Who cares about interest rates when you can get the prize from the get-go? Northwest Savings Bank is offering rewards for both new recruits and current members who successfully manage to refer their checking accounts to new members. This just might be the best checking account in the market today, and the bank is determined to make new members feel this way.

Simply by opening an account with them (you have to identify a current member, though, who referred you), you already earn $100 which will be automatically transferred to your account. The money in the bank deal works for both the new recruit and the recruiter because the current member is rewarded $50 for each new referral he brings into the bank.

Current members are also included in the draw for 25 iPod Nanos when they successfully refer people to the bank. If you’re not comfortable with letting chance decide your fate, you can put the reigns in your hands by inviting at least five friends to get a checking account with the bank. This entitles you to a $10 gift card for iTunes which you can use to purchase music or accessories for your digital media player.

The current members are not the only ones getting the goodies. New members also enjoy several banking perks, including free, unlimited access to up to 37,000 ATMs nationwide, free online banking transactions and bill payment services, free rewards card, and a free enrollment to the bank’s mobile banking service.

The bank has been around for quite a while. It was established in 1896, and currently has 168 branches located in Maryland, New York, Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania. The bank’s safety and soundness ratings are pretty impressive. It received 5 out of 5 stars from BauerFinancial.com, and a rare 4 out of 5 stars from Bankrate.com. The Northwest Savings Bank is a member of the FDIC, and is federally insured under FDIC Certificate #28178.

Just recently, BBVA Compass and SmartyPig formed a partnership, and BBVA Compass seems to be taking full advantage of it. They just posted a new promo on SmatyPig’s main website, and this promo has to do with a $150 bonus for every checking account opened at BBVA Compass. This isn’t a bad deal at all of you’re looking for some immediate freebies just to enroll an account.

Just in case you want the word from the horse’s mouth, you can also check the promotion page. We’ve found out, though, that you don’t get your $150 right away. As in other checking account bonuses, you get the $150 bonus in parts when you:

• Enroll a Buy to Order Checking Account through the net
• Apply for a Direct Deposit account from your payroll, which earns you $75
• Enroll your account to the checking accounts Online Bill Pay, which earns you $25 a month, for three months. According to the fine print, you also have to pay at least five bills for each month to earn your bonus.

Unless you’re iffy about being strapped down to these terms, this can actually be considered the best checking rewards account, at least in the areas where the bank has branches. Unlike their partner SmartyPig, Compass Bank isn’t offering its account nationwide. This particular checking account is only available in states where the bank has branches. So far, this includes TX, NM, FL, CO, CA, AZ, and AL.

This offer might end soon according to the CSR. Take note that this is being offered exclusively to households which are applying for the checking account for the first time. The BBVA is a pretty stable financial institution, which is federally insured under FDIC Certificate # 19048.

The rates aren’t stated in their promotional page, but the American Community Bank is giving away free iPod players for those who would open a checking account with them. This is in commemoration of their 10th anniversary. It’s probably the best checking account for you if you’re into Apple products and if there’s an American Community Bank where you live or work.

When you open any of the bank’s checking accounts with a deposit of at least $100, you get to have a GPX Home radio, complete with an iPod connection. Once you open an account and complete $500 worth of direct deposits, you get another Apple gift, this time an iPod Shuffle with 2GB of memory.

Want more? You’ll probably think of this account as the best checking reward account in the market if you find out what’s in store for you once you enroll your account to their Free Online Banking and Bills to Pay programs, and set the account so you’ll pay three of your bills automatically every month. The next free gift is an upgrade of your 2GB iPod to a 4GB model.

Last July 3, the bank also gave away an iPad as their grand prize for the raffle draw. Eligibility for the raffle draw also required a newly opened checking account. While the iPad is no longer up for grabs, there’s still plenty of iPods for new checking account applicants.

Bankrate.com’s ratings for this bank’s soundness and safety are quite a mix. The branch in Illinois was rated four stars out of five, New York’s branch received three out of five, and Minnesota’s branch received a poor rating with only one star out of five.  For a bank that’s only been around for 10 years, this is quite an expected turn up.

Despite the mixed reviews, the American Community Bank is still a member of the FDIC. It has a federal insurance indicated in FDIC Certificate #35033.

There are a lot of banks right now that are trying to gain back their leverage after falling prey to the recent global economic crisis. To gain their clients back, most of them are giving away bonuses as well as the most competitive interest rates.

Small banks are pulling twice the legwork, as can be seen by the most recent checking account offered by the Bank of Greene County. Not only does is give the best interest rate in the area, earning 5.00% APY. It also comes with a free gift.

The high yielding checking account, which can be considered the best checking account in the county, is an electronic account, though. That’s probably the only thing going against it right now. Not everyone is comfortable about having a wholly electronic account.

However, if you can get past the fact that you’ll be doing most of your transactions online and though a check card, this is one of technology’s greatest banking gift to mankind. If it earns up to 5.00% APY, there’s no reason for you to complain—unless you’re unhappy about the low cap deposit.

According to their website, only up to $1000 of your deposit earns this interest. The funds exceeding $1000 still earns interest, but the rate drops down to 0.50% APY. Another slight setback is that although there’s no advertised limit to who can open the account, it’s going to be very inconvenient for you to maintain it if you live in south-central NYC. The drive can be grueling.

Those who live in Greenville, Hudson, and Catskill are in luck, though. Branches of the Bank of Green County are situated there. The bank’s ratings are pretty impressive. It received a five out of five rating from both BauerFinancial.com and bankrate.com. It is a member of the FDIC and is federally insured under FDIC Certificate #21591.

