10% 10-Month CD at a Texas CU - $2.5K Max (Alamo FCU) read and submit comments for this post

Alamo Federal Credit Union is offering a special 10.00% APY 10-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $500 and the maximum is $2,500. It requires new money and direct deposit to your Alamo FCU checking account. There's a limit of one 10% CD per member. There's also a special 5.75% APY 7-month CD. This has a $500 minimum with no apparent maximum deposit limit.

The $2.5K cap is not too bad. The 10% APY gives you about 4.5% above what you would get at E-LOAN's savings account. For 10 months you'll earn about $93 over what you would earn at E-LOAN (assuming no rate changes).

The field of membership is primarily based on select employee groups. The list includes several federal employers including the IRS, DEA, FBI, FDA and US Postal Service around the San Antonio area. See site for the full list.

The credit union has 6 branches located in San Antonio, Texas.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $36 million in assets and 5,611 members.

6.00% 13-Month CD at a Washington State CU (Quimper Community) read and submit comments for this post

Quimper Community FCU is offering a 6.00% APY 13-month certificate. The minimum deposit is $5,000, and new money is required.

The field of membership includes those who live, worship, work or attend school in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Branches are located in Port Townsend and Port Hadlock, Washington.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $32 million in assets and 6,312 members.

6.00% 59-Month CD at a North Dakota CU (Town and Country) read and submit comments for this post

Town and Country Credit Union has a CD special with high yields on certificates of depsoit. It's offering a 6.00% APY 59-month CD. The minimum is $10,000, and it's available to new members only. The CD is also available in an IRA account. A 5.85% APY 59-month CD is available for current members. Another new-member special is a 5.65% APY 11-month CD.

The field of membership includes anyone living within a 50-mile radius of the Fargo-Moorhead area, 50-mile radius of Kenmare or a 75-mile radius of Minot.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $146 million in assets and almost 13,000 members.

6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU Still Available (United Services). read and submit comments for this post

United Services Credit Union is still offering a 6.25% APY 24-month and a 6.00% APY 12-month FLEX certificates of deposit. The minimum is $5K and the maximum deposit is $100K. The credit union also still has a high yield Tiered Money Market account with an APY of 5.70% for balances over $50K. The minimum deposit is $2.5K. Balances between $2.5K and $15K earn 4.70% APY.

I had first posted on this credit union and these CDs in September. A reader just posted his experiences with this credit union and has been quite pleased. He mentioned that the accounts can be opened my mail. He also mentioned the nice features of these FLEX CDs which allow additional deposits during the term. In addition, you're allowed to do a penalty free withdrawal of up to 50% as long a minimum $5K balance remains. These types of accounts reduce the risk of changing interest rates. If rates go down, you can make additional deposits. If rates go up, you can make a partial penalty free withdrawal.

The reader also mentioned that there's a major group eligible to join, but not mentioned on the website: retirees from anywhere can join. Based on what's listed on the website, the field of membership is primarily limited to Select Employer Groups which include employees of any medical facility or medically related group in the Asheville, NC area and surrounding counties of Western North Carolina. You may want to contact the credit union for the details.

Membership requires a one-time fee of $5 and a minimum $25 deposit into a share savings account. Membership application can be submitted online.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $30 million in assets and almost 9,000 members. It has a 5 out of 5 star rating (superior) at Bauer Financial.

Thanks to the reader who provided these details about this credit union!

5.90% 10-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Integrity) read and submit comments for this post

Integrity Bank is offering a special 5.90% APY 10-month certificate of deposit. There's a $1K minimum and $90K maximum deposit. They do not accept out of state funds.

The bank also has high yields on its standard CDs which have remained high since I reported on the bank in July. Terms from 6 months to 5 years have a rate of 5.75% APY. These are also available in an IRA account. The regular CDs have a $1K minimum. IRA's have a $500 minimum.

Integrity Bank has branches in the Georgia cities of Alpharetta, Roswell, Smyrna and Lawrenceville. All of these cities are just north of Atlanta.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 2000. It has a safe and sound rating of 4 out of 5 stars (sound) at Bankrate.com.

High Yield Long-Term CDs at USAA Bank read and submit comments for this post

USAA Bank has some high yields on long term CDs. Currently, the highest yield is 5.97% APY for a 7-year term and a minimum deposit of $175K. The APY for a $95K minimum is 5.86% and for a $1K minimum, the APY is 5.70%. The interest rates are not listed publicly. You must have a member number to access these. Below is a list of all the current rates:

USAA Certificate of Deposit Rates as of 10/30/06

              Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Term           stnd    jumbo  super jumbo
1 Year         5.20%   5.36%   5.46%
15 Months      5.23%   5.39%   5.49%
18 Months      5.29%   5.45%   5.56%
2 Years        5.30%   5.46%   5.57%
3 Years        5.35%   5.50%   5.61%
4 Years        5.40%   5.56%   5.66%
5 Years        5.65%   5.81%   5.91%
7 Years        5.70%   5.86%   5.97%

stnd = Minimum of $1,000
jumbo = Minimum of $95K
super jumbo = Minimum of $175K

CDs are available for both regular and IRA accounts. The CDs with terms of 1 year and over have a early withdrawal penalty of 180 days of interest. The grace period is 10 calendar days. Interest is paid monthly. You can select that interest payments be reinvested, paid by check, deposited into your USAA account or external account. CDs can be opened online.

The best rates require that you go past the $100K limit. For non-IRA accounts, this might put you over the FDIC limit. However, you can be insured beyond $100K with joint accounts or with qualifying beneficiaries. USAA does allow you to specify multiple beneficiaries. However, this can't be done online. You have to fill out an ammendment to the CD with the multiple beneficiaries. Refer to this post for more info on FDIC insurance.

USAA has changed its membership eligibility this year. They use to allow anyone to join. As of June 30, 2006, you must either have a military affiliation, be a current bank customer or be a resident of Bexar County, Texas (which includes San Antonio).

In addition to high yield long-term CDs, USAA also has competitive checking and money market accounts. This FW thread is a good resource on USAA.

USAA is FDIC insured. It has a safe and sound rating of 4 out of 5 stars (sound) from Bankrate.com.

6.14% 19-Month CD at an Illinois CU (GCS FCU). read and submit comments for this post

GCS Federal Credit Union is offering a 6.14% APY 19-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $2,500. This is a limited time offer.

The field of membership includes persons who live, work, worship or go to school in Madison and most of St. Clair Counties. Select employee groups are also eligible. See site for details.

Branches are located in the Illinois cities of Edwardsville, Pontoon Beach, Granite City and Madison which are just east of St. Louis, Missouri.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $233 million in assets and 37,604 members.

$250 Bank of America Checking / Savings Account Promo read and submit comments for this post

This is one of the highest-dollar Bank of America promos that I've seen. But you'll have to be quick. It expires on October 31, 2006. Also, according to the small print, it's available only in states where Bank of America does not have a banking center network. So this will likely exclude most people. The link to the promo page is www.bankofamerica.com/pre250, and here are some of the details:

Open a personal checking account with a Bank of America Visa Check Card, and open a new Regular Savings account at the same time with a minimum opening deposit of $100, and you can get $250. You must open both eligible accounts together by October 31, 2006.

Just enter the offer code YA02 in your application to take advantage of this special promotion.

Below is some of the important small print:

This offer is available only for accounts opened online and in states where Bank of America does not have a banking center network. .... Your new personal checking account and new Regular Savings account must be opened at the same time to receive the $250. The opening deposit for a Bank of America MyAccess Checking account is $25, and for a Regular Savings account it is $100.

If you can't qualify for this one, there are still several $100 sign-up bonuses available at Bank of America. See this post for more information.

Credit for this find goes to this SlickDeals thread.

5.60% 9-Month CD at Some Countrywide Branches read and submit comments for this post

Countrywide Bank is advertising a 5.60% APY 9-month certificate of deposits in some markets in the US. A 5.40% APY 9-month CD is available to all from Countrywide's website. I found the 5.60% APY 9-month CD being advertised in San Francisco and Dallas. You can see what rates are available in your area by inserting your zip code in the CD rates page. I haven't found any rates higher than 5.60%. In Florida and New York, the rate is 5.55% APY. In Illinois and New Jersey, it's 5.50% APY.

Back in July Countrywide had a similar promotion with rates as high as 5.75%.

Countrywide's CDs have a $10K minimum. It has been reported that Countrywide does a hard credit inquiry for every account that you open.

Countrywide Bank has been FDIC insured since 1990. It has a safe and sound rating of 3 out of 5 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com.

5.70% 7-Month CD at a Kansas Bank (Equity) read and submit comments for this post

Equity Bank is offering a special 5.70% APY 7-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $1,000. The bank also has a 6.00% APY 60-day commercial CD that's only available to business customers.

Branches are located in Andover and Wichita, Kansas.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1985. It has a safe and sound rating of 3 out of 5 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com.

6.00% Savings Account Intro Rate at a Minnesota CU (Honeywell) read and submit comments for this post

Honeywell Federal Credit Union is offering an intro rate of 6.00% APY on a new Get Ahead Savings account. The rate is guaranteed through March 31, 2007. It requires a monthly automated electronic deposit via direct deposit or transfer. Also, it requires opening the account by November 30, 2006. After March 31, 2007, it'll revert back to a tiered rate. Currently, this savings account pays 4.00% APY on balances over $500. This account has a limit of one withdrawal per month to avoid a $25 excess withdrawal fee.

