone can answer this, it would be a great help!
Anonymous - #206, Monday, July 6, 2009 - 9:20 AM CT
Just say 'credit' when making a purchase and then use your debit card.
Anonymous - #207, Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - 9:43 PM CT
any one bank with City National Bank in Taylor TX ? apparently they were the first one to offer these high reward checking. They receive 4 out of 5 star rating from bankrate.com
the attraction is that there is no max deposit cap, and still get 3.2%, for 10-transaction
Anonymous - #208, Thursday, July 9, 2009 - 8:48 AM CT
South Shore Savings Bank (Mass) from 4.44% APY to 4.04% APY, as of 9 July 2009; still up tp $25K.
Anonymous - #209, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 10:15 AM CT
Nodaway Valley Bank www.nvb.com
Reward Checking 3.51% 10 debits, 1 direct deposit or ACH and e statments
Anonymous - #210, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 2:58 PM CT
fyi- countrybank is very picky regarding # of existing bank inquiries. They denied me for having 9 within 6 months.
Anonymous - #211, Thursday, July 16, 2009 - 10:43 AM CT
Here's another Texas bank with high-yield checking:
www.bnbank.com/go/personal/checking/reward-checking
It pays 4.01% APY up to $25,000, and 1.01% APY above that.
It has the usual direct deposit/ACH debit, 10 POS transactions per month, etc. requirements.
Anonymous - #212, Saturday, July 18, 2009 - 2:45 PM CT
Please review: SouthPoint Bank of Alabama - FDIC certificate 58088.
Anonymous - #213, Saturday, July 18, 2009 - 2:52 PM CT
SouthPoint Rewards Checking
$0-100,000 4.00 APY
http://www.southpointbanking.com/rates.html
Anonymous - #214, Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 3:21 PM CT
Adams Cooperative Bank changed from 5% APY (highest in Mass) to 4.00% APY ($25k limit). Banking Guy caught it early (7/18/09).
ADO - #215, Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 12:58 PM CT
Here's a recent addition to rewards checking programs, Phila. and its western suburbs' Continental Bank, "My Choice Checking" at 4.01% interest. See: www.thecontinentalbank.com.
An online Application Center appears to allow one to sign up to start the process of opening an account. IF a visit to a Continental office is required, there's no statement to that effect.
Regards, Alan Oslick
Silver Spring, MD.
Michael - #216, Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - 6:43 PM CT
I just picked up a brochure for a 3.3%, $25K account at CoreFirst Bank & Trust.
Here is the flyer: http://5xl.com/misc/images/CoreFirst_Rewards.jpg
And here is the bank's page on the account: http://corefirstbank.com/personal/freerewards.shtml
Branches are in Kansas (Topeka, Kansas City, and Manhattan) and metro Denver.
Anonymous - #217, Tuesday, August 4, 2009 - 12:15 PM CT
Brookhaven Bank, Atlanta,GA has dropped to 4% from 4.5%.
Anonymous - #218, Thursday, August 6, 2009 - 6:36 PM CT
Manadnock Community Bank (Mass): 4.25% to 3.30% APY (8/6/09).
Anonymous - #219, Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 3:43 PM CT
FAB&T is no longer accepting out-of-state applications, effective 8/10/09.
John in Texas - #220, Monday, August 17, 2009 - 4:22 PM CT
visionbanktexas.com has a rewards checking of 5.01 APY
David - #221, Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - 12:11 PM CT
Beginning Spetember 1, 2009, Northwest Plus Credit Union (Washington) rate will drop to 3.01% APY
Anonymous - #222, Friday, August 21, 2009 - 10:03 PM CT
Northstar Bank of Texas has droped their rate from 4.51% APY to 4.01% APY as of 8-20-2009. Also there is now a maximum of 2 accounts allowed per household.
Anonymous - #223, Saturday, August 22, 2009 - 8:16 AM CT
Northstar Bank of Texas is now 4.01%
Anonymous - #224, Monday, August 24, 2009 - 9:52 AM CT
Community Bank (Brockton, Mass) will reduce their rate from 4.51% APY to 4% APY by 15 September, according to their manager.
Anonymous - #225, Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 8:29 AM CT
Neighbors Federal Credit Union is offering an account with 4.51%APY in Baton Rouge, LA
Anonymous - #226, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 11:56 AM CT
Marvern goes down to 3%.