Customers only have the whole month of August to get the $125 bonus from WesBanco . According to promotional information, depositors only need to apply and get a checking account from the financial institution to get the bonus.

According to the bank’s advertisement, asides from getting quality customer service and the kind of convenience that Wesbanco offers, customers can get the following benefits:

• A bonus of $50 when one directly deposits or does an e-Statement.
• A bonus of $50 when the customer performs 20 debit transactions.
• An extra bonus of $25 when the customer successfully refers another client.

This particular promotion is open until August 31, 2010 and customers who want to open account need to prepare to initially fund it with $50. Customers who once held an account in WesBanco are no longer eligible for the promotion. Applicants need to supply the e-mail address they are using. The customers will get the bonus if they complete their valid requirements within three months after opening the account.

This bank also has a financial application which can help customers predict how much their savings will be able to yield them to help them meet their goals. The calculator is sure to help people get smart with their savings and investments. Customers need only to check Wesbanco at their website for more information. The bank has other tiered savings account which customer can take advantage of. They also have a buffet of services in savings, business, and wealth management.

Are you looking for an impressively high yielding checking account? If you’ve been looking around you’ll know that it’s hard to come by anything which goes over 3.00% APY. If only for that, the checking account offered at South Division Credit Union can be considered the best reward checking account across the US.

Aside from the impressively high rate of 4.01% APY, you also get to enjoy a high cap. The maximum balance to earn top yield is a generous $25,000. Most checking accounts brought down their cap balances to $10,000, which isn’t much of a deal maker these days. This high yielding checking account is called the Freedom Green Checking.

Be prepared, though, because this account is purely electronic. That’s right, you’ll be transacting online, most of the time, whether you’re paying bills or checking your bank statement. The high yield is due to the fact that you’re saving the bank a lot of money. They won’t have to send you statements through snail mail nor issuing you checks. In exchange, you get a nifty little check card and a yield that makes your money grow in the bank. This is possibly the best checking account in town.

According to the bank’s page, you can also earn as much as $25 rebate from ATM deposits. While those who have absorbed the digital lifestyle might nod in agreement to all of the account’s features, some might want the more traditional checking accounts. When we checked the website of this credit union, though, it seems that all of their checking accounts are based online.

The account is offered only to members, but the membership is open to adults, students, and children across the country. To join the credit union, all you have to do is visit their website and click “Join Us”. Unless you don’t know yet, the credit union actually has offices across the country. If you have any issues with your account, you can also settle it through a branch visit.

Branches of the credit union can be found at Chicago Sun-Times, Jesse Brown VAMC, Ryerson, Holy Cross, Evergreen Park, Brother Rice, and Midlothian. These rates can change anytime so it’s advisable for you to check the credit union’s rate table before opening an account.

The South Division Credit Union has been around since 1935. They received mixed reviews online. Bankrate.com only gave them two out of five stars, but BauerFinancial.com gave them four out of five stars. The credit union is federally insured under NCUA Charter #65550.

United Heritage Credit Union in Texas gives us back its reward checking account. The question is, is it still the best reward checking account in the area? While the 3.01% APY certainly sounds competitive, but if we take into account that this rate fell from 5.01% when the account was locked, it doesn’t sound so impressive anymore. Another clincher is that the cap balance used to be $25,000.

Now, the cap balance for the checking account is down to $10,000 which means less earnings for new members. They also increased the required debit card transactions from 10 to 15, which makes the top yield harder to earn. Can we still consider this the best checking account in Texas? Maybe, if we compare it to lower yielding checking accounts offered locally.

Aside from the lower cap and the lower yield, though, the other terms seem to have been retained. Membership is open to those who live, work, or study in Bastrop, Hays, Smith, Caldwell, Williamson, and Travis. You need to deposit at least $1 to a savings account to become a member. The branches of the credit union are located at Round Rock, Tyler, Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Austin.

People complain that this isn’t much of a reward checking account anymore, but the falling rates and the lower caps seem to be a trend among all banks and credit unions when it comes to their checking accounts. This has been going on for two years. While it’s a sad state of affairs, all you can really do right now is look for the ones that remain at the top of the line.

It’s actually advisable for you to check out the credit union’s rate tables first. The rates might rise or fall without warning in the next few days. So far, the 3.01% APY has remained since June 27. Just so be on the safe side, check the website before visiting a branch.

The credit union has $481.50 million worth of assets. It is insured under NCUA Charter # 68251.

Banco Popular promises to give you $125 if you open any personal checking account. We have yet to figure out which one of these are the best reward checking account of the lot, but the important thing is, you will be getting bonus money if you just fulfill any of these conditions:

• $50 for making a direct deposit to your new account
• $25 when you swap you unused checks or old debit cards from another bank
• $50 if you use the bank’s online database to pay your bills

Obviously, the reward system is set to bring in new, loyal customers. According to the promo page, the bank is also going to give you a free gift, just for opening a personal checking account with them. They’re going to give you an Easy Living Folding Chair, which is a pretty strange gift coming from a bank, but a lovely item your home can always use. When we looked at the fine print, we also discovered that customers need to buy their checks.

Now, most checking accounts would issue an unlimited number of free checks to their customers, so we’re wondering if we can swap the free chair for a free order of checks, instead. Unfortunately, this promo doesn’t give you that option—which might make you rethink its status as the best checking account in the market.

Then again, when you look at Banco Popular’s Totally Free Checking Account, it says there that you’re not obliged to maintain any minimum balance. That’s pretty attractive, considering how most checking accounts ask for at least $250 to open the account.