This promotion is similar to the money market special Honeywell FCU was offering in July.

In addition to Honeywell employees and other employee groups, the field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in any of the following cities in Minnesoata: Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minneapolis, New Hope, Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park.

Branches are located in Minnesota cities of Minneapolis, Golden Valley and Brooklyn Center. There's also a branch in Kansas City, Missouri.

Honeywell FCU is NCUA insured. It has over $285 million in assets and 27,000 members.

Bank Deal Summary for October 28, 2006 read and submit comments for this post

With the Fed continuing to pause this week, many online banks remain in a holding pattern on rates. E-LOAN continues to be the leader of the online savings accounts with a rate of 5.50% APY. Corus Bank's T-Bill indexed money market account had a rate increase from 5.05% to 5.11% APY. This rate had been as low as 4.88% APY in late September. So there has been some upward pressure on rates. However, long term rates haven't seen quite as much upward pressure, and the yield curve remains inverted for many banks with the highest yields being in the 3-month CDs. A good example of this is at VirtualBank which just increased its 3-month CD rate from 5.15% to 5.56% APY (see post). Imperial Capital Bank also increased its 3-month CD rate this week from 5.40% to 5.50% APY. Both of these banks now have very inverted yield curves with 5-year rates at around 5%.

There were a few rate drops this week. The rate of World Savings' 4-month internet CD special decreased from 5.61% to 5.56% APY. The last unadvertised branch-only CD special officially ended on October 21st. Hopefully, World will come out with a new secret CD special soon (assuming Wachovia hasn't ended these). For past specials there has been 1 to 3 weeks of time between the end of one special to the start of a new one. It can be difficult learning about these specials since World seems to keep very quiet about them. So if you receive a mailer with a new promo, a comment or an email describing the special is much appreciated.

Finding 6-percent-plus CDs continues to be difficult. If a CD is much below 6%, it's hard for it to compete with E-LOAN's 5.50% savings account or 5.75% CDs (see post). For those looking for 6-percent long term CDs, Navy FCU came out with a 6% APY 7-year CD. If you have any connection to the Navy, you may be eligible. It's the nation's largest credit union with branches all over the US (see post).

There are still a few 6% choices available nationwide. Everbank still has its 6.01% 3-month promo (see post). Digital Credit Union is still offering its 6% APY 16-month CD (see post). Kaiser Federal Bank is still offering a 6% APY 1-year CD with a $50K minimum. It had been offering a 6% savings account for balances of over $75K, but this has just ended for new accounts. (see post).

The best deal on the local side continues to be at MemberSource Credit Union in Houston, Texas. They're having a special 7% APY 7-month CD. There is a fairly low cap of $7K, but you can extend the cap with referrals (see post).

Thanks to all who have helped by leaving comments or sending emails on rate updates. Sorry I can't post on all of your suggestions.

The rates listed below are based on Annual Percentage Yield (APY). No minimum balances are required unless noted. MMA next to the rates indicate a money market account. Most MMAs have check writing and ATM cards. Online savings accounts usually lack both of these. The top lists include banks and credit unions with broad availability and with minimums of $10K or less. Previous weekly summaries are available for Oct 21th, Oct 14th, Oct 7th, Sept 30th, Sept 23rd and Sept 16th.

As of October 28, 2006

Savings Accounts/Money Market Accounts:

• E-LOAN - 5.50% ($5K min), my post
• BankUnited - 5.35% (min $5K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.30% ($1K min), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.28%, my post
• AmboyDirect - 5.25%, my post ($25 bonus)
• Apple Bank - 5.25%, my post
• OneUnited - 5.25% (min $10), my post
• Security Savings Bank - 5.25% (min $100), very small bank with no online banking, see post
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% MMA (min $500), my post
• Presidential - 5.25% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 4.50% checking, my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.25% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), my post
• Countrywide - 5.25% (min $10K), (5.30% $50K+) my post
• Zions Bank - 5.24% (min $1K) (5.28% $50K+), offers 3.05% free checking, my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.14% MMA (min $5K, Costco members only, $25 deal for exec. members)
• Corus Bank - 5.11% MMA (min $10K to open)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% MMA (min $1K) (5.15% $5K+), offers checking, my post
• MyBankingDirect - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.05%, my post, (rate history)
• HSBC Direct - 5.05%, offers checking (see $25 bonus post), my post
• Heritage Bank Online - 5.05% (min $1K), my post
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 5.03% (min $10K), my post
• Citibank - 5.00%, requires checking account, my post
• Washington Mutual - 5.00% (requires checking), my post
• CapitalOne - 4.80% (MMA has same rate, but with checks and ATM. $100 min.), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.68% MMA (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $100), (4.86% $50K+/ 5.13% $100K+) offers checking, my post ($20 bonus)
• GE Money - 4.50% (min $4K), (5.05% for $15K+), my post ($25 bonus)
• MetLife Bank - 4.50% MMA (min $5K), my post ($50 bonus)
• EverBank - 4.41% ($1.5K min), 6.01% 3-mo promo, my post
• ING Direct - 4.40%, my post ($25 bonus), (rate history)
• Imperial Capital - 4.20% MMA ($2.5K min), offers free checking, my post
• ebank - 4.00% MMA ($1K min, rate for $10K-25K balance), offers checking
• NetBank - 3.52% MMA ($500 min), requires checking, my post ($250 deal)
• ETrade Bank - 3.25% (min $1K to avoid fees/$5K for APY), my post ($50 bonus)

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• EverBank - 6.01% ($1.5K min), checking account promo, see post
• VirtualBank - 5.56% (min $10K), my post
• World Savings - 5.56% (4 months) (min $10K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.50%, ($2K min), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.40% (min $5K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.30% (min $10K), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.26% (min $10K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.25% ($100 min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% (min $500), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• Charles Schwab - 5.19% (min $1K), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.11% (min $10K)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% (min $1K)
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• ebank - 5.00% (min $1K), 5.25% for ePremium checking customers
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.74% (min $500), my post

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• AmTrustDirect - 5.61% (min $1K) my post
• Superior Savings - 5.60% (min $500)
• E-LOAN - 5.60% ($10K min), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.60% (min $10K)
• World Savings - 5.56% (5 months) (min $10K), branch-only, my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.55%, ($2K min), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.51% (min $10K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.50% (5 mo special offer) (min $5K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.50% ($100 min)
• Countrywide - 5.35% (min $10K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.30% (min $8K)
• World Savings - 5.26% (5 months) (min $10K), new funds only, my post
• Citibank - 5.25% (min $500), my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ebank - 5.15% (min $1K), 5.40% for ePremium checking customers
• NetBank - 5.05% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.00%, my post
• MetLife Bank - 5.00% ($1K min)
• Wells Fargo - 5.00% (5 months) (min $5K), rate and min vary by state, my post
• VirtualBank - 4.86% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.78% (min $500), my post

9-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Patelco Credit Union - 5.75% ($1K min) (8 months), not NCUA insured, my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.60% ($100 min)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.60% (min $1K) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.55% (min $10K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.39% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.35% (min $1K)
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• IndyMac Bank - 5.25% (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.05%, my post

12-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• AmTrustDirect - 5.71% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.70% ($10K min), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.66% (min $10K)
• Western Financial Bank - 5.65% ($100 min)
• GTE FCU - 5.64% (min $500) (add-on feature) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.64%, (min $10K) my post
• Melrose CU - 5.61% (min $5K) my post
• La Jolla Bank - 5.60% (min $10K), my post
• Digital CU - 5.50% (11 month) (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.40% (min $500), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.40% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K)
• Mutual Bank - 5.35% (min $2.5K) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.30% (min $5K), my post
• EverBank - 5.30% ($1.5K min)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• NetBank - 5.25% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• MetLife Bank - 5.25% ($1K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.10%, my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.03% (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $10K), my post

16-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Digital CU - 6.00% 16-mo (min $500), my post

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.55% (min $1K) my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.40% (min $5K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.21% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• ETrade Bank - 5.15% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.10% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.10% (min $10K)

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.72% (min $5K) my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.60% (min $5K) my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.48% (min $1K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.43% (min $1K) my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.41% (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.01% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.75% (min $1K)

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Melrose CU - 5.77% (min $5K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.59% (min $1K), my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• USA FCU - 5.33% (min $1K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.01% (min $500), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.75% (min $1K)

60-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Melrose CU - 5.82% (min $5K) my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.75% (min $1K), my post
• Members Credit Union - 5.75% (min $2K), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Agriculture FCU - 5.65% (min $1K), my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.46% (min $1K) my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• VirtualBank - 5.15% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.02% (min $500), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

84-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.26% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

High Rates with Conditions - Open to All

• 10% Savings Account for kids ($500 max)
• 6.01% 3-month intro rate on checking account
• 6.00% 12-Month CD with $50K min
• 6.00% 3-month intro rate on Money Market account
• 5.62% Money Market Account with $250K initial deposit
• 5.40% Money Market Account with $25K min
• 5.36% Money Market Account at Bank of America with $50K+
• 5.25% Money Market Account with $25K min

Checking and Saving Accounts at Local Banks/Credit Unions

• 6.00% Checking Account up to $25k (Arkansas)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months (New York)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months at Banco Popular (CA)
• 5.25% Checking Account (Florida)
• 5.25% Money Market Account (Utah)
• 5.25% no-min online savings account and $50 Bonus (New York)
• 5.25% low-minimum online savings account (California)
• 5.15% Savings Account (Massachusetts)
• 5.11% Money Market Account (Wisconsin)
• 5.00% Money Market Account (Washington State)
• 5.10% savings account (Pennsylvania)
• 5.01% Checking Account (Wisconsin/Illinois)
• 4.75% Checking Account (Texas)

