Cascade Bank is offering some good deals on CDs and checking accounts. Its two most competitive CDs are the 2.00% APY 12-month CD and a the 2.50% APY 24-month CD. Minimum deposit is $10,000. The bank's Main Street Checking is also a good deal with a 1.60% APY for balances of $100K to $250K. It's 1.90% APY for over $250K. For more typical balances of $2.5K to $100K, the rate is 1.25% APY. Minimum balance of $1K is required to avoid a monthly service charge. These rates are listed in the bank's deposit rates page as of 2/2/2010.
Two small perks if you open one of the bank's checking account include a free sandwich maker and up to $25 in cash ($2 for each old check card or pad of checks). This is one reason to keep those old checks.
It appears that a branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in several cities in Washington State including Bellevue, Issaquah, Shoreline, Burlington, Everett and Marysville.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 2 stars (problematic) at BauerFinancial and 1 star (lowest) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 9/30/09 financial data. The bank has been a FDIC member since 1957 (FDIC Certificate # 28823).
Washington Deposit Account Rates and Deals
Browse through the stories below to view current deals for Washington banks or select an item from the menu bar above to view current rates in Washington.
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CD and Checking Account Deals at Cascade Bank in Washington State - Local Only
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - 9:10 AM CT
$215 Checking Account Bonus is Back at HomeStreet Bank in WA, OR & HI - Local Only
Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 9:33 AM CT
HomeStreet Bank has brought back its $215 checking account promotion that I last reported on in July 2009. The bonuses amounts appear to be the same as before. The largest bonus is for direct deposit, but you can still make $135 without it. Details are listed in the bank's promotion page as of 1/21/2010. I don't see any expiration date, but based on its history, the promo comes and goes. The following activities are required to receive the full $215:
- $80 for direct deposits of payroll, pension, social security or other income to your account
- $60 for using your new Visa Check card ($2 per purchase up to $60)
- $40 for using free Online Bill Pay ($10 per payment up to $40)
- $10 for receiving e-statements
- $25 for giving the bank your old checks and debit card from your old bank ($15 for your check card and $2 per pad of checks up to $10).
Some important small print of the offer includes:
- Minimum opening deposit for the checking account is $100
- The Totally Free Checking qualifies
- All transactions eligible for a bonus payment must be made within the first 3 statement cycles after account opening
- Offer is limited to one account per household
- Accounts closed by the customer within 90 days of opening are subject to a $15 early closure fee
One nice change for 2010 is that they doubled their refer-a-friend promotion. When you refer a friend who opens a checking account, both you and your friend will earn $50. There's no limit on the number of referrals you can make.
When I posted on this promotion last year, a reader mentioned being told by the CSR that there is no hard credit inquiry.
It appears a branch visit is required for this promotion. Branches are located in Washington State, Oregon and Hawaii. The bank is a member FDIC (FDIC Certificate # 32489).
$100 Checking Account Bonus and an Online Savings Account at Bank of the West
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 8:55 AM CT
Bank of the West has brought back its $100 checking account bonus. This new bonus is available until 2/19/2010, and like the last one it allows either direct deposit of at least $250 or 10 online bill payments. The promotion details are listed in the bank's promotion page. Some important details mentioned in the small print include:
A few readers shared their experience with this bonus last year. If you participated in this promotion last year, please leave a comment about how it went. Hopefully, the bonuses were paid without problems.
Branches are located throughout the Western and Midwestern states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and California. The bank has been a FDIC member since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 3514).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me news of this new promotion.
Online Savings Account
Bank of the West continues to offer an online savings account with the competitive yield of 1.50% APY for balances of $10K and above as of 1/14/2010. This is the same rate when I posted on this account last August. Unfortunately, 1.50% is now competitive for online savings accounts. However, the rate is low for balances under $10K (0.50%). In August I was told by the CSR that there's a $2/month fee if the balance falls below $300. Another downside is that their ACH bank-to-bank transfer service has a transfer limit of $2,000 per day.
Other Bank Bonuses and Online Savings Accounts
To find other bonus deals, please refer to my bank bonus page which has all of my recent bank bonus posts. Refer to my weekly rate summary and the savings account section of DepositAccounts.com for the best nationwide savings account rates.
- Open any new personal checking account
- First recurring direct deposit must be posted to your account within 60 calendar days of your account opening date
- The 10 bill payments must occur within 60 calendar days of your account opening date
- Bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days after satisfaction of conditions
- Offer valid for a new personal checking account opened from with $100 or more from a financial institution other than Bank of the West
- Offer does not apply to second or multiple checking accounts and/or existing checking customers
- Limit of one $100 bonus per household per calendar year
- Value of the offer reported to the IRS on Form 1099
A few readers shared their experience with this bonus last year. If you participated in this promotion last year, please leave a comment about how it went. Hopefully, the bonuses were paid without problems.
