Vista Bank (TX) Offers Reward Checking Accounts Statewide

POSTED ON BY

Deal Summary: VistaSmart Checking, 2.49% APY on qualifying balances of $30k. Vista Checking, 1.49% APY on qualifying balances up to $30k.

Availability: Texas residents

Since I last wrote about Vista Bank’s two reward checking accounts (RCA) in 2016, there have been three significant changes: 1) both VistaSmart Checking (2.49% APY on qualifying balances up to $30k) and Vista Checking (1.49% APY on qualifying balances up to $30k) had rate drops of 102 bps about six months ago; 2) the market area has expanded from three Texas Panhandle counties to all of Texas; and 3) an online application has been added to Vista Bank’s website. Both RCAs earn 0.25% on qualifying balances over $30k and 0.05% APY on non-qualifying balances.

APYMINMAXINSTITUTIONPRODUCTDETAILS
5.25*%-$30kVista BankVistaSmart Checking
OTHER TIERS: 0.25% $30k+
Rates as of September 25, 2023.

Unlike the majority of RCAs, the VistaSmart Checking has a monthly service fee ($4.99); this can be waived by meeting the qualifying requirements. The VistaSmart Checking account can be opened with a $100 minimum deposit. ATM fees (both nationwide and foreign) will be reimbursed up to $25 per month, if the qualifying requirements are met. Unlimited check writing is available and checks are free. As you might expect, the higher APY RCA comes with a more demanding set of monthly qualifications requirements.

  • At least 30 debit card purchases.
  • At least two Direct Deposits or ACHs.
  • Receive eStatements.

When I first wrote about the VistaSmart Checking in 2010, the Vista Checking account didn’t exist. Added to the product line in late 2016, the Vista Checking account is fee-free, but does require a $100 minimum opening deposit. Nationwide ATM fees will be reimbursed up to $25, if the qualifying requirements are met. Unlimited check writing is available and the first box of check is free.

APYMINMAXINSTITUTIONPRODUCTDETAILS
1.49*%-$30kVista BankVista Checking
OTHER TIERS: 0.25% $30k+
Rates as of September 25, 2023.

Compared to the VistaSmart Checking, the Vista Checking monthly qualification requirements are cut in half.

  • At least 15 debit card purchases.
  • At least one Direct Deposit or ACH.
  • Receive eStatements.

Both VistaSmart Checking and Vista Checking customers qualify for a 0.25% per annum interest rate discount on consumer loans, if auto-draft is set up on consumer loan.

Availability

Headquartered in Dallas, Vista Bank now offers its VistaSmart Checking and Vista Checking accounts to all U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live in Texas.

Opening a VistaSmart Checking account or a Vista Checking account can be done online, or at any of the 14 full-service Texas branches located in Abernathy, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hale Center, Hamlin, Idalou, Lubbock (3), Petersburg, Plainview, Ralls, and Rule.

In order to serve you better, in many locations you will soon note the addition of curbside banking. You can utilize this service to pick up debit cards, make a wire transfer, request a notary and more.

If you require cash services, you will still need to use the drive-thru.

To utilize curbside banking, please pull into one of the designated parking spots, call the provided number on the sign, and a Vista banker will come to the car to help you.

Bank Overview

Vista Bank has an overall health grade of "A" at DepositAccounts.com, with a Texas Ratio of 1.16% (excellent) based on June 30, 2020 data. In the past year, Vista Bank has increased its total non-brokered deposits by $165.18 million, an excellent annual growth rate of 24.57%. Please refer to our financial overview of Vista Bank (FDIC Certificate # 1210) for more details.

On January 25, 1912 the doors opened for the first bank in the new town of Ralls under the name of W.E. McLaughlin, Banker1 Unincorporated, with a capitalization of $11,000. It was an unincorporated private bank.

And so began the journey of Vista Bank, one of the very few 100-year old banks in Texas still operated by the founding family. For the history buffs in DA's readership, Vista Bank’s Who We Are page details the Bank’s 108-year history. With assets in excess of $1.1 billion, Vista Bank is currently the 71st largest bank headquartered in Texas.

How the VistaSmart Checking Compares

When compared to the High Yield Rewards Checking Accounts tracked by DepositAccounts.com that are available to all Texas residents and have maximum qualifying balances of at least $30k, Vista Bank’s VistaSmart Checking APY currently ranks first.

The above rates are accurate as of 9/21/2020.

To look for the best Reward Checking Account rates, both nationwide and state specific, please refer to our High Yield Reward Checking Account Rates Table page.

Related Pages: Dallas checking accounts, Austin checking accounts, Lubbock checking accounts, Abilene checking accounts, reward checking accounts

Comments
Duck
  |     |   Comment #1
Like the rate like the checks have no problem with that why don't they just make it 60 or even a100 debits a month for myself it's unrealistic. At this time like many especially someone getting up there in their yrs I hardly go out anymore for myself it's at most 1x a week
Choice
  |     |   Comment #2
They are really not looking for seniors or those on fixed income with that number of transactions
moneysaver
  |     |   Comment #3
They have an online application, but their website also includes the following snippet:

"Please note that the personal information you provide will need to be verified in one of our branches before the account can be approved and opened."

Anyone know if that language above means they actually will also require an in-person branch visit in order to open one of their rewards checking accounts?
Vista Bank (TX) Has Two Competitive Rewards Checking Accounts
Availability: Market area is the Texas Panhandle, primarily Crosby, Hale, and Lubbock Counties.

I have written about many Rewards Checking Accounts (RCA), but I think this is the first time I’ve written about two competitive RCAs being offered by the same financial institution.

Vista Bank offers VistaSmart Checking (3.51% APY on qualifying balances up to $30k) and Vista Checking (2.51% APY on qualifying balances up to $30k). Both RCAs earn 0.50% on qualifying balances over $30k and 0.05% APY on non-qualifying balances.

The VistaSmart Checking account requires...

Continue Reading
High-Yield Reward Checking Account at Vista Bank in North Texas - Local Only

Vista Bank is offering a high-yield reward checking account called VistaSmart Checking. It has the following rates and features if certain monthly requirements are met:

  • 4.51% APY on balances up to $30,000 (as of 4/13/2010)
  • ATM fees refunded nationwide, up to $25 per month
  • $4.99 monthly service fee waived

Note, I only see the top rate listed on the bank's home page in a rotating ad. No other rates are listed.

The high top rate is nice, but there's a much higher-than-normal debit card usage requirement. Here are all the monthly requirements:

  • 30 debit card purchases
  • 2...
Continue Reading


The financial institution, product, and APY (Annual Percentage Yield) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your region. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The content displayed is for general information purposes only; always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account. Contact [email protected] to report inaccurate info or to request offers be included in this website. We are not affiliated with the financial institutions included in this website.