CD Specials at Local Credit Unions/Banks Over the Last Two Months

Terms of 60 Months and Over

• 6.67% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU - $100K+ (Dayton Firefighters FCU)
• 6.53% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Ohio HealthCare)
• 6.50% 60-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.27% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU - IRA (Hamilton Horizons)
• 6.25% 73-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (Minnesota Valley)
• 6.25% 61-Month CD at a Michigan CU - Open To All (Telcom)
• 6.25% 60-Month CD at a Utah CU (Pacific Rails)
• 6.22% 60-Month CD at a California CU (Tucoemas)
• 6.20% 60-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.17% 60-Month CD at a Washington State CU (Spokane City)
• 6.16% 60-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - IRA $50K+ (SAFE FCU)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Emery)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 6.14% 120-Month CD at a Puerto Rico CU (VAPR)
• 6.01% 60-Month CD at a Texas CU (Texhillco)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (Patriot)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU (Paragon)
• 6.00% 84-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (Navy Federal)
• 5.85% 60-Month CD at a New York Bank (First Central Savings)
• 5.75% 60-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (open to all)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 6.66% 36-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Loudoun)
• 6.48% 24-Month CD at a California CU - IRA Variable (CAHP)
• 6.43% 36-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (United Services)
• 6.25% 36-Month CD at a South Dakota CU (Watertown)
• 6.25% 33-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.11% 24-Month CD at a California CU
• 6.11% 30-Month CD at a California CU (Tucoemas)
• 6.01% 30-Month CD at a Florida CU (SCORE FCU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Illinois CU (USA One National)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Florida and Iowa Bank - Prime Based
• 6.00% 24-Month CD at a Florida CU (FSU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.00% 40-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Glass City FCU)
• 5.98% 30-Month CD at a Virginia Bank (Farmers)
• 5.82% 36-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 5.80% 24-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Terms of 12 Months to Under 24 Months

• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank Continues ($1K Max)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $1K Max (First Financial)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a New York CU - $2K Max (Palisades)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - $1K Max (Carolina Trust)
• 6.17% 19-Month CD at a Indiana CU (Steel Parts)
• 6.16% 14-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.14% 18-Month CD at a Wichita, Kansas CU (Campus Credit Union)
• 6.10% 18-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.05% 19-Month CD at a Minnesota CU - $100K Min (Star Choice)
• 6.01% 12-Month CD at a Chicago Bank and 5.01% Checking (Standard Bank and Trust)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Chicago Bank (Lincoln Park)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Peoples Trust)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Desert Schools)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Unitus)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (TFCU)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Riegelwood)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $25K Max (Mid-Atlantic)
• 6.00% 20-Month CD at a Georgia CU - No Penalty (CGRCU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Canyon State)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 15-Month CD at a South Carolina CU (MCAS Beaufort)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Dallas Bank - $125k min (ViewPoint)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Ent)
• 6.00% 15-Month CD at a Illinois CU (Northwest Community)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (Clearview)
• 5.97% 21-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (NMTW)
• 5.92% 12-Month CD at a California CU (Kerns Schools)
• 5.92% 13-Month CD at a Tampa Florida CU
• 5.90% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU - $95K Min (Tarrant County)
• 5.88% 12-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Sun American)
• 5.75% 13-Month CD at a Ohio CU, plus $75 Checking Bonus (Telhio)
• 5.75% 14-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Priority Community)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 10.00% 10-Month CD at a Washington State CU - $1K Max* (Verity)
• 10.00% 7-Month CD at a North Carolina Bank - $2K Max (Oak Ridge)
• 10.00% 10-Month CD at a Philadelphia CU - $1K Max (American Heritage)
• 9.00% 9-Month CD at a Colorado CU - $2K Max (Elevations)
• 8.30% 8-Month CD at a Arizona CU - $8K Max (Arizona Holsum)
• 7.25% 7-Month CD at a New York / Pennsylvania CU (Visions)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a California CU - $2.5K Max (USE)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Louisiana CU - $7K Max
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Houston CU - $7K Max (MemberSource)
• 6.35% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Beach Municpal)
• 6.25% 9-Month CD at a California CU ($5K max)
• 6.24% 6-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Fremont)
• 6.17% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Martinsville DuPont)
• 6.15% 6-Month CD at a San Antonio, Texas CU
• 6.11% 8-Month CD at a Florida CU (Kennedy Space Center)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Texas Credit Union (Lone Star)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Kansas CU (Central Star)
• 6.00% 9-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Colorado CU (BCS)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Apple FCU)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a California CU (SESLOC)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a California CU (Cal State 9)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a Oregon/Washington CU (First Tech)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii CU (West Oahu Community)
• 6.00% 11-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (MIT FCU)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a New Jersey/North Carolina CU (Proponent)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Wisconsin CU (Fond du Lac)
• 6.00% 9-Month CD at a Baltimore Maryland CU (John Hopkins)
• 6.00% 4-Month CD at a Washington DC CU (HEW)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Washington DC CU (HEW)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a New York/Pennsylvania CU (First Heritage)
• 5.90% 11-Month CD at a California CU (American River HealthPro)
• 5.90% 5-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Legacy FCU)
• 5.90% 6-Month CD at a New York CU (Cornerstone)
• 5.90% 9-Month CD at a Georgia CU (Georgia Power)
• 5.85% 7-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (First Suburban)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a Tennessee CU (Eastman)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 5.85% 9-Month CD at a North Dakota CU - (First Community)
• 5.80% 10-Month CD at a California CU (Tech CU)
• 5.80% 6-Month CD at a Phoenix Bank (Copper Star)
• 5.80% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Seasons)
• 5.80% 8-Month CD at a California CU (San Francisco FCU)
• 5.80% 11-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Bellco)
• 5.78% 8-Month CD at a California CU (CommonWealth Central)
• 5.77% 7-Month CD at a North Dakota/Arizona Bank (First International Bank and Trust)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a California CU (OCTFCU)
• 5.75% 9-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 3-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (FBC)
• 5.75% 7-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Rivermark)
• 5.75% 7-Month CD at a Alabama CU (First Educators)
• 5.75% 11-Month CD at a New York CU (Capital Communications)
• 5.71% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial)
• 5.70% 7-Month CD at a California CU (Water and Power)
• 5.60% 6-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Savings Account/CD Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 5.01% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 5.03% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bond Rate Starting May 2006, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives
• SmartMoney Brokerage Survey

VirtualBank's 3-Month CD Now 5.56% read and submit comments for this post

VirtualBank raised the rate on its 3-month CD from 5.15% to 5.56% APY. The minimum is $10,000. All other CD rates remain the same.

This has been a strange month for CD rates at Virtual Bank. In early October, its 6-month CD rate fell from 5.15% to 4.86% APY and its 12-month CD rate fell from 5.15% to 4.60% APY. But the 9-month CD rate increased from 5.15% to 5.39% APY. These rates remain the same today. The rate for all terms over 12 months is 5.15% APY.

For much of this year VirtualBank's 6-month CD rates had been near the top. The peak was in August when the 6-month to 12-month CD rates were at 5.60% APY and the 5-year CD rate was 5.70% APY.

Some rate drops over the last few months are understandable considering the market environment. But a 4.60% APY 12-month CD and a 4.86% APY 6-month CD seems unusually low for an online bank. Heck, even ING Direct's CDs are at least 5%. Perhaps they're trying to get back their image as a CD rate leader with this new high yield 3-month CD.

I wonder how many people have let their 1-year CD automatically roll over into this 4.60% CD. You can never assume that a bank will keep its CD rates high. Always check the new rates when a CD matures. If the rate is low compared to the competition, it never hurts to ask for a special rate. For online banks like VirtualBank, I'm not sure how well this works. I've had luck with brick-and-mortar banks like World Savings, and I've read about several people having good luck with their local banks.

VirtualBank Certificate of Deposit Details

Some details about VirtualBank CDs from my experience and from info from the customer service representatives include:

• Early Withdrawal Penalties: 1 month of interest for terms under 6 months, 3 months of interest for terms 6 months to under 1 year, 6 months of interest for terms over 1-year (applies whether interest has been earned or not)
• Grace period (time allowed to close without penalty after CD matures) equals 14 business days
• Closure request can be done via VirtualBank's secure email
• Able to fund a CD from your eMoney Market account
• Can request to deposit a matured CD into your eMoney Market account

If you're interested in a VirtualBank CD, the eMoney Market can make the process easier. You can use its ACH transfer capability to move money into and out of VirtualBank. So the money can go from external bank to eMoney Market account and then be used to fund a CD. At maturity, you can request money to be deposited into the eMoney Market account where you can transfer it out if you choose. The eMoney Market account doesn't have a great rate at 4.60% APY (higer rates available for larger balances), but it doesn't have any minimum balance requirements. Plus there's a nice $20 refer-a-friend bonus (see post).

For more info on VirtualBank's CDs, please refer to this post. For more info on the eMoney Market account and the sign-up referral bonus, please see this post.