Steve - #227, Friday, August 28, 2009 - 8:50 AM CT
looks like The Farmers National Bank of Danville KY has HY - http://www.fnbky.com
Steve - #228, Friday, August 28, 2009 - 10:02 AM CT
looks like The First National Bank of Altavista VA has hy - http://www.1stnatbk.com
Steve - #229, Friday, August 28, 2009 - 12:43 PM CT
looks like The First National Bank Artesia NM offers hy http://www.1streadyonline.com
Anonymous - #230, Friday, August 28, 2009 - 10:06 PM CT
embassy national bank in Lawrenceville, GA. 2.5% on a checking account.
Anonymous - #231, Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 3:18 PM CT
Steve,
Posting rates/limits along with banks would be helpful.
Anonymous - #232, Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 5:07 PM CT
Just as a contribution: The NM one is about 5%, but limited to NM only.
djc314 - #233, Thursday, September 3, 2009 - 3:06 PM CT
Rules are getting tougher and rates are getting lower....I am looking for a Missouri or Nationwide rewards checking for $50K debit card usage fine, electronic statements fine, cant have auto deposit or withdrawl from account by biller , ok for ach....already have ark bank..if anyone has one..already been to list did not see one..let me know..
Anonymous - #234, Thursday, September 3, 2009 - 8:51 PM CT
Incommons Bank in TX accepts application nationwide.
Thomas - #235, Saturday, September 5, 2009 - 6:22 PM CT
I wasn't sure where to post updates, so I figured I would try here.
Illinois - State Bank of Countryside has lowered it's rates to 3.58% APY - http://www.statebankofcountryside.com/c_checking.htm
Another Illinois Bank, MB Financial (an FDIC favorite for acquisitions of failed Illinois banks), offers a non-bancvue rewards checking account with some additional restrictions. http://www.mbfinancial.com/Personal/RedChecking/tabid/383/Default.aspx
Requirements / Features are:
* Points for using debit card (in addition to 4.0% APY to account for $1-$10,000)
* 12 Debit Card purchases
* Direct deposit of at least $250 or one auto-debited bill
* BIG DIFFERENCE: $500 average monthly minimum balance requirement, or a $10 fee will apply
* E-Statements
* Must live within Illinois, Indiana or Pennsylvania MB Financial Banking locations
Anonymous - #236, Sunday, September 6, 2009 - 3:01 AM CT
Florida Central CU has lowered its rate to 4.50%. Eastern Financial Florida has lowered to 2.80%.
Anonymous - #237, Monday, September 14, 2009 - 8:36 PM CT
5% APY is a rare offer nowadays. Soon 4% APY will be the norm.
Anonymous - #238, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 9:10 AM CT
Community Bank (Brockton, Mass) officially reduced it rate from (4.51%, $25K/2.01% above $25K) to (4.01%, $25 K)/1.51% above $25K) as today (9/15/09); as stated by the CSR/Manager/President several weeks ago.
Anonymous - #239, Thursday, September 17, 2009 - 2:08 PM CT
Cambridge Savings Bank (a $2B bank) is entering the reward checking market with a Supersmart Checking offer of 4% APY/$25K limit. However, the terms are 15 debit transactions and $5 monthly fee if less than 20 debit transactions. It is interesting that mid-size banks like this one are also entering the reward checking market.
Anonymous - #240, Friday, September 18, 2009 - 9:14 AM CT
First Clover leaf (Illinois) from 5.25% to 4.5%.
Anonymous - #241, Friday, September 18, 2009 - 10:32 PM CT
Re: mid-size and large banks with reward checking. Amegy Bank in TX with $10B in assets offers its Smart Yield Checking, currently 2.12% APY up to $25K.
Anonymous - #242, Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 11:45 AM CT
One of the very few $50,000 offer: Provident Bank (SC) will reduce its rate from 4.51% to 4.01%.
Anonymous - #243, Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 9:50 AM CT
E-mail from WB today: The current tier structure allows you to earn 4.0% APY* on balances between $0.01 and $50,000. As of October 29, 2009, the tier will change to allow you to earn 4.0% APY on balances between $0.01 and $30,000. All balances over $30,000 will earn 1.0% APY.*
Anonymous - #244, Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 9:51 AM CT
WB = West Bank Iowa.
Anonymous - #245, Friday, September 25, 2009 - 9:38 PM CT
Commonwealth Bank is now limiting their rewards account to KY, IN and OH residents only.
Anonymous - #246, Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 5:24 PM CT
Community National Bank now limited to Tennessee residents only.
