KeyBank offers their best checking account with rewards of as much as $225 through their checking account special promo:

Open a checking account that qualifies for the promo and enroll with KeyBank Rewards on or before November 20
Account holder must complete at least one debit card transaction and a combo of two automated payments and/or direct deposits of at least $100 each by January 22, 2010

You can enjoy the reward checking account bonus of $225 by opening the Key Privilege Select or the Key Privilege Checking account. These two checking accounts require a stiffer balance requirement to avoid service fees.

Interested consumers may also opt for the smaller but still attractive $125 checking account bonus. This can be achieved by starting the free checking account that does not impose any balance requirements and does not collect monthly service charges.

This reward checking account promo is not offered across the nation. Businesses and individuals can take advantage of this money in the bank deal where KeyBank has branches. They have offices in Washington, Vermont, Utah, Oregon, Ohio, New York, Michigan, Maine, Kentucky, Indiana, Idaho, Florida, Connecticut, Colorado, and Alaska.

Don’t forget to read the fine prints of the deal. Your direct deposit set up is limited to government benefits, pension, social security, and payroll. Balance transfers from account to account, Paypal transactions, debit card auto payments, and Key Bill Pay are excluded from automated payments.

The reward for the checking account will not be available for checking clients who have opened their accounts in the last twelve months. The bonus should also be reported on Form 1099 INT. The bank also charges $25 if you close you account within 6 months after opening.

You can apply for this reward checking promo online, at a branch, or by calling them at 1-877-539-6659. You may also go for the 60,000 points for the KeyBank Rewards instead of the $125 cash bonus; all you need to do is call and instruct the bank.

The bank informed us that they do not do a hard credit pull upon application but they use ChexSystem for the verification and approval process. .

KeyBank is a member of the FDIC.