6.00% 84-Month CD at a Multi-State CU (Navy Federal) read and submit comments for this post

Navy Federal Credit Union is offering a 6.00% APY 7-year share certificate. The minimum deposit for this rate is $20K. An APY of 5.75% is available for a minimum deposit of $1,000. These rates are also available for IRA certificates. The early withdrawal penalty is up to 1-year of interest.

This deal isn't as good as their 6.25% 18-month CD special that was offered last summer. For those who want to lock in rates for the long-term, it's a good deal compared to what most banks and credit unions are offering. With an inverted yield curve, it's difficult to find 7-year CD rates above 5.50%. Pentagon FCU has a 7-year CD at 5.42% APY. KeyDirect has a 5.30% APY 7-year CD.

The field of membeship includes all active, reserve and retired Department of the Navy personnel and their family members. See site for details. The membership application is available online.

Navy Federal has branches around the US and the world.

Navy Federal is NCUA insured. It's the largest US credit union. It has over $25 billion in assets and over 2.7 million members.

5.90% 9-Month CD at a Georgia CU (Georgia Power) read and submit comments for this post

Georgia Power FCU has some nice rates on its current certificate special. These include a 5.90% APY 9-month CD, a 5.80% APY 8-month CD and a 5.70% APY 7-month CD. The minimum deposit is $1,000.

The field of membership is primarily based on select employee groups. It includes employees who work regularly at entities engaged in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. See site for details.

Branches are located in the Georgia cities of Atlanta, Forest Park, Augusta, Macon and Columbus.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $55 million in assets and 11,250 members.

Another $25 Bonus at HSBC for Using Bill Pay read and submit comments for this post

HSBC is offering a $25 HSBC MasterCard Gift Card for using its Free Bill Pay to pay three bills online by November 30, 2006. Here's the HSBC promo page. It seems available to both new or current HSBC checking account customers. Note, the Online Savings Account doesn't have a bill pay option.

HSBC does offer a free checking account with no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees. Also, the first order of checks are free. One downside to the Free Checking is that there's a $1.50 fee for using non-HSBC-owned ATMs. Also, HSBC will convert the Free Checking into Basic Checking (which has a $3/month fee) after three months of inactivity. Note, the required activities include ATM usage or checks. ACH transfers and bill pay don't count.

Even though HSBC's Online Savings Account doesn't have the best rate (currently 5.05% APY), it has remained competitive. The Online Savings Account combined with the checking account does make a nice combo package.

Credit for this find goes to this SlickDeals thread.

E-LOAN Savings Account and CDs One Month Anniversary read and submit comments for this post

Last month E-LOAN launched its new online savings accounts and CDs. The 5.50% APY still holds on the savings account which is 15 basis points over its nearest competitor (BankUnited) on a similar account. Will this hold? A reader mentioned that the rate is based on the LIBOR rate. However, I don't think it's indexed to the LIBOR. I've seen it mentioned that the rate is determined by E-LOAN's corporate needs and current market conditions. So there's no guarantee that E-LOAN's rates will stay on top. At least it has held up well for the last month.

So far I've opened two savings accounts at E-LOAN. One linked to my GMAC Money Market Account and one linked to my HSBC Online Savings Account. The additional savings account allowed me to link to another external account. However, E-LOAN doesn't allow you to transfer between accounts. According to the CSR, this may be allowed in the future. This seems like an easy feature to add. Both accounts are listed in your personal account page.

I opened my first E-LOAN savings account on the first Sunday after the launch. The account was opened by the next Tuesday. I transfered some money out on Wednesday without a problem. The deposit showed up in my GMAC account on Thursday. Transfers in are also fast. The last one I did was initiated on a Monday morning and it was credited to my E-LOAN account on Tuesday.

So far I've been happy with my E-LOAN savings accounts. The savings account lacks some features that you may like in an online bank such as support for Quicken, but E-LOAN has the essential online banking features, and these work well.

E-LOAN Certificate of Deposit Information

E-LOAN's CD rates have also held steady for the last month. For terms over 12 months, the 5.75% APY is above any of its online bank competitors. I haven't opened a CD at E-LOAN, but the process looks very similar to opening a savings account. Unfortunately, having an E-LOAN savings account doesn't seem to speed up this process. You'll still have to go through the entire registration process again. Below are some of the important details of the E-LOAN CD:

• $10,000 minimum deposit
• Eary withdrawal penalty: 3 months interest for 1 year or shorter term and 6 months for over 1 year term
• Grace period: 10 calendar days
• No interest is paid past the maturity date on accounts closed during the grace period
• Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly (same as savings)
• CD is opened like savings account with one linked checking/savings account which will fund the CD
• Linked account can be your E-LOAN savings account
• Option is available to transfer interest monthly by ACH from CD to linked account
• At maturity, you can instruct E-LOAN via the secure message system to close the CD and transfer money back to your linked account

These details are based on information from the CSR and from E-LOAN's Savings and CDs Terms and Conditions.

For more information on E-LOAN, please refer to my previous posts:

• Opening a second E-LOAN savings account, transfer speed, and other reviews
• My experience opening an E-LOAN savings account
• E-LOAN savings account and CD overview

6.00% 7-Month CD at a New York/Pennsylvania CU (First Heritage) read and submit comments for this post

First Heritage FCU is offering a 6.00% APY 7-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $5K, and it requires money new to the credit union. There's also a 5.50% 7-month CD with only a $1K minimum. These are available as a regular or IRA CD.

The field of membership includes persons who live, work, worship or attend school in the three county community, comprised of Steuben and Chemung Counties, New York and Tioga County, Pennsylvania,

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $146 million in assets and 19,286 members.

5.75% 11-Month CD at a New York CU (Capital Communications) read and submit comments for this post

Capital Communications FCU is having a certificate special with a 5.75% APY 11-month CD. The minimum deposit is $500, and the money must be new to the credit union. There's also a 5.50% APY 7-month special certificate. These are available as either a regular or an IRA CD.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school located in the New York State cities of: Albany, Cohoes, Mechanicville, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Troy, Watervliet or the Town of Green Island. You can also be eligible through select employee groups and by family. See site for details.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $470 million in assets and 49,940 members.

$25 Bonus for Citibank's e-Savings/EZ Checking Package read and submit comments for this post

For those who don't want to deposit $1,500 into a Citibank account and don't want to worry about direct deposit or bill pay to avoid fees, this promo may be for you. In this new promo (promo link), you get $25 for opening a new e-Savings account with Free EZ Checking. The promo code is CSCL. You have until 10/31/06 to be eligible for the $25 bonus. In addition to the $25, the promo allows you to avoid monthly fees on the EZ Checking account. Normally, there's a monthly fee unless you maintain a $1,500 balance or use direct deposit or make two monthly online bill payments. And according to the CSR, there are no minimum deposit requirements for the e-Savings and EZ Checking to get this $25 credit.

Some of the important small print of the offer states that it's only available for first-time Citibank deposit account customers. Any past or current Citibank customers are not eligible. The $25 will be credited to your checking account within 90 days from the end of the statement period in which your accounts were opened. The amount of the bonus payment will be reported to the IRA as interest earned.

For those who don't mind a larger deposit, this $200 promo is still the best deal.

And as with all Citibank promos, your miles may vary. Many people have reported having problems receiving credit for past Citi promos. Also note that Citibank does a hard credit inquiry.

The e-Savings account has remained competitive with a 5% APY that has held since June.

Fed Holds Rates Steady - CD Rate Predictions? read and submit comments for this post

As expected, the Fed held interest rates steady today. It was the third straight FOMC meeting in which the target fed funds rate was held at 5.25%. The question remains about the future. Opinions expressed in this CNN article don't see any change in the near term since the economy appears to be in reasonable health. Another pause is expected in the Fed's December meeting and then maybe rate cuts sometime next year. It's now looking like the cuts will be later in the year rather than earlier.

As you can see in this 1-year average CD interest rate graph, the trend of falling CD rates that we've experienced since the start of August may have ended. Treasuries have also been on the rise over the last month or two (see table). With the Fed appearing to be in a holding pattern for some time and with a reasonably healthy economy, we may see some slight rise in CD rates over the next few months. Perhaps we'll see an end to the inverted yield curves with some higher rates on long-term CDs.

$100 Checking Account Bonus at Commerce Bank read and submit comments for this post

Commerce Bank is offering a $100 checking account bonus for opening its More Than Free Checking Account. The bonus is not well described at Commerce's website. It's also mentioned in this ad in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, but without any details about the $100. So I called the bank. I was told that the bonus only requires you to open the More Than Free Checking with a minimum opening deposit of $100 and maintain the account in good standing for 4 months. You'll then be rewarded with the $100. There's no direct deposit requirement. The ad states the offer is good until November 11, 2006. However, the CSR said that it'll last through December.

Commerce Bank has branches in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. You must reside in these states to open an account.

The bank is FDIC insured. It's rated as 4 out of 5 stars (sound) at Bankrate.com.

5.75% 14-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Priority Community) read and submit comments for this post

Priority Community Credit Union is having an autumn certificate of deposit special with a 5.75% APY 14 month CD. The minimum deposit is $1,000, and it requires funds not on deposit with PCCU within the last 60 days. The CD is not available for IRA's.

The field of membership includes those who live, work or worship in Detroit, Westland, Southfield or Lathrup Village, Michigan. Also several select groups including those over 54 and live in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, or Monroe county are eligible. See site for details.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $77 million in assets and almost 11k members.

