2.60% Rewards Checking Account at a Kansas Bank (Emprise)
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Update 12/31/08: The top yield has fallen to 2.60% APY. Refer to the bottom of the post for the rate history.
Emprise Bank is offering a rewards checking account called eRewards Checking. It offers a yield of 2.60% APY on balances up to $25K (0.35% for above). It requires a little more debit card usage than other reward checking accounts (12 per month rather than the typical 10). The other requirements include 1 Direct Deposit or ACH Auto Debit and receiving electronic statements. If these requirements are not met, the rate falls to 0.05% and you don't get any refunds of ATM fees charged by other banks. The minimum deposit is $100 and it has no monthly service fees.
You can apply for the eRewards checking online. The application makes it seem that people from any state can apply, so I called the bank on Friday. I was told that you still have to visit a branch to show identification and to complete the application process. Note, the banking rep offered me an additional $10 sign-up bonus, so be sure to call before applying. Their toll-free number is (800) 201-7118.
Branches are located in several Kansas cities including Wichita, Andover, Augusta, El Dorado, Eureka, Goddard, Hays, Lawrence and Toronto. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 4789).
Rate History:
12/23/08: 2.60% APY for up to $25K, 0.35% APY for above, 0.05% if req not met.
??/??/08: 3.51% APY for up to $25K, 1.03% APY for above
04/05/08: 4.75% APY for up to $25K
04/22/07: 6.01% APY for up to $25K, 0.40% if req not met.
Emprise Bank is offering a rewards checking account called eRewards Checking. It offers a yield of 2.60% APY on balances up to $25K (0.35% for above). It requires a little more debit card usage than other reward checking accounts (12 per month rather than the typical 10). The other requirements include 1 Direct Deposit or ACH Auto Debit and receiving electronic statements. If these requirements are not met, the rate falls to 0.05% and you don't get any refunds of ATM fees charged by other banks. The minimum deposit is $100 and it has no monthly service fees.
You can apply for the eRewards checking online. The application makes it seem that people from any state can apply, so I called the bank on Friday. I was told that you still have to visit a branch to show identification and to complete the application process. Note, the banking rep offered me an additional $10 sign-up bonus, so be sure to call before applying. Their toll-free number is (800) 201-7118.
Branches are located in several Kansas cities including Wichita, Andover, Augusta, El Dorado, Eureka, Goddard, Hays, Lawrence and Toronto. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934 (FDIC Certificate # 4789).
Rate History:
12/23/08: 2.60% APY for up to $25K, 0.35% APY for above, 0.05% if req not met.
??/??/08: 3.51% APY for up to $25K, 1.03% APY for above
04/05/08: 4.75% APY for up to $25K
04/22/07: 6.01% APY for up to $25K, 0.40% if req not met.