A branch visit is necessary to open the account. Make sure that you bring sufficient ID with you (a photo ID and a social security ID should do it). Their branches are located in Florida, California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey.

Banco Popular is insured by the FDIC under Certificate #34967.

Bank of the West thanks its new holders in the most concrete way possible: by giving cash bonuses. When you open a checking account with this bank, you’re automatically given $100. This will be automatically funded to your checking account the minute you activate it. Of course, you have to deposit at least $250 first into a personal savings account which would fund this checking account.

According to the bank’s promo page, their checking account allows you to make 10 online bills payment or a direct deposit of $250 minimum to the account. Online banking options are totally free for this account, and you can also order an unlimited number of checks—a rare feature for this type of account. Most checking accounts limit their free checks, but this one doesn’t. For this alone you can say that it’s the best checking account in the area.

The application may also be processed online. They claim that it only takes only seven minutes to complete, as long as you already have the necessary softcopies of the documents. You will need a taxpayer’s ID or a social security ID, a driver’s license or an ID issued by the state, a routing number just in case you’re transferring money from another account, and $100 minimum to open the account.

The only clincher is that the $100 bonus is only applicable in certain states. This best reward checking account is not offered nationwide, and you have to call up your branch first before you open the account. The last time we’ve checked, the $100 bonus is not offered to clients in CA, NV, WY, UT, and CO. On the other hand, it is offered in WI, WA, SD, OR, OK, ND, NM, NE, MO, MN, KS, IA, ID, and AZ.

You may also want to check the bank for their best reward checking account rate. This isn’t posted online, but if you call their hotline which is (800)488.2265, the bank’s representative should be more than happy to assist you.

The Bank of the West is considered one of the top regional banks in the USA. Bankrate.com gives mixed ratings of this bank, depending on the branch. The ones offering the bonus, though, scored well, averaging four out of five stars in terms of stability. The bank has been a member of the FDIC since 1934. It is insured under FCID Certificate #3514.

Nassau Educators Federal Credit Union or NEFCU is widening the scope of New Yorkers who can take advantage of their 4.00% APY Reward Checking Account. While this can probably be considered the best checking account in the area, simply because its high yield was retained since it was introduction two years ago. Before, it was only offered to a select number of professionals in the city. Today, NEFCU opened the account to anyone working, living, studying, or worshiping in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York.

One of the advantages of this reward checking account is that the cap balance for the top yield is $25,000. This sure beats similar top yields whose cap remains at $20,000. However, there were a few changes made to the account which might not make it the best reward checking account across the USA. For example, the base APY which covers balances exceeding $25,000 has fallen compared to the account’s introductory base rate.

Another inconvenience is the added debit requirement. Now, for holders to take advantage of the top yield, they need to pay their bills online at least once a month. This is aside from the twelve debit purchases they need to make in the same month using their card. With more competitive checking accounts introduced this month, this account’s competitiveness seems a bit shaky. There are now 4.75% APY reward checking accounts which also have cap balances of up to $25,000.

Right now, if you’re torn between a reward checking account which is offered nationwide and one that’s only being offered locally, it is advised for you to choose the local account. A smaller scope allows financial institutions to control rate chasers. This means that they’re able to make more profit. When this happens, they’re least likely to drop their accounts’ annual percentage yields.

The NEFCU has been around since 1938. They are federally insured under Charter #2760.

River Region Credit Union is offering a reward checking account which can probably be considered the best checking account in the market today. With a 4.00% APY, it’s pretty hard to beat. However, the balance cap seems a little steep. The top yield will only be applied to balances that reach $20,000. A base 0.10% APY will be rewarded for balances exceeding $20,000.

Aside from the cap balance which stops this from being the best reward checking account in the market, the debit requirements seem stringent. In a month, you need to make fifteen debit purchases which are non-PIN, make at least one direct deposit, log in to the CU’s homepage at least twice, and agree to receive electronic statements. If you don’t fulfill these requirements, your APY falls back to the base 0.10% APY.

However, as with most reward checking accounts, this one has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fees. According to the website, this account should have three ATM surcharge refunds or $7. It’s odd, though, that these refunds are not automatic. Holders still need to present ATM transaction receipts to the RRCU office every 12^th business day.

Similar accounts from competitor credit unions and banks will also have a $25,000 balance cap for the top yield. This one’s a little less attractive, at $20,000. Instead of 15 debit purchases, most accounts would also only ask for 10. The only deal maker here, really, is the 4.00% APY. Most reward checking accounts only earn 3.00% APY or less as top yields.

To be eligible for this account, you need to work or live in these areas: Miller, Moniteau, Callaway, Osage, Cole, or Boone. These are all counties of Missouri. The rest of the membership requirements are posted on the CU’s webpage. It’s also required for holders to open a share savings account which should contain a minimum balance of $1.

These rates can change at any time, so make sure that you check the website for updates before opening an account. A branch visit is also necessary to apply for this checking account. Branches of the River Region Credit Union are located at Missouri, Columbia, and Jefferson City.

If you’re concerned about the financial institution’s safety and soundness, you’ll be glad to know that their ratings are both above average. Bankrate.com gave them three stars, while BauerFinancial rated them with four stars. The River Region Credit Union is insured by the NCUA under Charter #64283.

If you’re looking for a high yield checking account, the only way you’re going to find any success is if you look at reward checking accounts. Probably the best checking account in the market today is the High Interest Checking Account that’s being offered by Carthage Federal Savings and Loan Association . This checking account earns up to 2.05% APY.