6.01% 60-Month CD at a Texas CU (Texhillco) read and submit comments for this post

Texhillco School Employees FCU has several high yield CDs for balances of $75K and over. The highest is 6.01% APY for a five year term. It also has a 5.85% APY 3-year/2-year CD and a 5.75% APY 1-year CD. There's a 90 day interest penalty for early withdrawal. Just recently, the rates had been higher with a 6.32% 60-month CD. Unfortunately, the rates fell in the last day.

The credit union has a narrow field of membership which is primarily based on select employee groups of several Central Texas school districts. See site for details.

Texhillco FCU is located in Kerrville, Texas which is about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It's a small credit union with $10.5 million in assets and 1,646 members.

Thanks to Shanny who mentioned this CD in the finding deals post.

$75 Checking Account Bonus at a Maryland CU (SECU) read and submit comments for this post

The 7.62% CD may be over, but SECU Credit Union still has a $75 bonus for opening a new checking account with direct deposit.

The minimum initial deposit is $25. You have until 11/30/06 to open the account and 12/31/06 for the direct deposit. Also note, in addition to pay, investment checks count as direct deposit. So it seems a regular ACH deposit from other another financial institution may qualify.

The field of membership includes alumni, full and part-time students, faculty and staff of several Maryland schools and universities. It also includes Maryland state employees and several other select groups. A commenter also noted that the American Heart Association is included in the FOM.

Branches are located in the Maryland cities of Baltimore, Annapolis, Berwyn Heights, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, LaVale, Rockville, Salisbury, Silver Spring and Towson.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $1.6 billion in assets and 247k members.

Thanks to the commenter who reminded me of this special.

6.14% 120-Month IRA CD at a Puerto Rico CU (VAPR) read and submit comments for this post

VAPR Federal Credit Union is offering a 6.14% APY 10-year IRA share certificate. The minimum deposit is $500.

The field of membership is primarily based on select groups which includes employees of the US Veteran Administration who work in Puerto Rico, employees of Hilton Hotels who work in San Juan, and several other groups (see site for details).

VAPR is NCUA insured. It has $103 million in assets and 13,421 members.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this CD in the finding deals post.

6.00% 13-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (Clearview) read and submit comments for this post

Clearview FCU is offering a special savings certificate with a 13-month term and a 6.00% APY (5.87% interest rate). The minimum deposit is $1,000. It's also available as an IRA CD. 50% of the deposit must be money new to the credit union.

The field of membership includes people who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in, businesses and legal entities in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Community which includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland Counties.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $561 million in assets and 72,969 members.

Etrade Money Market Account Promo Update - $50 Bonus read and submit comments for this post

As is typical, Etrade Bank extended its 3-month money market promo. The deal is the same as I posted on in September. It has an APY of 5.28% (5.15% interest rate) for the first 3 months. Also, using this promotional page, there's a $50 bonus. The new expiration date is now October 31, 2006. Please refer to my September post for all the details.

According to this promo page, existing Etrade customers who transfer at least $25,000 in funds from a non-Etrade account into their existing money market account can qualify for the promo rate. And according to this FW thread members have the opportunity for a $50 bonus by transfering at least $25K into the account by 11/30/06. There doesn't seem to be any requirement for keeping this money in the account after this date. It's not clear if you can have both the bonus and the 3-month APY. But with savings account rates at other banks near or above Etrade's promo rate, the $50 bonus is really the main attraction.

5.80% 11-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Bellco) read and submit comments for this post

Bellco Credit Union is offering an 11-month certificate of deposit with a rate of 5.80% APY. It requires a minimum of $50K. A lower rate is available for smaller deposits. This special is available as either a regular or IRA CD.

The field of membership includes those who are members of Consumers United Association. Any Colorado resident is eligible to join this association with a $5 fee. In addition, there's a long list of select employee groups in which you can qualify. See site for details. There's a one-time $5 membership fee and a $25 minimum deposit for membership into the credit union.

Branches are located in the Denver area. However, it appears you can open accounts online so this might be a good credit union for anyone in Colorado.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $1.58 billion in assets and over 153k members.

Other Colorado CD Deals

ENT Federal Credit Union, which has branches in several cities in Colorado, also has a nice CD special. It's offering a 6% APY 13-month CD (see post).

5.80% 8-Month CD at a California CU (San Francisco FCU) read and submit comments for this post

San Francisco FCU is offering a 5.80% APY 8-month savings certificate. It has a minimum deposit of $1K and a maximum of $50K. The special CD ends on October 31, 2006.

The CD also has a bump-up feature in which you can request a bump-up to the rate to match the current 6-month CD rate. It's unlikely that this will be a useful feature. The current standard 6-month CD rates are only around 5% APY.

The field of membership includes anyone who works, resides, worships or attends school in San Francisco, California. A $5 membership fee and a $5 deposit into a Regular Savings Account Required for membership.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $570 million in assets and 30,845 members.

Other Northern California CD Deals

If you aren't eligible for San Francisco Credit Union, there are others which you might want to try. Although the 6% CD special at Patelco Credit Union is over, it's still offering a 5.75% 8-month CD (see post). A 6-percent CD special is still available at Cal State 9 Credit Union. It's a 6% 7-month CD. This has been around since August so it might not last too much longer (see post).

6.35% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Beach Municpal) read and submit comments for this post

Beach Municipal FCU is having a 35th anniversary celebration in which they're offering a 6-month certificate with a 6.35% APY for a minimum deposit of $35K. It's available on new deposits and renewing term share certificates only. The promotion is available through December 31, 2006.

Unfortunately, the field of membership is narrow. It's based on select employee groups and immediate family. Most of the eligible employers are affiliated with the Virginia Beach government.

The credit union is NCUA insured. For a small FOM, it's a decent size credit union with $95 million in assets and 12,670 members.

$50 Checking Account Bonus at an Oklahoma Bank (Union Bank) read and submit comments for this post

Union Bank is offering a $50 7-Eleven Food and Fuel Card when you open a free checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $100. There's a $50 fee if the account is closed within 6 months. Offer expires December 31, 2006. The special isn't listed at the bank's website. It was advertised in today's Oklahoman newspaper. The ad is available online here.

Two nice things about this promo is that it doesn't seem to require direct deposit and the ad states that the $50 gas card will be provided at account opening. The free checking account is called the Free and Easy Checking. It has no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. Also, your first 50 checks are free.

The bank has 5 branches in Oklahoma City and Edmond.

6.00% 15-Month CD at an Illinois CU (Northwest Community) read and submit comments for this post

Northwest Community Credit Union is having a manager's special with a 15-month 6.00% APY certificate. The interest rate is 5.85% and the minimum deposit is $10K. The offer ends on October 31, 2006. The special is described in the member's newsletter (pdf).

The field of membership includes those who live or work in Niles or Maine Townships. You can also be eligible to join through a select employee group or if you're a member of certain church parishes. The credit union is located in Niles, Illinois which is in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $41.6 million in assets and 3,133 members.

[Edited: 10/24/06 - Fixed link to newsletter]

5.75% 7-Month CD at an Alabama CU (First Educators) read and submit comments for this post

First Educators Credit Union is offering a special 5.75% APY 7-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $5,000. Money must be new to the credit union.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, attends school or church in Jefferson, Calhoun, Russell, Shelby, Talladega, or Walker Counties. There's also a long list of eligible organizations and employers.

Branches are located in Birmingham, Anniston, Jacksonville, Jasper and Talladega, Alabama.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $87 million in assets and 17,267 members.

Bank Deal Summary for October 21, 2006 read and submit comments for this post

This was another quiet week at online banks with not many rate changes. There were a few changes. Presidential Bank just announced that it's increasing the rate on its Premier Savings Account from 5.12% to 5.25% APY. Corus Bank raised its money market account rate from 4.96% to 5.05% APY. This is indicative of some upward pressure on rates since Corus' MMA is indexed to the 91-day T-Bills.

We lost some more 6-percent CDs this week. World Savings' 6.01% 7-month secret special ended today. Also, Patelco ended its 6% 12-month to 23-month CD special. Citibank ended its 6% 6-month CD in Texas (only 5.25% is available now). First State Bank, which I had just added to my list last week, dropped its long-term CD rates to 5.50% APY. It had been as high as 6% APY for 60-months.

So finding a 6-percent CD is getting harder. There are still a few choices available nationwide. Everbank still has its 6.01% 3-month promo (see post). Digital Credit Union is still offering its 6% APY 16-month CD (see post). Kaiser Federal Bank just started offering a 6% APY 1-year CD with a $50K minimum. It had been offering a 6% savings account for balances of over $75K, but this has just ended for new accounts. (see post).

For long-term CDs with rates of 6%, you'll now have to look locally. There were a few good long-term CDs that I posted about this week with rates over 6%. Spokane City Credit Union is offering a 6.17% APY 60-month CD. This is available to anyone in Washington State (see post). Tucoemas FCU is offeringa a 6.22% APY 60-month CD for those in Tulare County, California (see post).

Every now and then there's a really hot CD deal. Not only should it have the highest yield, but it should also have a high cap. We saw a few this week that came and went in Maryland and Oregon. There's still one that may be left until Monday (Oct 23) at MECU in Maryland. It's a 7% 7-month CD with a max of $100K (see post). Another 7% CD special came out this week at MemberSource Credit Union in Houston, Texas. It's a 7% APY 7-month CD with a $7K max. The cap is fairly low but with referrals you can qualify for additional $7K deposits (see post). Just remember that these very hot CD specials often end sooner than expected.

