North Country Savings Bank Switches To Kasasa Cash
For several years, North Country Savings Bank’s (North Country) Advantage Checking (1.05% APY, up to $25k) has been part of DA’s “Best Bank Account Summary.” At the end of June, North Country replaced its Advantage Checking account with a new Kasasa Cash account that earns 1.25% APY on qualifying balances up to $25k. Qualifying balances over $25k earn 0.35% APY, with non-qualifying balances earning 0.05% APY.
North Country Savings Bank always strives to bring better banking solutions to our
communities and put more money in our members' pockets. That's why we've
partnered with Kasasa, a financial technology company that seeks to empower local
community banks across the country by offering high-quality banking products.
Kasasa Cash Qualifying Requirements
- Have at least 10 debit card purchases
- Have at least one Direct Deposit or ACH
- Receive eStatements
- Log into Online Banking
At this point, you may be wondering why I’m writing about this Kasasa Cash account, since it’s clearly not one of the leading RCAs available nationwide. I have two reasons: 1) officially noting the change to Kasasa Cash (and its higher APY), and 2) a description of what can go wrong when a financial institution makes a substantial change in its product line.
North Country’s website is a bit light on details about the Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Saver accounts, so I called the Bank to confirm the information I had. When I asked why the following statement,
With return rates up to 3% for qualifying members …
was on the Kasasa Cash page, CSR seemed surprised, since that information is wrong. I also pointed out that their Current Interest Rates page still listed the Advantage Checking account, but not the new Kasasa Cash account; CSR was again surprised, but reassured me that he would make sure everything was corrected. That was ten days ago, and nothing has changed.
I will continue to update this blog post with any further development.
Availability
Headquartered in Canton near the Canadian border, North Country Savings is a self-described “customer-based and community-driven” bank, which was established in 1909.
North Country offers its Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Saver accounts to all U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens with a valid Social Security Number.
The Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Saver accounts can be opened online, or in person at any of four Upstate New York branches located in Canton, Massena, Ogdensburg, and Potsdam.
Bank Overview
North Country Savingst (FDIC Certificate # 16030) has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas ratio of 6.53% (excellent) based on March 31, 2016 data. In the past year, North Country has increased its total deposits by $2.99 million, an above average annual growth rate of 1.6%. Please refer to our financial overview of North Country Savings Bank for more details.
How the Kasasa Cash Compares
When compared to the 17 High Yield Reward Checking Accounts tracked by DepositAccounts.com that are available nationwide and have maximum qualifying balances of at least $25k, North Country Savings Bank’s Kasasa Cash APY currently ranks eight. The following is a sampling of those eight accounts.
The above rates are accurate as of 7/8/2016.
To look for the best nationwide Reward Checking Account rates and the best Reward Checking Account rates in your state, please refer to our High Yield Reward Checking Account rates table or our Rates Map page.