The minimum deposit and maintaining balance are a bit steep, though, at $2500. If you have a lot of funds to keep, though, this account will work to your advantage. The maximum amount you can keep in this checking account is $25,000. Compared to the regular checking accounts from the same bank, the interest rate here is definitely higher.

For the complete details of the account’s features, you may visit the bank’s website. According to bank representatives, you don’t have to keep your account active to earn the maximum yield. However, you do need electronic statements. Some of the most attractive features of this account include:

• Free access to ATMs across the USA
• Automatic $0.10 reward per signed debit transactions
• Free orders of checks
• Free online banking access
• Free online bill payments

While you only need $25 to open the account, you need to keep $2500 minimum in your account if you want to dodge the $8 monthly service fee. Another clincher is that you have to visit one of their branches to process your application. For those who aren’t familiar with the bank’s branches, you can find them across New York, specifically in Watertown and Carthage.

In terms of soundness and safety, the bank tops the list. It has very high ratings, earning five stars from BauerFinancial.com and four stars from Bankrate.com. You may want to check the bank’s website for updates before opening this checking account. The rates tend to be fickle, these days.

Carthage Federal Savings and Loan Association has been part of the FDIC since 1951. This can be verified through FDIC Certificate # 28942.

If you’re in Illinois, you’re in luck. Rockford Bank and Trust is offering what can be considered the best checking account in that area. We’re talking about the U account, and this particular reward checking account earns up to 4.00% APY for balances that reach the cap of $25,000. For balances over the limit, you still get a generous 1.00% APY. If you use the ATM to get your funds, you also receive at least $20-a-month’s worth of refunds.

Just like any other checking account, though, you will have to meet the monthly requirements. To open the account, you need to deposit a small $100 fee. Within the month, you’ll need to be able to make fifteen transactions on your Visa Check Cards, make a direct deposit or a direct debit transaction, agree to electronic statements, and enroll your account online.

What makes this the best reward checking account so far are the extra perks:

• It has no minimum maintaining balance
• It has no monthly charges for the service
• The bank doesn’t charge you anything for your first ordered checks
• There’s also no charge for online bill payments

The only downside to this account is that you have to visit the branch to be able to open an account. Nothing was said about the bank accepting online applications, or welcoming documents from holders outside Illinois. Still, it’s a worth checking account to look at if you’re in the area. The branches can be found in Rockford, Illinois.

The downer is that the bank doesn’t really rate well in terms of soundness and safety. It only got 3 stars from BauerFinancial and 2 stars from Bankrate.com. For a fairly new bank, perhaps this is forgivable. The bank has only been an FDIC member since 2005, under FDIC Certificate #57827.

Randolph Bank and Trust Company is pushing for a competitive rewards checking account which yields one of the highest APY’s in the market. This money in the bank deal and by far the best checking account you’ll find in NC. The good news is that it’s also offered nationwide.

For balances that reach the $25,000 cap, you get to earn %4.75 APY. The benefits don’t stop there, as you continue to yield a 1% APY for balances that go beyond the $25,000 mark. If you want to take advantage of these rates, just look for the Extra-Mile Choice Checking Account. Of course, you’ll have to meet certain requirements to benefit from these rates. Otherwise, your account’s APY falls back to the 0.10% floor rate.

This checking account allows you to withdraw your money from numerous ATM machines across the USA. To qualify for the high yields, you need to make 12 debit purchases every month, each costing a minimum of $5 each, agree to an electronic banking statement, and make either one direct deposit, bill payment, or Auto Draft through the bank within that same month.

Among what makes this the best reward checking account today is its low opening deposit (only $100). The account also has no minimum balance, and no service charges per month. Even if you’re not in NC, you can still open the account as long as you mail the bank the necessary documents. According to their customer service representatives, customers should be able to open their accounts online in the next two or three months.

If you’re already in North Carolina, you should pay their branches a visit. You’ll find ones in Mebane, Randleman, Burlington and Asheboro. The bank’s overall performance seems satisfactory. It scored 3 ½ stars from BauerFinancial and 3 stars from Bankrate.com. Since 1978, it has been insured by FDIC under FDIC Certificate #22746.

Westfield Bank, which maintains its headquarters in Ohio, launches a best rewards checking account for customers from various zip codes. Called Dream Big Checking, this service by Westfield awards these interest rates for customers that invest in their accounts to meet the targets:

• Annual Percentage Yields of 3.50% for deposits reaching $25,000 and under.
• Accounts exceeding the $25,000 benchmark will get an application of 0.75% APY on a percentage of the investment.
• Accounts which do not reach the targets get a base interest of 0.10%
• Monthly reimbursements of up to $12 for ATM surcharges.

Customers need to meet the following target activities or amounts:

• A purchase rate using the debit card at least 12 times a month.
• A direct deposit or payment should be made to the account.
• Electronic statements need to be activated.

Auxiliary benefits included in the account:

• A startup deposit of $100.
• Minimum balances are waived.
• Normal bank service charges are non-existent in this bank.
• Use of online bill payment services does not incur charges.

Normally banks offer promotions upon unveiling a rewards checking account to all states. However, there comes a point in the bank’s time table that the institution limits account applications to their home state. Customers outside of Ohio need to make a dive before the bank closes the window on check reward applications. Though the rates and ceiling are conservative, these numbers prevent a heavy influx of patrons that would otherwise strain the service.

