If you don’t mind the $15,000 cap deposit and you live or work in covered parts of New Mexico, the reward checking account offered at Zia Credit Union will interest you. This particular account earns 3.04% APY for balances that reach up to $15,000 as long as you meet the requirements. They are:

• 12 purchases using your debit card
• 1 online payment /direct deposit / automatic debit
• You must agree to receive electronic statements instead of paper statements

While the cap deposit gets in the way, this checking account is undoubtedly still one of the best reward checking account deals today. Your account doesn’t stop earning interest after the $15,000-mark either. For balances over 15K, you still earn 1.00% APY. Of course the yield is pretty low if you don’t meet the terms (0.05% APY). Before you apply for this checking account, make sure that the requirements fit your spending habits.

What makes it one of the best checking account deals today, though, is that the ATM fee refunds (nationwide) aren’t limited. They’re also not putting any monthly fees for the account, regardless of whether or not you meet these terms.

The membership details are posted on the credit union’s online profile (look for the “about us” page on the website). In a nutshell, though, those who reside, worship, or work in Rio Arriba County, Santa Fe County, Taos County, and Los Alamos County are eligible for membership. Prepare $25 though because this is required for your application. This money will be put on a share savings account whose minimum balance is the same amount.

The financial health of the credit union can still improve, though. They only scored 2 out of 5 stars from Bankrate.com and 3 out of 5 stars from BauerFinancial.com. The credit union is federally insured through NCUA Charter # 60467.