Branches are located throughout the Western and Midwestern states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon and California. The bank has been a FDIC member since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 3514).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me news of this new promotion.
Online Savings Account
Bank of the West continues to offer an online savings account with the competitive yield of 1.50% APY for balances of $10K and above as of 1/14/2010. This is the same rate when I posted on this account last August. Unfortunately, 1.50% is now competitive for online savings accounts. However, the rate is low for balances under $10K (0.50%). In August I was told by the CSR that there's a $2/month fee if the balance falls below $300. Another downside is that their ACH bank-to-bank transfer service has a transfer limit of $2,000 per day.
Other Bank Bonuses and Online Savings Accounts
To find other bonus deals, please refer to my bank bonus page which has all of my recent bank bonus posts. Refer to my weekly rate summary and the savings account section of DepositAccounts.com for the best nationwide savings account rates.
4.01% Reward Checking Account at Inland Northwest Bank in WA & ID - Local Only
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - 11:08 PM CT
Inland Northwest Bank is offering a high-yield reward checking account with the following rates:
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 3 stars (adequate) at BauerFinancial (based on 9/30/09 data) and 2 stars (below peer group) at Bankrate.com (based on 6/30/09 data). The bank has been a FDIC member since 1989 (FDIC Certificate # 27601).
Other Reward Checking Accounts
To find reward checking accounts in other areas of the nation, please refer to the reward checking section of DepositAccounts.com. To learn more about reward checking, please refer to this reward checking overview.
- 4.01% APY on balances up to $25,000
- 1.01% on portion of balance over $25,000
- 0.02% base rate if requirements are not met
- 12 debit card purchases
- 1 electronic deposit or withdrawal
- Receive electronic statements
- $100 minimum initial deposit
- No Minimum Balance Requirement
- No Monthly Maintenance Fee
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 3 stars (adequate) at BauerFinancial (based on 9/30/09 data) and 2 stars (below peer group) at Bankrate.com (based on 6/30/09 data). The bank has been a FDIC member since 1989 (FDIC Certificate # 27601).
Other Reward Checking Accounts
To find reward checking accounts in other areas of the nation, please refer to the reward checking section of DepositAccounts.com. To learn more about reward checking, please refer to this reward checking overview.
$200 Checking Account Bonus at Union Bank in CA, WA and OR
Monday, December 28, 2009 - 8:15 AM CT
Union Bank is offering up to $200 for opening its Signature Banking Checking account and for establishing qualifying services. The Signature Banking Checking has a high minimum balance requirement so this isn't a great deal, but it may be worthwhile to a few. The promo is listed on the bank's front page, and the details are described in bank's promo page. Here are the requirements:
I noticed the bank's Preferred Savings account has a competitive rate of 1.50% APY for balances of at least $10,000. This is listed in the bank's savings account rates page as of 12/28/09. This could help ease the checking's $10,000 combined minimum balance requirement.
There's a toll-free number listed on the promo page. I haven't called this number to see if it's available nationwide. I would guess a branch visit is required. According to the bank's company profile page, the bank has 337 banking offices in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. However, the vast majority of the branches are located in California.
Union Bank has been a FDIC member since 1979 (FDIC Certificate # 22826).
Thanks to the reader Marc who mentioned this promotion in the comments of the bank deals hub.
Update: A reader noted that there are also two $50 bonuses available for opening a free checking account. Both require either direct deposit or three online bill payments:
Other Bank Bonuses
To find other bonus deals, please refer to my bank bonus page which has all of my recent bank bonus posts.
- Open a Signature Banking Checking account by 1/31/10
- Establish two qualifying services for $200
- Establish one qualifying services for $100
- Qualifying services include 1) monthly direct deposit, 2) three online bill payments to three different payees, beginning the month after account opening 3) five debit card purchases or payments per month
- Valid for new customers with funds not presently on deposit with Union Bank
- Bonus will be deposited by 4/30/10 into the Signature Checking account which must be active and in good standing
- Limit one offer per household
- Bonus reported as interest paid for tax purposes
I noticed the bank's Preferred Savings account has a competitive rate of 1.50% APY for balances of at least $10,000. This is listed in the bank's savings account rates page as of 12/28/09. This could help ease the checking's $10,000 combined minimum balance requirement.
There's a toll-free number listed on the promo page. I haven't called this number to see if it's available nationwide. I would guess a branch visit is required. According to the bank's company profile page, the bank has 337 banking offices in California, Oregon, Washington and Texas. However, the vast majority of the branches are located in California.
Union Bank has been a FDIC member since 1979 (FDIC Certificate # 22826).