Westfield Bank services its customers through its branches in Akron, Medina, Wooster and Westfield Center. The bank’s assets are moderate, reaching only $360 million as per FDIC statistics.

The security and stability of Westfield has been gauged to be 5 stars by BauerFinancial. Bankrate however only awards the bank with 3 stars. DepositAccounts.com gives the bank 4 stars. Westfield is relatively young, having only entered into the FDIC’s membership roster in 2001. The FDIC has given it a certificate number of 57077.

East Carolina Bank , with a banking experience which started in 1920, unfurls financial services North Carolina locals need to check. Its reward checking service provides these monetary benefits to accounts which meet the intended cut:

• Annual Percentage Yields of 4.01% for deposits worth $25,000 and under.
• For accounts exceeding the ceiling, there is a partial application of 1.01% APY.
• Accounts not meeting the set targets get a rate of 0.05%.
• ATM fee reimbursements reach up to 5$ per use and 20$ for the entire period.

Monthly targets which customers need to meet are:

• Use of the debit card for buying items at least 10 times a month.
• One time online bill payment, deposit and debit.
• E-statement Activation.

Supplementary advantages which East Carolina Bank offers:

• Startup deposit of $100.
• Maintaining Balance limits are non-existent.
• Service charges per month which other banks charge are waived.
• Online payment services are not charged.

North Carolina locals can apply online or visit branches in the cities of Leland, Morehead, New Bern, Carrituck, Hatteras, Engelhard, Wilmington, Williamston, Greenville, Washington, Hertford and Columbia.

BauerFinancial gives East Carolina Bank a rating of 4 stars while Bankrate.com gives it a 2. DepositAccounts.com rounds it with a middle rating of 3 stars. The bank first became a member of the FDIC in 1934 with a certificate of 2017.

Solvay Bank , which has been in business for 92 years, unveils a rewards checking account for customers based in the Syracuse, New York area. The rates of the said rewards checking service are moderate but so are its rates. New Yorkers will check the account’s merits including the convenience of Solvay’s location offers. Interested parties need to take note of the rates to invest wisely by checking out for the latest interest rates from their website.

Meeting the monthly targets will award the following advantages to Solvay customers:

• Annual Percentage Yields of 2.75% for deposits of 15,000$ and under.
• Annual Percentage Yields of 0.50% for partial amounts of accounts exceeding $15,000.
• Underachieving accounts get a rate of 0.05%.
• Reimbursements for ATM use in various global partners amount to 25$ per period.

Customers need to meet the following targets in order to get the benefits:

• Use of debit card 12 times in a single month for transactions.
• A deposit into the Solvay account.
• Estatements activation.

Supplementary benefits of owning a Solvay Rewards Checking Account:

• Customers need only to make a $15 deposit to start their account.
• Service charges which are normally charged by other banks every month are waived.
• Customers need not keep a certain fixed amount active in the account.
• Solvay has a policy of giving only three accounts per household and 1 account per IRS number.

Online application available for customers who reside in Onondaga Country of New York.

Solvay Bank services customers in the Metro area of Syracuse.

This New York financial institution rates 5 stars from BauerFinancial, 4 stars from Bankrate.com and 4 stars from DepositAccounts.com. The FDIC awarded membership to Solvay Bank in 1934 and provided it a certificate of 13297.

Spirit of Alaska Credit Union, the largest of its kind in Fairbanks, opens a new service account called Choice Checking, a reward checking account which combines high yields with a low balance ceiling. Customers need only 10,000 to start taking maximum advantage of the account’s features. Though the 25k is a minimum ceiling in the financial industry the 10 grand cap accounts are starting to challenge the standard and are becoming popular among banking services.

Customers who want to avail of Choice Checking need to be informed of these rates

• 3.50% Annual Percentage Yields on deposits $10,000 and under.
• 0.50% Annual Percentage Yields for deposits exceeding $10,000.
• Underachieving accounts receive a rate of 0.10% rate.
• ATM external usage charges get a reimbursement of $20 per cycle.

Targets which customers need to meet are:

• Monthly debit card usage of 12 purchases.
• Initial deposit to a loan account.
• Enable online statements.

Supplementary services/requirements are:

• One member/one account.
• Initial deposits have no required amounts.
• Service charges are non-existent.
• Customers can make online payments without charges.

Application to Spirit of Alaska Credit Union is limited to the people in the North Star Borough of Fairbanks. For further questions and inquiries regarding application rules for this credit union, kindly check the membership specifics on their website.

BauerFinancial gives Spirit of Alaska 4 stars meaning excellent and Bankrate.com gives it 3 for the bank’s stability. DepositAccounts.com gives it a boost of 4 stars. Deposits made in this credit union are insured by the NCUA.

Metabank started promoting its Preferred Checking Plus which promises excellent yield percentage for its depositors. Prospective consumers need to calculate their interest rate earnings against a possible monthly fee. Due to the yield, investors deem the new service by Metabank worth risking monthly dues for. The set target figures for the reward checking are as follows:

• Annual Percentage Yield of 4.25% for deposit balances of $25,000 and below.
• Balances exceeding $25,000 get a 0.60% APY on part of the amount.
• Accounts which fail to meet the target figures get 0.10% APY.

Customer need to meet the following targets:

• 15 transactions using the debit card.
• A salary deposit of $100 or above must be made by the applicant’s company or another institution.
• Customers must sign into Metabank’s online banking site.
• Depositors need to enable their e-statements.