There was also a good deal this week at Citibank with a potential bonus of $200. The first $100 requires opening a checking account with at least $1,500. The second $100 requires either bill pay or direct deposit for 6 months. (see post). Also, there are still many $100 sign-up bonuses available at Bank of America (see post).

Thanks to all who have helped by leaving comments or sending emails on rate updates. Sorry I can't post on all of your suggestions.

The rates listed below are based on Annual Percentage Yield (APY). No minimum balances are required unless noted. MMA next to the rates indicate a money market account. Most MMAs have check writing and ATM cards. Online savings accounts usually lack both of these. The top lists include banks and credit unions with broad availability and with minimums of $10K or less. Previous weekly summaries are available for Oct 14th, Oct 7th, Sept 30th, Sept 23rd, Sept 16th and Sept 9th.

As of October 21, 2006

Savings Accounts/Money Market Accounts:

• E-LOAN - 5.50% ($5K min), my post
• BankUnited - 5.35% (min $5K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.30% ($1K min), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.26%, my post
• AmboyDirect - 5.25%, my post ($25 bonus)
• Apple Bank - 5.25%, my post
• OneUnited - 5.25% (min $10), my post
• Security Savings Bank - 5.25% (min $100), very small bank with no online banking, see post
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% MMA (min $500), my post
• Presidential - 5.25% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 4.50% checking, my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.25% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), my post
• Countrywide - 5.25% (min $10K), (5.30% $50K+) my post
• Zions Bank - 5.24% (min $1K) (5.28% $50K+), offers 3.05% free checking, my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.14% MMA (min $5K, Costco members only, $25 deal for exec. members)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% MMA (min $1K) (5.15% $5K+), offers checking, my post
• MyBankingDirect - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.05%, my post, (rate history)
• HSBC Direct - 5.05%, offers checking, (rate history), my post
• Heritage Bank Online - 5.05% (min $1K), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.05% MMA (min $10K to open)
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 5.03% (min $10K), my post
• Citibank - 5.00%, requires checking account, my post
• Washington Mutual - 5.00% (requires checking), my post
• CapitalOne - 4.80% (MMA has same rate, but with checks and ATM. $100 min.), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.68% MMA (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $100), (4.86% $50K+/ 5.13% $100K+) offers checking, my post ($20 bonus)
• GE Money - 4.50% (min $4K), (5.05% for $15K+), my post ($25 bonus)
• MetLife Bank - 4.50% MMA (min $5K), my post ($50 bonus)
• EverBank - 4.41% ($1.5K min), 6.01% 3-mo promo, my post
• ING Direct - 4.40%, my post ($25 bonus), (rate history)
• Imperial Capital - 4.20% MMA ($2.5K min), offers free checking, my post
• ebank - 4.00% MMA ($1K min, rate for $10K-25K balance), offers checking
• NetBank - 3.52% MMA ($500 min), requires checking, my post ($250 deal)
• ETrade Bank - 3.25% (min $1K to avoid fees/$5K for APY), my post ($50 bonus)

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• EverBank - 6.01% ($1.5K min), checking account promo, see post
• World Savings - 5.61% (4 months) (min $10K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.40% (min $5K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.40%, ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.30% (min $10K), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.26% (min $10K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.25% ($100 min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% (min $500), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• Charles Schwab - 5.19% (min $1K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.13% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% (min $1K)
• EverBank - 5.05% ($1.5K min)
• Corus Bank - 5.05% (min $10K)
• ebank - 5.00% (min $1K), 5.25% for ePremium checking customers
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.73% (min $500), my post

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• AmTrustDirect - 5.61% (min $1K) my post
• Superior Savings - 5.60% (min $500)
• E-LOAN - 5.60% ($10K min), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.60% (min $10K)
• World Savings - 5.56% (5 months) (min $10K), branch-only, my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.50% (5 mo special offer) (min $5K), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.51% (min $10K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.50% ($100 min)
• Imperial Capital - 5.40%, ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.35% (min $10K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.30% (min $8K)
• World Savings - 5.26% (5 months) (min $10K), new funds only, my post
• Citibank - 5.25% (min $500), my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ebank - 5.15% (min $1K), 5.40% for ePremium checking customers
• NetBank - 5.05% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.00%, my post
• MetLife Bank - 5.00% ($1K min)
• Wells Fargo - 5.00% (5 months) (min $5K), rate and min vary by state, my post
• VirtualBank - 4.86% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.76% (min $500), my post

9-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Patelco Credit Union - 5.75% ($1K min) (8 months), not NCUA insured, my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.60% ($100 min)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.60% (min $1K) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.55% (min $10K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.39% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.35% (min $1K)
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• IndyMac Bank - 5.25% (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.05%, my post

12-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• AmTrustDirect - 5.71% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.70% ($10K min), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.66% (min $10K)
• Western Financial Bank - 5.65% ($100 min)
• La Jolla Bank - 5.65% (min $10K), my post
• GTE FCU - 5.64% (min $500) (add-on feature) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.64%, (min $10K) my post
• Melrose CU - 5.61% (min $5K) my post
• Digital CU - 5.50% (11 month) (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.40% (min $500), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.40% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K)
• Mutual Bank - 5.35% (min $2.5K) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.30% (min $5K), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• NetBank - 5.25% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• MetLife Bank - 5.25% ($1K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.10%, my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.00% (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $10K), my post

16-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Digital CU - 6.00% 16-mo (min $500), my post

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.55% (min $1K) my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.40% (min $5K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Imperial Capital - 5.10% ($2K min), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.21% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• ETrade Bank - 5.15% (min $1K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.10% (min $10K)

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.72% (min $5K) my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.60% (min $5K) my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.48% (min $1K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.43% (min $1K) my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.41% (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.08% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.90% (min $1K)

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Melrose CU - 5.77% (min $5K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.59% (min $1K), my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• USA FCU - 5.33% (min $1K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.08% (min $500), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.90% (min $1K)

60-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Melrose CU - 5.82% (min $5K) my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.75% (min $1K), my post
• Members Credit Union - 5.75% (min $2K), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Agriculture FCU - 5.65% (min $1K), my post
• First State Bank - 5.50% ($1K min), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.46% (min $1K) my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• VirtualBank - 5.15% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.10% (min $500), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

84-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.21% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

High Rates with Conditions - Open to All

• 10% Savings Account for kids ($500 max)
• 6.01% 3-month intro rate on checking account
• 6.00% 12-Month CD with $50K min
• 6.00% 3-month intro rate on Money Market account
• 5.56% Money Market Account with $250K initial deposit
• 5.40% Money Market Account with $25K min
• 5.36% Money Market Account at Bank of America with $50K+
• 5.25% Money Market Account with $25K min

Checking and Saving Accounts at Local Banks/Credit Unions

• 6.00% Checking Account up to $25k (Arkansas)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months (New York)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months at Banco Popular (CA)
• 5.25% Checking Account (Florida)
• 5.25% Money Market Account (Utah)
• 5.25% no-min online savings account and $50 Bonus (New York)
• 5.25% low-minimum online savings account (California)
• 5.15% Savings Account (Massachusetts)
• 5.11% Money Market Account (Wisconsin)
• 5.00% Money Market Account (Washington State)
• 5.10% savings account (Pennsylvania)
• 5.01% Checking Account (Wisconsin/Illinois)
• 4.75% Checking Account (Texas)

CD Specials at Local Credit Unions/Banks Over the Last Two Months

Terms of 60 Months and Over

• 6.67% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU - $100K+ (Dayton Firefighters FCU)
• 6.53% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Ohio HealthCare)
• 6.50% 60-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.27% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU - IRA (Hamilton Horizons)
• 6.25% 73-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (Minnesota Valley)
• 6.25% 61-Month CD at a Michigan CU - Open To All (Telcom)
• 6.25% 60-Month CD at a Utah CU (Pacific Rails)
• 6.22% 60-Month CD at a California CU (Tucoemas)
• 6.20% 60-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.17% 60-Month CD at a Washington State CU (Spokane City)
• 6.16% 60-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - IRA $50K+ (SAFE FCU)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Emery)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (Patriot)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU (Paragon)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First State)
• 5.85% 60-Month CD at a New York Bank (First Central Savings)
• 5.75% 60-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (open to all)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 6.66% 36-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Loudoun)
• 6.48% 24-Month CD at a California CU - IRA Variable (CAHP)
• 6.43% 36-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (United Services)
• 6.25% 36-Month CD at a South Dakota CU (Watertown)
• 6.25% 33-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.11% 24-Month CD at a California CU
• 6.11% 30-Month CD at a California CU (Tucoemas)
• 6.01% 30-Month CD at a Florida CU (SCORE FCU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Illinois CU (USA One National)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Florida and Iowa Bank - Prime Based
• 6.00% 24-Month CD at a Florida CU (FSU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.00% 40-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Glass City FCU)
• 5.98% 30-Month CD at a Virginia Bank (Farmers)
• 5.82% 36-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 5.80% 24-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Terms of 12 Months to Under 24 Months

• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank Continues ($1K Max)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $1K Max (First Financial)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a New York CU - $2K Max (Palisades)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - $1K Max (Carolina Trust)
• 6.50% 12-Month CD at a Washington DC Credit Union (GPO FCU)
• 6.17% 19-Month CD at a Indiana CU (Steel Parts)
• 6.16% 14-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.14% 18-Month CD at a Wichita, Kansas CU (Campus Credit Union)
• 6.10% 18-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.05% 19-Month CD at a Minnesota CU - $100K Min (Star Choice)
• 6.01% 12-Month CD at a Chicago Bank and 5.01% Checking (Standard Bank and Trust)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Chicago Bank (Lincoln Park)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Peoples Trust)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Desert Schools)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Unitus)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (TFCU)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Riegelwood)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $25K Max (Mid-Atlantic)
• 6.00% 20-Month CD at a Georgia CU - No Penalty (CGRCU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Canyon State)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 15-Month CD at a South Carolina CU (MCAS Beaufort)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Dallas Bank - $125k min (ViewPoint)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Ent)
• 5.97% 21-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (NMTW)
• 5.92% 12-Month CD at a California CU (Kerns Schools)
• 5.92% 13-Month CD at a Tampa Florida CU
• 5.90% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU - $95K Min (Tarrant County)
• 5.88% 12-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Sun American)
• 5.75% 13-Month CD at a Ohio CU, plus $75 Checking Bonus (Telhio)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 10.00% 10-Month CD at a Washington State CU - $1K Max* (Verity)
• 10.00% 7-Month CD at a North Carolina Bank - $2K Max (Oak Ridge)
• 10.00% 10-Month CD at a Philadelphia CU - $1K Max (American Heritage)
• 9.00% 9-Month CD at a Colorado CU - $2K Max (Elevations)
• 8.30% 8-Month CD at a Arizona CU - $8K Max (Arizona Holsum)
• 7.25% 7-Month CD at a New York / Pennsylvania CU (Visions)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a California CU - $2.5K Max (USE)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Louisiana CU - $7K Max
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Baltimore CU (MECU)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Houston CU - $7K Max (MemberSource)
• 6.25% 9-Month CD at a California CU ($5K max)
• 6.24% 6-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Fremont)
• 6.17% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Martinsville DuPont)
• 6.15% 6-Month CD at a San Antonio, Texas CU
• 6.11% 8-Month CD at a Florida CU (Kennedy Space Center)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Texas Credit Union (Lone Star)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Kansas CU (Central Star)
• 6.00% 9-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Colorado CU (BCS)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Apple FCU)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a California CU (SESLOC)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a Oregon/Washington CU (First Tech)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii CU (West Oahu Community)
• 6.00% 11-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (MIT FCU)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a New Jersey/North Carolina CU (Proponent)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Wisconsin CU (Fond du Lac)
• 6.00% 9-Month CD at a Baltimore Maryland CU (John Hopkins)
• 6.00% 4-Month CD at a Washington DC CU (HEW)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Washington DC CU (HEW)
• 5.90% 11-Month CD at a California CU (American River HealthPro)
• 5.90% 5-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Legacy FCU)
• 5.90% 6-Month CD at a New York CU (Cornerstone)
• 5.85% 7-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (First Suburban)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a Tennessee CU (Eastman)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 5.85% 9-Month CD at a North Dakota CU - (First Community)
• 5.80% 10-Month CD at a California CU (Tech CU)
• 5.80% 6-Month CD at a Phoenix Bank (Copper Star)
• 5.80% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Seasons)
• 5.78% 8-Month CD at a California CU (CommonWealth Central)
• 5.77% 7-Month CD at a North Dakota/Arizona Bank (First International Bank and Trust)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a California CU (OCTFCU)
• 5.75% 9-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 3-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (FBC)
• 5.75% 7-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Rivermark)
• 5.71% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial)
• 5.70% 7-Month CD at a California CU (Water and Power)
• 5.60% 6-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Savings Account/CD Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 5.01% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 5.02% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bond Rate Starting May 2006, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives
• SmartMoney Brokerage Survey

Presidential Bank's Savings Account Rate Increase - 5.25% read and submit comments for this post

Update 8/29/09: Current rates: Premier Savings Account: 1.25% APY up to $35K, 0.75% APY over; Checking 1.00% APY up to $25K, 0.50% APY over.

Update 5/30/09: Current rates: Premier Savings Account: 1.75% APY up to $35K, 1.25% APY over; Checking PLUS Account: 1.50% APY up to $25K, 1% APY over.

Update 3/07/09: The current rates for the savings account are 2.60% APY up to $35K, 2.40% for over $35K.

Effective on October 23, Presidential Bank's Premier Savings Account rate will increase from 5.12% to 5.25% APY. The Internet Checking Plus remains the same at 4.50% APY. The last rate change at Presidential was on June 30th when the savings account rate was raised from 4.87% to 5.12% APY.

Presidential joins several other online banks with a competitive 5.25% APY. It's still far behind E-LOAN, but it keeps them in the game.

Note, the 5.25% APY only applies to balances up to $35K. Balances over $35K earn 3% APY. There's a $5K minimum to open. However, there's no longer a monthly fee if your balance falls below $5K.

A recent change at Presidential is the addition of an electronic funds transfer system where you can initiate ACH transfers to and from other banks. There's a good description of this service and ACH in general in their FAQ page. It's about time that Presidential added this service. However, it has too many limitations and fees (see update below). From the Presidential's description there's a $3.50 fee for a standard transfer out of your Presidential account to another bank. There's no fee for incoming transfers. In addition to fees, the standard transfers have a daily limit of $2K and a monthly limit of $5K. Standard transfers with a higher limit of $15K/day and $25K/month can be added (see above link for details). The speed of standard transfers also seems to be an issue. According to this FW thread standard transfers can take up to 6 days with 4 days in which the money isn't earning interest. The Premium transfers may be faster but these cost $7.50 per transfer for both ingoing and outgoing transfers.

Update 5/30/09: The fees and limitations have improved. According to Presidential's Funds Transfer Service Page: There is no charge for incoming or outgoing Standard transfers. Standard transfers have a daily limit of $15,000.00 and a monthly limit of $25,000.00.

For more info on the Premier Savings Account and the bank's high yield checking account, refer to this account comparison table.

Presidential Bank has been FDIC insured since 1985. It's rated as 4 out of 5 stars (sound) at Bankrate.com.

7.50% 12-Month CD at an Oregon CU - 1 Day Only (OnPoint). read and submit comments for this post

OnPoint Community Credit Union is having a special 1-day only CD promo tomorrow (October 21st) from 9:00am to 1:00pm only at the new Eugene, Oregon branch. They're offering a 7.5% APY 12-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $10k with no limit on the amount that can be deposited. They require a separate checking account with a minumum $500 balance to be maintained in order to avoid a $10/month service fee (no direct deposit required). This is not listed at the credit union's website. It was advertised in the Register Guard Newspaper, and a reader mentioned it in the finding deals post.

Note that this 7.5% CD is only available tomorrow and only at the Eugene branch. If you can't make it to this branch tomorrow, the credit union also has some decent 6-month and 12-month CD specials with an APY of 5.65%. The minimum deposit for this is $5k. It's also available in an IRA account.

The field of membership includes everyone who lives or works in the Oregon counties of Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill. Membership is also open to family members of current OnPoint Community Credit Union members.

There is a $15 membership fee ($5 of which is refundable when you close the account). A minimum $5 deposit into a savings account is also required.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $2.2 billion in assets and 177k members.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this promo!

7.00% 7-Month CD at a Houston CU - $7K Max (MemberSource) read and submit comments for this post

MemberSource Credit Union is offering a special 7.00% APY 7-month certificate. The minimum deposit is $1,000. The maximum deposit limit is $7,000. You can qualify to open an additional CD for each friend or family member you pass this offer to who joins MemberSource and opens a 7-month CD too. There doesn't seem to be a limit to the number of referrals. Interest will be paid at maturity of the certificate. The offer is good through 11/30/06.

For each $7K CD you can get, you'll earn about $61 over what you would earn at E-LOAN's 5.50% savings account (assuming no change of interest rate at E-LOAN).

Feel free to request for referrals in the comments. This is very similar to the 8% Chartway CD deal last June. But even with a referral, you'll need to be eligible for membership into the credit union. The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school within a ten-mile radius of MemberSource Credit Union's offices. You can also qualify through select employee groups and by family relation. See site for details.

MemberSource has 3 branches in Houston, and one in The Woodlands, Texas.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $163 million in assets and 24,147 members. It's not a large credit union so there's a greater chance that it could pull the deal early if the response is high.

Credit for this find goes to the reader who mentioned it in the finding deals post. Thanks!

7.62% 12-Month CD Nearly Over at Maryland Credit Union read and submit comments for this post

I'm glad several readers have been able to obtain this special Celebration CD being offered by SECU Credit Union in Maryland. CDs with this high rate and high max don't come around too often. Unfortunately, you may not have much more time. I was originally told it would be available through Saturday, October 21, 2006. However, it could end as early as tomorrow (Oct 20th) based on what a reader was told from a SECU representative. So your best bet now is to visit the branch tomorrow. (Looks like it ended today. The website was updated with this info just after I posted this. Sorry about that.)

In addition to this special CD, the credit union is also offering a $75 bonus for opening a new SECU checking account with direct deposit. This can be opened at the same time you open the CD. The minimum initial deposit is $25. There's no rush for this special. You have until 11/30/06 to open the account and 12/31/06 for the direct deposit. Also note, in addition to pay, investment checks count as direct deposit. So it seems a regular ACH deposit from other another financial institution may qualify.