Thanks to the reader Marc who mentioned this promotion in the comments of the bank deals hub.
Update: A reader noted that there are also two $50 bonuses available for opening a free checking account. Both require either direct deposit or three online bill payments:
- $50 cash bonus, Expires 12/31/09
- $50 Nijiya Market Gift Certificate. Expires 2/28/10
Other Bank Bonuses
To find other bonus deals, please refer to my bank bonus page which has all of my recent bank bonus posts.
2.50% 2-Year CD & 3.00% 3-Year CD at Washington Federal Savings in Several States - Local Only
Sunday, December 13, 2009 - 12:41 PM CT
Washington Federal Savings is offering some competitive mid-term CD rates. These include a 24-month CD with a 2.50% APY and a 36-month CD with a 3.00% APY. Minimum deposit is $1,000. Jumbo CDs with a $90K minimum receive an extra 5 basis points. These rates are not listed at the bank's website. A reader mentioned these rates, and I called two of the bank's branches in Redmond, Washington and in Las Vegas on Friday. The CSR at Redmond said rates are usually updated on Fridays so she expected these CD rates to last through next week.
A branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State. Rates may vary by area, so make sure you confirm the CD rates with your local branch.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little above average: 3½ stars (good) at BauerFinancial (based on 9/30/09 data) and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com (based on 6/30/09 data). The bank has been a FDIC member since 1935 (FDIC Certificate # 28088). It's a sizable bank with $12.6 billion in assets and $7.9 billion in deposits.
Other Competitive Certificate of Deposit Rates
A branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State. Rates may vary by area, so make sure you confirm the CD rates with your local branch.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little above average: 3½ stars (good) at BauerFinancial (based on 9/30/09 data) and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com (based on 6/30/09 data). The bank has been a FDIC member since 1935 (FDIC Certificate # 28088). It's a sizable bank with $12.6 billion in assets and $7.9 billion in deposits.
Other Competitive Certificate of Deposit Rates
- CD rates at DepositAccounts.com (overview of DepositAccounts.com)
- My weekly list of hot nationwide and local CD deals
2.12% 21-Month Bump & Add-on CD at Woodstone Credit Union in WA - Local Only
Friday, December 4, 2009 - 9:54 AM CT
Woodstone Credit Union has a pretty good deal on its special 21-month certificate. The rate is 2.12% APY, and it allows a one-time bump up in the rate and a one-time add-on deposit. Minimum deposit is $2,500. There's also a similar 13-month CD special, but the rate is only 1.80% APY. These rates are listed in the credit union's rates page as of 12/04/09.
The add-on feature is more important than the bump feature in my opinion. The add-on feature can provide a nice hedge against a persistent low interest rate environment. When your other CDs mature, you can always depend on the add-on CD. Unfortunately, this CD only allows a one-time add-on which makes it not quite as useful.
Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in Washington State. Refer to the credit union's about page for more details. Membership requires a minimum $25 in the savings account.
The credit union is located in Federal Way, Washington State.
Woodstone's ratings for safety and soundness are above average: 4 stars (excellent) at BauerFinancial and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. The credit union is federally insured by the NCUA (Charter # 60613).
Other Competitive Certificate of Deposit Rates
The add-on feature is more important than the bump feature in my opinion. The add-on feature can provide a nice hedge against a persistent low interest rate environment. When your other CDs mature, you can always depend on the add-on CD. Unfortunately, this CD only allows a one-time add-on which makes it not quite as useful.
Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in Washington State. Refer to the credit union's about page for more details. Membership requires a minimum $25 in the savings account.
The credit union is located in Federal Way, Washington State.
Woodstone's ratings for safety and soundness are above average: 4 stars (excellent) at BauerFinancial and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. The credit union is federally insured by the NCUA (Charter # 60613).
Other Competitive Certificate of Deposit Rates
2.19% 15-Month CD at Golf Savings Bank - Available Nationwide
Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 11:41 AM CT
When I was updating rates yesterday, I noticed a good CD deal at Golf Savings Bank. It's a 15-month bump CD with a 2.19% APY. Minimum deposit is $10,000. The rate actually goes down to 2.09% APY for deposits over $90,000. These rates are listed in the bank's CD rates page as of 11/22/2009. At the bottom of the table, it states these rate were last changed on 11/16/09. Hopefully, this 15-month rate won't be lowered tomorrow.
When I last contacted Golf Savings Bank in August, I was told that people from any state can apply for the accounts. The online application uses the Cashedge service, and it allows ACH funding from your existing bank account.
According to the CSR, the rate locks when you submit your application. The rates are usually updated on Mondays. The grace period at maturity is 10 days. At maturity, they require written instructions (mailed or faxed) to close the CD, and if you want a wire transfer, they'll require a form to be mailed so you should plan this well in advance.