Anonymous - #247, Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - 5:55 PM CT
I found Bank of the Sierra to be awful. In fact, after very confusing and contradictory phone conversations, and emails, I opened a checking account which THE BANK than closed because I asked them about the application process, the need for a credit report on me--a depositor, not a borrower, and security. I was appalled.
Anonymous - #248, Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 7:12 AM CT
RFCU (Rockland Federal Credit Union, Mass) discontinued their reward checking accounts as of 10/1/09, rate for existing accounts dropped from 4% to 3.8%.
Anonymous - #249, Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 7:15 AM CT
Bank of Sierra: Both their national availability and rate may not last long; i.e., soon it will limit to local OR it will lower rate OR both.
Get in while you can:-)
Anonymous - #250, Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 5:24 PM CT
UMass: dropped from 4.09% to 3.9% as of 10/1/09.
Anonymous - #251, Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 5:27 PM CT
Navigant (Mass): 4.05% --> 3.15% as of 10/1/09.
Anonymous - #252, Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 5:42 PM CT
Rollstone B&T (Mass): 3.01% to 2.75% as of 10/1/09.
Anonymous - #253, Friday, October 2, 2009 - 5:22 AM CT
First New England FCU: increase to 4.01% APY.
Anonymous - #254, Friday, October 2, 2009 - 5:23 AM CT
Correction: First New England FCU: increase to 4.10% APY.
Anonymous - #255, Friday, October 2, 2009 - 6:44 AM CT
Air Academy FCU: Effective October 1, 2009, the new rate for MAAXIMUM Checking* on balances up to $50,000 will be 2.75% APY.
Anonymous - #256, Friday, October 2, 2009 - 7:31 AM CT
FNEF FCU: A rare upward adjustment on rate, excellent even just with $15K. Hope this is a trend, was sick with all these rate drops like a flu.
Anonymous - #257, Saturday, October 3, 2009 - 3:02 PM CT
First Financial FCU (MIssouri): 5.0% to 4.01%.
Anonymous - #258, Saturday, October 3, 2009 - 3:25 PM CT
Warren FCU (Wyoming): 4.01% now.
TravelingRD - #259, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - 10:52 AM CT
South Carolina Bank and Trust 3.25% http://www.scbtonline/madmoney
Anonymous - #260, Sunday, October 11, 2009 - 7:06 AM CT
QNB, Quakertown, PA has an e-checking at 3.25%.
chrismmoser - #261, Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 10:43 AM CT
Wisconsin. First National Bank of Berlin. From 5.01% to 3.51%
http://www.firstnationalbanks.biz/personal/checking/1st-rewards-checking.html
Anonymous - #262, Friday, October 16, 2009 - 7:57 AM CT
I live in Cleveland, OH and my Credit Union pays 4.0% on checking! I belong to Firefighters Community Credit Union, open to everyone in Cuyahoga and Lake Counties, www.ffcommunity.com.
Anonymous - #263, Friday, October 16, 2009 - 8:05 PM CT
Beware
Vision Bank does not give you a first month grace period in your reward checking account. Don't do a large deposit until you receive your rewards card or you can end (like me) without interest on a large sum for a full month.
Anonymous - #264, Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:41 AM CT
CountyBank listed under Florida is actually in South Carolina.
Banking Guy - #265, Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 4:50 PM CT
Please note that CountyBank allows new customers from Florida and a few other states other than South Carolina to apply for their reward checking accounts. That's why it's listed under Florida.
Anonymous - #266, Monday, October 19, 2009 - 8:30 AM CT
BankGloucester (Mass) will drop their rate from 4.51% to 4.01%, during next billing period (24 October); per CSR.
Anonymous - #267, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 10:08 PM CT
Chartway CU accepts city/federal employees from all states under "Civil Service" category
Anonymous - #268, Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 12:33 AM CT
Attention Banking Guy: When I called CountyBank to inquire about their rate of 4.75% (on $25K rewards checking account) because I reside in Florida, I was told that was misinformation posted on website here & that I could NOT get that rate. Please check back with CountyBank Customer Service: 1-800-726-8689. I'd like to be able to get that rate. Thanks.
Anonymous - #269, Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 7:34 AM CT
Dedham Savings (in Mass) reduced their rate ... again; from 3.51% to 3.04%. Lucky that I got out long time ago:-)
Banking Guy - #270, Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 12:12 PM CT
Regarding CountyBank, I received an email reply today that stated residents from SC, NC, GA, TN and FL can apply for the Kasasa Cash account. The website still shows that it pays 4.75% APY for balances up to $25K if the requirements are met.