Customers can save $7 a month by getting the monthly service dues waived by reaching the monthly targets or keeping a $10,000 balance in their checking accounts or maintain a balance of $25,000 in deposits/loans. Aside from this, bank customers will get the fee waived by signing on for the Preferred Checking Account. The only caveat is that its APY is only 2.00%.

Interested parties must be market area residents of Storm Lake and Des Moines for Iowa and Brookings and Sioux Falls for South Dakota. A visit to a physical branch of the bank is needed to open an account.

MetaBank has been in the FDIC since 1955 with a certificate of 30776. BauerFinancial rates Metabank 3 and ½ stars and Bankrate.com gives it 3. DepositAccounts.com goes out with a 4.

Westerra Credit Union tops up customer’s initial deposits with a free 125$ by opening a Better Than Free Checking account. Aside from the monetary reward, customers can also opt to get the TomTom XL330 GPS System for free.

According to the additional information for the promotion, the rewards are only for newly opened checking accounts. A deposit into the accompanying savings account either for payroll or IRA is needed to be eligible for the rewards.  The GPS system offer is good until supplies last. The free 125$ shall be deemed as income for the purposes of taxation reporting. A minimum of 5$ deposit is needed while the membership charge of the same amount is waived for the duration of the promotion.

Customers can weigh in on the benefits of owning a TomTom XL330 GPS System. Those who are less inclined for the navigational system can opt for the 125$ bonus. Depositors can apply for either the normal checking account or the preferred checking account to get the money or the GPS. However, they need to make direct deposits. Westerra’s Better Than Free holds two advantages over other checking accounts. One is that the printed checks are free. Second, ATM fees incurred from using machines outside Westerra’s allied network can be reimbursed three times.

Westerra Credit Union’s doors are open for memberships for people based in Colorado, particularly the counties of Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson and the cities of Denver and Aurora. An initial deposit

of 5$ is required to be kept in the savings account. Joining the promotion will waive the cost of opening the account.

People can avail of Westerra’s services in their branches in Arvada, Centennial, Lakewood, Conifer, Littleton and Denver. Since the credit union belongs to the CU Service Center, customers can avail of banking services in member branches in the entire US.

Bankrate.com gives a below peer group score of 2 stars while BauerFinancial gives it a superior rating of 5 stars. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insures the deposits in Westerra Credit Union.

Acacia Federal Savings Bank is pushing for their Top Choice Checking Account’s high yield checking account. Customers can take advantage of the checking account’s rates by depositing a minimum of $5,000 and paying a $15 monthly service charge. For further information, interested parties should check Acacia’s website. Since this is solely a checking account, customers do not have to be wary of requirements like debit card usage minimums or maintaining balances.

Customers need to know these Top Choice Checking Account advantages:
• Automatic refund of other bank’s ATM’s fees.
• Free initial checkbook containing 50 checks.
• Bill Payment features come free with the service.

Bank based transfers are available for Acacia Federal Savings Bank customers. However they will need to be aware of certain caveats:
• Maintaining amount for Acacia Federal Savings Bank accounts should stay at $5,000 monthly and $2,000 daily. This should be applied between all the banks involved.
• There are only free 8 incoming transfers and 1 outgoing transfers.

Customers can opt to use transfers via ACH using another bank.

Since Acacia Federal Savings Bank is not just a new player in the industry, it does not need to raise APY rates like new banks do. The excellent rate found in their page is their standard AYP for Top Choice Checking Accounts.

Aside from checking, the bank also has high yield in its Individual Retirement Account Certificate of Deposits in different terms. 60 month IRAs promise the most growth at 3.05%. The other termination periods also offer competitive APYs. However customers need to check their checking account disclosure in order to make sound choices about their money. Early withdrawals can cost 6 months worth of interest for savings kept in the bank for over a year.

Acacia Federal Savings Bank, a company of Acacia Life Insurance, has been serving depositors in the nation’s capital since 1985 under the supervision of the Office of Thrift Supervision. FDIC insures each deposit made at Acacia. Its currently has headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia where it headquarters its deposit service.

Though the bank only services Washington D.C., people from all over the country can open an account in Acacia Federal Savings Bank. The online application procedure allows customers to make joint or the usual Proof Of Deposit accounts. Transferring initial deposits can be performed through wire, check deposits and ACH transfers.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation lists Acacia Federal Savings Bank’s stats as $1.387 billion and a total deposit amount of $962 million. BauerFinancial gives the rating of 3 stars while Bankrate.com stamped its report with 1 star.

River Valley Bank’s Internet arm, Incredible Bank, offers a purely online banking experience for customers to save and keep their money safe. They offer one of the best checking accounts which promise high-yields for their patrons. Wary depositors need not be alarmed as this service does not come with a catch. No debit card minimum usage per month or monthly deposit averages. Customers can get the yield levels of best savings accounts in the market. Any use of the checking account from Incredible Bank is considered a paperless transaction and can be accessed online only. Bills can either be debited from a debit card or paid for online through the account. Active services for the account include:

• For accounts with $250,000 and under, the Annual Percentage Yield is 1.74%. Accounts above $250,000 have an APY of 1.00%.
• APY rates can change at anytime unannounced.
• Customers need to deposit a minimum of $1,000 initially.
• No maintaining savings requirements.
• Paperless checking.
• Checking account inclusive of free mobile banking and bill payments.

• Customers can avail of cards for their paperless checks.
• A 5% charge for incoming wire transfers and $20 for local outgoing ones.
• Automatic refunds of incurred ATM charges.
• In case of unforeseen circumstances, depositor can name beneficiaries when applying online. There are no custodial or trust accounts in current roster of services.

