There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that the 4.00% APY Reward Checking Account offered by Viewpoint Bank remains one of the best reward checking account deals in Texas. The bad news is that it’s not only limited to those who live and work in Texas. When this account first came out, we were told that it was being offered nationwide. Today, new accounts opened with the bank can only earn this APY if they’re opened in Texas.

However, if you can pass the stringent application process and get past the catches of this money in the bank deal, this is possibly the best checking account you can open this year. Earn 4.00% APY for balances of $50,000 maximum. Most banks offer lower top rates, and these checking account deals usually also have much lower cap balances, some even reaching as low as $25,000.

If you already have this account and you’re not in Texas, then this is probably good news. You just missed that strike of lightning. For the past two years, a lot of banks have been limiting their account availability. If you’re considering opening a nationwide deal with high rates, don’t take too long to decide. Those who did take too long with this account missed the chance because it is now only being offered in Texas.

Also check the bank rates before opening your viewpoint top checking account. Based on our observations during the past few months, checking account rates have been falling dramatically, some even falling in a matter of days. If you’re in Texas, though, the fact that it’s limited to the state can be good news. Also based on observations alone, state-limited accounts tend to be more stable than those offered nationwide.

The bank’s financial health is also above average. They received four out of five stars for safety and soundness from Bankrate.com and five out of five stars from BauerFinancial.com. The Viewpoint Bank is a member of the FDIC and is federally insured under FDIC Certificate #58006.