Update on the Best Reward Checking Account in Houston Texas
| APY | MIN | MAX | INSTITUTION | PRODUCT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.20*% | - | $25k | Texas Citizens Bank | Reward Plus Checking | |
| 0.75*% | - | $25k | Texas Citizens Bank | Reward Checking |
Texas Citizens Bank continues to offer two competitive rates on its reward checking accounts. In my last report on this bank in 2008, I had only mentioned the reward checking account with a 4.76% APY. This applies to balances of up to $25K. Over $25K, the rate falls to 1.00% APY. However, I didn't mention the Reward Plus Account which pays 5.01% APY on balances up to $25K (1.00% for above). These rates are listed at the bank's rates page as of 6/04/2010.
The only extra requirement for the Reward Plus Account is direct deposit. Both share the following monthly requirements:
- 12 debit card purchases
- 3 bill payment transactions using TCB Online Banking
- Receive your bank statement online
Both of these reward checking accounts can be opened online at CheckingFinder.com. However, these accounts will only show up if your zip code is in our around Houston. Update 8/24/10: This account no longer shows up at CheckingFinder even for Houston zip codes.
In addition to top reward checking rates, the bank also offers some competitive CD specials with a one-bump option. The rates have fallen a little since my last post in April, but they're still very competitive. One CD has a 30-month term and a 2.50% APY. The other is a 48-month CD with a 3.01% APY. Minimum deposit is $10,000. These rates are listed at the bank's rates page as of 6/04/2010.
Branches are located in Houston, Texas and in nearby cities of Pasadena, Baytown and Rosenberg.
The bank's ratings for safety and soundness are a little weak: 3 stars (adequate) at BauerFinancial and 2 stars (below peer group) at Bankrate.com. Both ratings are based on 12/31/09 financial data. At DepositAccounts.com the overall health score for this bank based on 3/31/10 data is 4 out of 5 (see our Texas Citizens Bank rates and reviews page). The bank has been a FDIC member since 2006 (FDIC Certificate # 58319).
Searching for the Best Reward Checking & CD Rates
Anyhow, it has been such a way for some time and it is not new (even with the 5.01% DD option).
It is definitely local, so nothing to wriite home about:-)