• Same day availability for funds on the date the bank receives direct deposit of the amount.
• Account funds can be replenished by Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfers or check deposits.
• E-statements are available monthly.
• Details for ACH related transfers. $200,000 inbound and $10,000 outbound reader initiated transfers. No limits apply if transfers are initiated from third-party accounts. There is a limit of only three third-party account links. Customers will need to wait for 1 day for the transfers to take effect.
• ACH transfers for withdrawals or deposits can be initiated at other banks.

• Application may involve an in-depth credit inquiry commonly termed as a hard pull credit inquiry. Transunion initiates the credit inquiries and Equifax performs a second one. The bank does not use Chexsystem.
• Customers need to activate e-statements to save on monthly banking fees.
• Routing Code for the institution: 075911742

Newly opened Internet-based banks, like Incredible Bank, offer excellent rates during start-up until deposit targets are met. Incredible Bank has a modest investment of 740$ million but since it uses Internet-based banking services, its reach is countrywide. Nationwide banking services tend to close the gap in a few months.

The common practice of banks after establishing themselves is to lower yield and limit customer applications. Should this establishment maintain its quality interest rate, Incredible Bank can very well be one of the best checking accounts out there with enough flexibility to allow bill payments and remove withdrawal limitations.

Checking accounts that do not require the terms reward checking accounts do are expensive services to maintain. Offering rates that rival those of the best savings accounts in the market are an added cost very much like the addition of online billing platforms. The government mandates that a bank should have a lot more reserves for checking accounts and thus increases the strain on the banks for their checking services.

Incredible Bank possesses several advantages that will allow them to maintain their aforementioned rates. Paperless transactions limit the expenses the bank will encounter in its operations while debit card services can generate finances.

Incredible Bank maintains autonomy from River Valley Bank, at least by name, in order to bring new depositors. A bank’s solid market does not get improved upon when being advertised to for a new product.
The main base of operations for River Valley Bank can be found in Wausau, Wisconsin and is the umbrella for 18 other branches peppered throughout the same state and Michigan. The institution is worth 921$ million with $740 million in deposits all in all as seen in June, 2009 FDIC stats.

River Valley joined the FDIC in 1967 with a certificate number of 19772.
BauerFinancial and Bankrate.com rates River Valley 4 stars for security and dependability.

Customers who deposit in Washington Savings Bank are eligible to join a promo where they can save their way to having their own wireless netbook. The netbook runs on Windows XP, has a webcam and can store up to 30 gigabytes – perfect for basic browsing and productivity needs. Prospective depositors can read the promotion mechanics and the other features of the netbook on the website of Washington Savings Bank . To avail of the promotion, depositors need to meet a set of criteria. These criteria involve the customers’ active use of certain features of their checking accounts:

• Customers need to keep their debit card active by performing a minimum of 10 transactions per month.
• During the length of the promotion, customers must avail of the online banking services of the bank. Estatements need to be saved.
• Depositors need to keep their monthly minimum deposits of 1,000 $ on their best checking accounts.

A piece of advice: Customers from Massachusetts and New Hampshire can apply online. To make sure that the application is included in the netbook promotion, kindly input “Netbook” as the promotional code for these best reward checking accounts.

Customers need to note that if checking accounts are given away as presents, the banks which issued them may add additional charges on the their IRS statement for interest income or simply the 1099-INT.
Washington Savings Bank services Dracut, Lowell, and Tyngsboro in Masachussetts.

This institution has been a member of the FDIC since 1985 with a certificate number of # 90229. It has consistently garnered mixed ratings from BauerFinancial which rates it as 5 stars and Bankrate.com which gives it 3 stars.

The Coastal Carolina National Bank is currently offering their best reward checking account for holders who meet the following monthly qualifications: 1) have a total of ten VISA debt card purchases, 2) has made at least one direct deposit, automatic third-party draft or an ACH transaction 3) has opted to receive electronic statements or is enrolled in the bank’s online banking scheme.

The tiered yields of the best checking account are quite tempting and comparatively high compared to other bank offers:

• For balances of $50 to $10,000, you’ll get 4.01% APY
• on portions over $10,000, you’ll get an added 0.10% APY
• or 0.10% APY for your total balance should you fail to meet the monthly requirements in the previous paragraph
• You also get to enjoy unlimited refunds through ATM when you use the checking account across the USA

You will have to visit the bank if you’re interested in opening an account. For those who don’t know yet, this is a pretty small bank which can be found at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.

The bank is fairly new, being in the industry for less than two years, so it is yet to be rated in BauerFinancial and Bankrate.com. It is a member for the FDIC, though with FDIC Certificate #58864.

Patriot Bank headquartered in Florida offers a reward checking account that has the following best interest rates:

• 3.01% APY for balances through $35,000
• 1.01% APY for deposits above $35K
• 0.15% base interest rates given when the monthly requirements are not met
• ATM fees of as much as $25 are refunded every cycle

This Revolutionary Checking requires the following monthly:

• Complete 10 purchases using 10 debit cards
• Make a direct deposit or set up an automatic payment
• Use online banking
• Opt for electronic statements

You can open an account for a minimum initial deposit of $100. The bank does not collect any service charge and do not require any minimum balance.

There is an online application that you can complete if you want to take advantage of this reward checking account. This is only offered in Florida.

Patriot Bank has office in the cities of Clearwater, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Palm Harbor, and Trinity. The bank is covered by the FDIC through certificate number 57789.

Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union also offers to their consumers Kasasa Accunts. One of the attractive Kasasa accounts is the Kasasa Cash Checking which has the following checking account interest rates:

• 3.56% APY for balances through $25,000
• 0.75% APY for deposits above the $25K line
• Base interest rate of 0.25% APY if the monthly requirements are not met
• ATM fees of as much as $20 are refunded every cycle

The best checking account requires the following every month so you can enjoy the highest interest rates:

• Make 12 purchases using the debit card
• Set up a direct deposit or an automatic payment via ACH
• Opt for electronic statements

This checking account requires an initial deposit of at least $100. The bank does not require any minimum balance.

The credit union welcomes individuals who live, work, study, or worship in the counties of Hancock or Harrison, Mississippi. You can visit their website to learn more about the details of how you can sign up.

Gulf Coast Community FCU has offices in Bay St. Louis and Gulfport in Mississippi.

BauerFinancial issued 5 stars when they reviewed its soundness and safety using their December 2009 data. Bankrate.com issued 4 stars for its performance evaluating their September 2009 data.

Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union is covered by the NCUA through charter number 242.

Westby Co-op Credit Union invites consumers in Wisconsin to take advantage of their high interest checking account called Awards Checking. This best reward checking account has the following current interest rates:

• 3.25 PAY for balances through $30,000
• 1.00% APY for portions of your deposit above $30K
• Base interest rate of 0.25% if the monthly requirements are not met
• Refunds ATM fees of up to $10 every month

You can enjoy the best interest rates if you suffice the following monthly requirements:

• Make at least 10 CheckMate transactions that are signature based
• Make at least one direct deposit or do an automated transfer
• Use online banking
• Opt for electronic statements

The bank does not collect service fees and do not require any minimum balance.

The credit union welcomes individuals who work or live in the Wisconsin counties of La Crosse, Iowa, Grant, Monroe, Juenau, Sauk, Crawford, Richland, and Vernon. You can checkout the membership page to know more about the details.

They operate branches in the cities of Richard Center, Westby, Cashton, Reedsburg, and Viroqua.

The ratings of the Westby Co-op Credit Union are above average. Bankrate.com issued 4 stars based on their September 2009 collected data while BauerFinancial saw their performance worthy of 3 stars based on their December 2009 data.

The credit union is covered by the NCUA through charter number 67208.

Community Bank of Reymore invites consumers at Missouri to take advantage of their reward checking account that has the following interest rates:

• 2.51% APY for balances through $25,000
• 0.50% APY for deposits over $25K
• ATM fees incurred anywhere in the country can be reimbursed without limits

Account holders can enjoy the highest interest rates of this money in the bank deal by fulfilling these monthly requirements:

• Make at least 10 purchases using the debit card; ATM withdrawals do not qualify
• Set up a direct deposit or an ACH auto debit
• Opt for electronic statements over paper statements

The interest rate falls to 0.10% in case the above requirements are not met.

Interested individuals can accomplish an online application form. You can open the reward checking account for as low as $1000. The bank does not collect any maintenance fees. You will also gain access to their online bills payment and online banking system. The bank limits one reward checking account for every customer.

The interest rates posted on the website has an old date of December 2009. You may want to contact the bank to check for the latest figures and fees which may affect your earnings.

The bank has branches in Peculiar and in Raymore, Missouri.

Community Bank of Reymore is covered by the FDIC with certificate number 22867.

West Texas National Bank is still pushing for their best checking account called Ultimate Checking that has the following best interest rates:

• 2.01% APY for balances through $35,000
• 0.50% APY for deposits above $35K
• Base interest rate of 0.25% given when the monthly requirements are not met

You can enjoy the highest interest rates if you suffice the following monthly requirements:

• Complete 10 transactions using the check card
• Make a direct deposit or pay one bill online or an do an ACH auto debit
• Opt for electronic statements
• Use online banking

If you want to know more about this reward checking account call 877-493-7862. They also have branches at Alpine, Terlingua, Crane, Denver, Kermit, Midland, Pecos, and Seminole.

We cannot find any online form to open an account it seems you need to drop by one of their branches to do this.

The bank has been in business since 1904. It is registered with the FDIC.

KANZA Bank headquartered in Kansas offers their best reward checking account known as the KANZARewards Checking. This best reward checking account has the following interest rates given that you meet certain monthly requirements:

• 3.00% APY for balances through $25,000
• 1.00% for deposits above $25K
• 0.05 base interest rate if the monthly requirements are not sufficed
• Unlimited refund of ATM fees incurred anywhere in the US

You need to meet the following monthly requirements to enjoy the best interest rates:

• Complete 12 purchases using the debit card
• Set up a direct deposit or an auto debit via ACH
• Receive electronic statements

Interested individuals can open an account for as little as $100. The bank does not collect monthly service charges and do not require maintenance of any minimum balance. You will also get free access to their online bills payment system.

We asked the bank if they accept applications from any state and the customer service representative confirmed that they do. You can complete an online application if you want to take advantage of the current interest rates. You will be required to mail in a copy of your social security card and driver’s license as part of the application process.

Please check with the bank if they accept applications from your state. A lot of small banks change their policies often with regard to these accounts. The interest rates can also be changed any time so please ask for the latest figures.

The bank is based in Kingman, Kansas and they also have branches in Wichita and Anthony.

The financial ratings of KANZA are above average. Bankrate.com issued 4 stars for soundness and safety based on their March 2009 collected data while BauerFinancial stamped their performance report with 3 ½ stars based on their June 2009 data.

KANZA Bank is a member of the FDIC with certificate number 13157.