Citizens First Bank headquartered in Iowa gives their highest interest rates for their reward checking account called Smart e-checking:

5.01% APY for deposits up to $25K
1.25% APY for balances above $25K
If monthly requirements are not met, the bank gives a base interest rate of 0.50%
ATM fees of as much as $25 incurred anywhere in the U.S. is refunded every cycle

The current interest rates of their best checking account can be enjoyed as long as the account holder can satisfy the monthly requirements: make at least 10 purchases using the debit card, complete 2 electronic transactions like bill pay or direct deposit, use online banking, and opt for electronic statements.

Interested consumers can open the checking account for an initial deposit of at least $100. The account gives you access to check writing, touchstone banking, and mobile banking. The bank does not charge monthly service fees and does not have balance requirements..

It seems that a branch visit is necessary to open this reward checking account. The bank has offices in Camanche and Clinton.

Citizens First Bank has some strong financial ratings. Bankrate.com and BauerFinancial both gave the bank 4 stars for soundness and safety. The ratings were based on their June 2009 collected data.

The bank is insured by the FDIC through certificate number 35477.