$60 Bonus For Free Checking In Southern California - Extended

Update 5/14/2012: The promotion has been extended to 6/30/2012.

Here's another community bank trying to attract those leaving their megabanks. They're having extended hours for Bank Transfer Day, but the promo is scheduled to last through the year.

Open a new checking account by 6/30/2012 12/31/2011, and make a debit card purchase each month for the first 12 months to get up to a $60 bonus.

Here's Pacific Trust Bank's promo page.

They do offer a free checking account, and they are part of a surcharge-free ATM network.

Here's the offer's small print

Offer available only to new checking customers who open a Value or Market Checking Account by June 30, 2012 December 31, 2011. Qualifying checking accounts will receive a credit of $5 per statement period during which a debit card purchase is processed, for the first 12 statement periods. Maximum of $60 credited per new checking account. Limit of one $60 MasterMoney® Debit Card Promotion per customer per calendar year. Any promotional amounts credited will be reported to the IRS as interest.

Just noticed that this promotion has been extended. It's not a great deal, but for those with small balances and who are looking for a local checking account, it may be worthwhile.