4.25% 18-Month CD (Nationwide) & 3.75% Checking Until 6/30/09 (PA/NJ) at Nova Bank
POSTED ON BY Ken Tumin
Update 12/16/08: A reader has reported being told by a branch manager that today (12/16/08) will be the last day for this 4.25% 18-month CD.
Nova Bank is listing a CD special and a checking account special on its front page as of 12/11/08. Unfortunately, only the CD is available nationwide. The CD special has an APY of 4.25% and a term of 18 months. Minimum deposit is $500.
You can apply for the CD using their online application. According to the CSR, when you submit the application, you'll have to print the signature card and mail it in with your check and two forms of ID. I was told that the rate locks based on the postmark date.
At CD maturity, there's a 7-day grace period. If you don't want to have it automatically renew, I was told you have to mail or fax them written instructions. You can request them to mail you a check or have them wire transfer the funds. The wire transfer out fee is $25.
The CD details are described on page 16 of the disclosure document. Early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of interest for CD terms 12 months or longer.
3.75% Checking Account Promotion
Unlike the CDs, I was told the checking accounts can only be opened at one of their branches. The checking account has a 3.75% APY on all balances guaranteed until 6/30/09 as long as certain electronic requirements are met. Requirements are:
Branches are located in the Pennsylvania counties of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester, and in the New Jersey cities of Deptford and Woodbury Heights.
Nova Bank's financial ratings for soundness are fair: 3.5 stars (good) at BauerFinancial based on 9/30/08 data and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com based on 6/30/08 data. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1988 (FDIC Certificate # 27148).
Nova Bank is listing a CD special and a checking account special on its front page as of 12/11/08. Unfortunately, only the CD is available nationwide. The CD special has an APY of 4.25% and a term of 18 months. Minimum deposit is $500.
You can apply for the CD using their online application. According to the CSR, when you submit the application, you'll have to print the signature card and mail it in with your check and two forms of ID. I was told that the rate locks based on the postmark date.
At CD maturity, there's a 7-day grace period. If you don't want to have it automatically renew, I was told you have to mail or fax them written instructions. You can request them to mail you a check or have them wire transfer the funds. The wire transfer out fee is $25.
The CD details are described on page 16 of the disclosure document. Early withdrawal penalty is 180 days of interest for CD terms 12 months or longer.
3.75% Checking Account Promotion
Unlike the CDs, I was told the checking accounts can only be opened at one of their branches. The checking account has a 3.75% APY on all balances guaranteed until 6/30/09 as long as certain electronic requirements are met. Requirements are:
- direct deposit or an ACH debit
- sign up for free Online Banking and Bill Pay
- receive a PBB or NOVA Check Card
Branches are located in the Pennsylvania counties of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester, and in the New Jersey cities of Deptford and Woodbury Heights.
Nova Bank's financial ratings for soundness are fair: 3.5 stars (good) at BauerFinancial based on 9/30/08 data and 3 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com based on 6/30/08 data. The bank has been FDIC insured since 1988 (FDIC Certificate # 27148).