Anonymous - #271, Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 5:51 PM CT
CountyBank: Why don't you just apply online instead of calling? CSRs are usually clueless. If the online application accepts your zip code, you are fine. I tried several Florida zip codes, they all went through.
Anonymous - #272, Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 4:28 PM CT
Just found one for Colorado: Adams Bank & Trust giving 4%, up to $35,000. Not sure if it is good outside of Colorado. Requires 25 POS transactions.
The Girard bank, listed for Colorado, only applies in the 50-mile radius of two remote towns (missing most of the population of Colorado).
THANK YOU for this great site.
Anonymous - #273, Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 8:20 PM CT
The popular FAB&T is falling like a rock, 4.4% to 3.5%; with limit from $50,000 to $35,000 in December; andlimited to one account... three-fold measures to close down its RCA business. They must be desperate.
Ryan - #274, Monday, November 2, 2009 - 8:00 PM CT
Was just notified Charter's Turbo Rewards Checking dropping rate to 1.25% effective immediately.
Anonymous - #275, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - 10:09 AM CT
Beware "floating" qualification cycles, i.e., ones that either don't end on same date each month, or are not "predictable," e.g., next-to-last day of month. For example, see below for the qual cycles for the Air Academy FCU product.
October-09 9/30/09 10/29/09
November-09 10/30/09 11/27/09
December-09 11/30/09 12/30/09
January-10 12/31/09 01/28/10
February-10 1/29/10 2/25/10
March-10 2/26/10 3/30/10
April-10 3/31/10 4/29/10
May-10 4/30/10 5/28/10
June-10 5/31/10 6/29/10
July-10 6/30/10 7/29/10
August-10 7/30/10 8/30/10
September-10 8/31/10 9/29/10
Anonymous - #276, Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - 5:01 PM CT
Here’s a RC account that ties debit transactions count to tiered interest: iChecking at MidSouth FCU in GA, $10K cap.….50+ = 5%, 40-49 = 4%; 30-39=3%; 20-29=2%. Hopefully, this is not a model widely adopted in the future.
Anonymous - #277, Thursday, November 5, 2009 - 3:13 PM CT
CharterBank in West Point Georgia offers Rewards Checking with an APY of 5.010% up to $25,000 with qualifications met. Over $25,000 the APY is 1.010% with qualifiers.
Anonymous - #278, Thursday, November 5, 2009 - 4:24 PM CT
Unfortunately Provident Bank in New Jersey just lowered their rate to 3.26%
Anonymous - #279, Friday, November 6, 2009 - 2:08 PM CT
Members Credit Union (Mass): 4.01% to 3.01% APY.
Rick - #280, Sunday, November 8, 2009 - 5:38 PM CT
GFA Federal Credit Union has rewards checking at 3.10% (http://www.gfafcu.com/home/rat/rat#Checking). Not a great rate but better than regular interest rates.
Anonymous - #281, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 7:05 AM CT
Thanks for all the updates, Ken.
Many FWFers seem to be burn-out with all the term (rate, limit, national availability) changes and are moving to mutual funds.
That will hopefully alleviate the herd phenomenon for a while and keep the RCA rate steady.
Anonymous - #282, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 8:23 AM CT
You should add Corning Credit Union to your list. 3% Windfall checking up to $25,000. http://www.corningcu.org/accounts/windfall-promo.htm
M - #283, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 9:57 AM CT
Please update your Georgia list to EXCLUDE "United Bank." See
http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2009/pr09197.html
M - #284, Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - 10:01 AM CT
Sorry -- disregard my recent comment about your Georgia list. Different "United Bank!"
Anonymous - #285, Friday, November 13, 2009 - 1:42 PM CT
New rewards checking account at MAC Federal Credit Union in Alaska - 3.5% up to $10K. See http://www.macfcu.org/home/rates/promo_specials#currentPromo
Anonymous - #286, Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 3:48 PM CT
The Bank of Georgia has dropped to 0.88% apy
Anonymous - #287, Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 4:36 PM CT
Utah Central Credit Union has dropped their rate to 3.0%
Anonymous - #288, Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 10:01 PM CT
More banks to follow Charter's drastic frops...
Anonymous - #289, Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 9:46 PM CT
Above post: "drastic drops", sorry.