When I reported on Golf Savings Bank in August, they were offering a money market account with a top rate of 2.50% APY for balances over $250K. This is now down to 2.00% APY as of 11/22/09. Refer to my August post for more details on this money market account.
Financial/FDIC Info
The bank is headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Based on 6/30/09 FDIC data, the bank has 499 employees, $619 million in assets and $344 million in deposits. Its assets and number of employees have grown quite a bit since the previous FDIC data point in 3/31/09 when the assets were $562 million and the number of employees were 403. However, the deposits had little change. Perhaps this is why the bank has gone to the internet to bring in deposits.
The bank's rating for safety and soundness has gone down a bit at BauerFinancial. It's now 3 stars (adequate) based on 6/30/09 data. It had been 4 stars (excellent) based on 3/31/09 data. It remains 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com based on 6/30/09 data. Golf Savings Bank has been a FDIC member since 2000 (FDIC Certificate # 35362).
Other Competitive Savings Account and CD Rates
When I last contacted Golf Savings Bank in August, I was told that people from any state can apply for the accounts. The online application uses the Cashedge service, and it allows ACH funding from your existing bank account.
According to the CSR, the rate locks when you submit your application. The rates are usually updated on Mondays. The grace period at maturity is 10 days. At maturity, they require written instructions (mailed or faxed) to close the CD, and if you want a wire transfer, they'll require a form to be mailed so you should plan this well in advance.
When I reported on Golf Savings Bank in August, they were offering a money market account with a top rate of 2.50% APY for balances over $250K. This is now down to 2.00% APY as of 11/22/09. Refer to my August post for more details on this money market account.
Financial/FDIC Info
The bank is headquartered in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. Based on 6/30/09 FDIC data, the bank has 499 employees, $619 million in assets and $344 million in deposits. Its assets and number of employees have grown quite a bit since the previous FDIC data point in 3/31/09 when the assets were $562 million and the number of employees were 403. However, the deposits had little change. Perhaps this is why the bank has gone to the internet to bring in deposits.
The bank's rating for safety and soundness has gone down a bit at BauerFinancial. It's now 3 stars (adequate) based on 6/30/09 data. It had been 4 stars (excellent) based on 3/31/09 data. It remains 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com based on 6/30/09 data. Golf Savings Bank has been a FDIC member since 2000 (FDIC Certificate # 35362).
Other Competitive Savings Account and CD Rates
2.25% 12-Month Jumbo CD at First Sound Bank in WA - Local Only
Sunday, November 22, 2009 - 11:33 AM CT
First Sound Bank is offering a 2.25% APY 366-day CD. Minimum deposit is $100,000. This rate is listed at the bottom of the bank's rates page as of 11/22/2009.
It appears that a branch visit is required to open an account. It's a small bank with one office located in Seattle, Washington.
Its ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 1 star (troubled) at BauerFinancial and 1 star (lowest) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. On the plus side, I can't see any public enforcement actions against the bank (via CalculatedRisk Blog). The bank has been a FDIC member since 2004 (FDIC Certificate # 57799).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me info on this CD.
Other Competitive CD Rates
It appears that a branch visit is required to open an account. It's a small bank with one office located in Seattle, Washington.
Its ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 1 star (troubled) at BauerFinancial and 1 star (lowest) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. On the plus side, I can't see any public enforcement actions against the bank (via CalculatedRisk Blog). The bank has been a FDIC member since 2004 (FDIC Certificate # 57799).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me info on this CD.
Other Competitive CD Rates
Money Market Account Special at First Independent Bank in Washington State - Local Only
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 8:17 AM CT
First Independent Bank has a money market special with some competitive rates. They're adding 1.01% to their standard rates for 6 months. The rate tiers are listed in this bank's promo page as of 11/20/09:
It appears that a branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in several Washington State cities including Vancouver, Woodland, Bingen and Stevenson. There's also a branch in Portland, Oregon.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 2 stars (problematic) at BauerFinancial and 1 star (lowest) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. The bank has been a FDIC member since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 1500).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me info on this promotion.
Other Competitive Money Market Accounts
- 1.92% APY $100K to $500K
- 1.72% APY $25K to $100K
- 1.27% APY up to $25K
It appears that a branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in several Washington State cities including Vancouver, Woodland, Bingen and Stevenson. There's also a branch in Portland, Oregon.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 2 stars (problematic) at BauerFinancial and 1 star (lowest) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 6/30/09 financial data. The bank has been a FDIC member since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 1500).
Thanks to the reader who emailed me info on this promotion.
Other Competitive Money Market Accounts
Immediate Access Accounts
Certificates of Deposit
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