Anonymous - #290, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 4:08 PM CT
Malvern Federal Savings Bank in PA just lowered their rewards checking rate from 3% to 2%!
Anonymous - #291, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 8:24 PM CT
what happened to bankdeals.blogspot.com?
Banking Guy - #292, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 8:55 PM CT
I'm not sure what happened. I just noticed the problem at 5:15pm CST today, and I put in a request at Google's help forum. I did do a full backup last week, so I should be able to restore if absolutely necessary. Hopefully, it's just a temporary glitch at Google.
Anonymous - #293, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 2:28 PM CT
In a way, I am happy this "glitch" stopped all those politically-energized folks on complaining about the FDIC interest rate limitation action.
Anonymous - #294, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 2:47 PM CT
First Federal Bank of Iowa also offers 4% reward checking account
https://www.firstfederaliowa.com/personal-banking/checking/first-checking-with-perks/
Anonymous - #295, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 3:10 PM CT
Malvern rate drop news was pretty old, around early November.
Anonymous - #296, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 3:17 PM CT
Add FWF link to above post (Malvern rate change: 11/13/09): http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/topic_view.php?catid=52&threadid=775437&start=1140
AtHome Dad - #297, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 7:31 PM CT
Whew... I hope you get back soon Bank Guy. Man, I miss my fix!
Anonymous - #298, Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 8:00 PM CT
A sign of things to come???...
The following from Bank of Georgia
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has notified the bank that we can no longer offer the Rewards Checking account product at the current rate of 4.01%. Under new guidelines established in Washington, this account is viewed as a regular interest bearing checking account and is subject to the new national market rate guidelines for banks that are operating under a regulatory agreement. Based on these guidelines and their interpretation that Rewards Checking and other similar products cannot offer a higher rate than a regular checking account, we are forced to reduce the rate on our Rewards Checking account to 0.88% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). This rate is in line with FDIC's determination of national market rates for checking accounts, and it reflects a premium to the current 0.25% APY that applies to our Rewards Checking account in the event the benchmarks for the higher rate are not met.
The government has come to help once again...
Anonymous - #299, Friday, November 20, 2009 - 5:04 PM CT
This applies to banks with C&D from FDIC. And, very importantly, only 1-2 banks were froced to drop rates like crazy.
Thus no alarm at all, IMHO.
Anonymous - #300, Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 8:57 AM CT
New bank for Arizona: Sonoran Bank, N. A. offers High Yield Checking and High Yield Savings (tied to checking) Checking is 5.03% up to $30,000, 1.25% on all balances over $30,000. Qualifiers are 12 debit purchases, e-statements, 1 direct deposit or 1 ACH per statement cycle.
Anonymous - #301, Monday, November 23, 2009 - 9:23 AM CT
Above bank: real small ($30M) with an annual loss; but capital seems adequate.
Anonymous - #302, Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - 11:18 AM CT
rec the following from Vintage Bank (TX). Reward balances now cap @ 100K for 3.25%:
Beginning with the next statement cycle on December 25, 2009, the current qualifying Rewards yield of 3.25% APY will have a balance cap of $100,000.00. All qualifying balances over $100,000.00 will earn 1.30% APY, which is comparable to our current 1-year C.D. yield, for the next statement cycle. For example, the blended yield on a $200,000.00 balance would be 2.28% APY. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact one of our new account representatives and, as always, thank you for your business.
Anonymous - #303, Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 10:25 AM CT
Timberland Bank in WA down to 3.51% APY
Lini - #304, Friday, December 4, 2009 - 1:33 AM CT
Not sure if i like this new site. I think the old one reads much clear. Also, why is the Countybank? It's no longer listed under Georgia, Florida or Tennessee. Just disappeared?
Lar - #305, Friday, December 4, 2009 - 5:59 PM CT
Just tried to open a rewards checking account at ViewPoint but got denied because of a ChexSystems report. I have a near perfect credit rating, no outstanding loans or unpaid bills. I can only guess it's due to the number of credit inquiries. I've asked ChexSystems for a report. But, so far, no reply, ViewPoint says "no dice" until I clear whatever ding I got from ChexSystems. Any advice? Lar
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Anonymous - #1, Monday, March 31, 2008 - 6:52 AM CT
Banking Guy,
Thank you for all your hard work. In the rewards checking post for Massachusetts, Haverhill Bank dropped to 4.5% apy, Southbridge dropped to 4.25% apy and Clinton Dropped to 5.01 apy.