Here are the details of the 7.62% CD which includes info from readers' comments:

• 7.62% APY
• Minimum deposit is $500
• Maximum deposit $200,000
• Available in an IRA
• Will automatically renew into a standard 12-month term CD
• IRA CD will transfer to an IRA share savings
• There's a 7 day grace period at the 12-month maturity date
• The early withdrawal penalty is 270 days of interest (earned or unearned)
• Requires an active savings account with a $10 balance and activity at least once each 6 months
• Likely to end on October 21st. May end earlier.

Please see my previous post for more info on the credit union's field of membership, branch locations and NCUA insurance.

Thanks everyone for the info that you provided on this credit union and CD.

[Edited 10/20/06: 7.62% CD ended at the end of October 19th.]

6.17% 60-Month CD at a Washington State CU (Spokane City) read and submit comments for this post

Spokane City Credit Union is offering a 6.17% APY (6.00% interest rate) 60-month certificate. The minimum deposit is $25K, and the money must be new to the credit union. There's also a high rate for a 40-month CD of 5.90% APY, and a decent rate for the 36-month CD of 5.64% APY. Interest is compounded and credited monthly.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in the State of Washington. Seems like many Washington State credit unions have this easy FOM. Even though it's available to all state residents, there's only one branch located in Spokane.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $24 million in assets and 4,264 members.

5.90% 6-Month CD at a New York CU (Cornerstone) read and submit comments for this post

Cornerstone Community FCU is offering a special 5.90% APY 6-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $2,000, and 50% of the deposit must be money new to the credit union. The offer is valid until October 31, 2006.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships, goes to school or volunteers in Niagara County. Branches are located in the New York cities of Lockport and Middleport.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $252 million in assets and 41,092 members.

6.00% 12-Month CD at a Texas Bank (Century). read and submit comments for this post

Century Bank is offering a 6.00% APY 12-month certificate of deposit as part of its Grand Opening of its Plano, Texas branch. There's a minimum deposit of $1K and it requires a new or existing Century Bank checking account. This special CD is not listed at the bank's website. An ad with this special was published in today's Dallas Morning News and is available online here. The grand opening will be on Saturday, October 21, from 10am to 2pm. The Plano branch is located at 1500 Custer Rd.

Century Bank does offer a free checking account with no monthly balance requirements or monthly service charges.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934. It's rated as 3 out of 5 stars (performing) at Bankrate.com.

6.39% 36-Month CD IRA at NGFCU (Open To All) read and submit comments for this post

Northrop Grumman FCU has just increased its CD rates since my Monday report. The long-term IRA CDs now have some very nice rates. These include a 6.39% APY 36-month, 6.18% APY 48-month and a 6.16% APY 60-month IRA CD. All have a $40K minimum deposit. An APY of 6.13% is available for the 36-month IRA CD with a $2K minimum. The regular certificate rates are considerably lower. The highest rate for those is a 5.50% APY 6-month CD with a $40K minimum.

In addition to employees of Northrop Grumman, the credit union's field of membership includes members of the Southern California Historical Aircraft Foundation. The credit union allows you to join this foundation concurrently with your membership to the credit union. The minimum payment is $15 which includes a one year membership to this foundation, a one-time fee for the credit union and an initial deposit of $5 to open a regular share account.

The credit union has branches in several cities of California, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana and Florida.

NGFCU is NCUA insured. It has $538 million in assets and over 50,000 members.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned these new IRA rates in the finding deals post.

6% 12-Month CD Available to All at Kaiser Bank - $50K Min read and submit comments for this post

Kaiser Federal Bank is offering a 6.00% APY one year certificate of deposit. The minimum is $50K, and it requires money new to the bank. See rate table (pdf). The bank is also offering a 6.00% APY 5-year IRA CD. This requires a minimum of $225K of new money.

Unfortunately, Kaiser has stopped offering the 6% Dream Savings account for balances over $75K. I had reported on this savings account in late September. However, I was told by the bank that those who had already opened it will retain the same terms so at least they'll be able to keep the 6% for awhile.

The bank has branches in the California cities of Bellflower, Covina, Fontana, Harbor City, Los Angeles, Panorama City, Pasadena and Santa Clara.

According to the bank's custumer service rep, you can open any account except a checking account by mail (even those who live outside of California).

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1999. The bank has a 4 out of 5 star safe and sound rating at Bankrate.com.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this CD in the finding deals post.

5.97% 21-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (NMTW) read and submit comments for this post

Northern Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union has a special 21 month certificate of deposit with an APY of 5.97% (5.80% interest rate). The minimum is $500. It's also available as an IRA with an APY of 6.08% (5.90% interest rate) with the same minimum.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, or attends school within Middlesex or Essex County, MA. It also includes some cities within the counties of Worcester and Norfolk, MA and the counties of Rockingham and Hillsborough, New Hampshire. See site for details.

Branches are located in the Massachusetts cities of Lowell, Framingham and Danvers.

The credit union is NCUA insured. For deposits exceeding $100K (or $25K for IRAs), the credit union is insured by MSIC.

6.05% 19-Month CD at a Minnesota CU - $100K Min (Star Choice) read and submit comments for this post

Star Choice Credit Union is celebrating International Credit Union Day which is on the 19th with a 19-month certificate special. The top APY is 6.05% for a minimum deposit of $100K with new money. Lower deposits earn lower rates. A 5.90% APY CD is available with a $35K minimum deposit. New money is required for these rates. There's also a bump-up feature, but this is unlikely to be useful based on their low standard CD rates.

The field of membership includes those employed by a company within the information media, advertising or related services industry. In addition to immediate family members, you can also be eligible to join if your aunt, uncle, niece or nephew is a member.

The credit union is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It's NCUA insured.

5.90% 12-Month CD at a Texas CU - $95K Min (Tarrant County) read and submit comments for this post

Tarrant County Credit Union is offering a 5.90% APY 12-month jumbo certificate of deposit. The minimum is $95K. The APY for a $1K minimum is 5.25%.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in Tarrant County, Texas. You can also be eligible through select employee groups or by family members. See site for details.

Branches are located in Fort Worth, Hurst, and Mansfield, Texas. The credit union is NCUA insured.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this in the finding deals post.

$100 Business Checking Account Promo at Compass Bank read and submit comments for this post

Compass Bank is offering a $100 gift card (your choice of either Best Buy or gas card) for opening a new Free Business checking account. It requires an initial minimum deposit of $100, and you must register for it before October 31, 2006. The Free Business Checking has no monthly service charges and allows for up to 500 items processed free each month and free online banking with up to 20 free online bill payments per month.

Note, sole proprietors are eligible for a business checking account, and anyone can be choose to be classified as a sole proprietor. MyMoneyBlog has a post with more details on this.

Compass is also still offering a $50 Best Buy gift card for opening a new personal Free Checking Account. I first reported on this in early August.

I gave the $50 gift card promotion a try in August. I registered online, and then waited to be contacted by Compass to set up an appointment to visit a branch to complete the application. After 5 days, I hadn't received a response, so I took the initiative and contacted Compass and arranged for an appointment. At the appointment I had to show two forms of ID (I used by driver's license and a major credit card). After about 15 minutes, it was done. I then went back online at Compass with my new account number to claim the gift card. Apparently, I hadn't yet made it into the system. I waited a few days and tried again. This time it worked. Two weeks later I received an email stating that they would be sending me the gift card in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks. The gift card arrived in less than 4 weeks from that time. In addition, I received my first box of free checks. The promotion process was fairly smooth for me.

For both the business and personal checking accounts you will need to go to your local branch to complete the account opening process. Compass Bank has branches in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Texas.

In addtion to free checking, Compass Bank often has decent CD deals. However, the rates have gone down some recently. The current special is a 5.30% APY 7-month CD. Compass also offers Option CDs which allow up to two rate bumps and up to two additional deposits during the term. The rates for these have also gone done lately. Currently the APY for terms from 24 to 60 months is only 4.90%. Back in June and March these were as high as 5.10% APY.

6.00% 5-Month CD at a Kansas Bank (Central National Bank). read and submit comments for this post

Central National Bank is having a one-day anniversary CD special at its branches in Gardner, Kansas. It's a 6.00% APY 5-month CD. The minimum is $5K. It's only being offered at the Gardner, Kansas branches this Friday, October 20, 2006.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934.

Thanks to Scott who mentioned this special CD in the finding deals post.

6% 6-Month to 12-Month CD Available to All at WestBridge Bank and Trust. read and submit comments for this post

I had reported on WestBridge Bank and Trust's 6.00% CD special last week. Since then, I've confirmed that they do accept out of state deposits and they will open the CD by mail. The special is shown on their home page. You can choose a 6.00% APY certificate of deposit with a term between 6 and 12 months. The minimum deposit is $10K, and the early withdrawal penalty is 3 months of interest.

The bank can send you by email the application and instructions to open the CD by mail. In addition to the application and check, they'll need a copy of the primary ID for the new account holder(s) (i.e. driver's license) and a copy of a secondary form of ID (i.e. major credit card). In addition to check, they also accept wire transfers. On receipt of your application, they'll open the CD and send you the signature card, a postage-paid return envelope, and a copy of the certificate in return mail. Once they receive the signed signature card, they'll mail your original certificate. Please contact the bank for the application and details.

Westbridge is a new bank located in Missouri that was just established with FDIC insurance in February of 2006.

6.22% 60-Month / 6.11% 30-Month CD at a California CU (Tucoemas) read and submit comments for this post

Tucoemas Federal Credit Union has several high yield long-term share certificates. They include a 6.22% APY 60-month CD, a 6.11% APY 30-month CD and a 5.80% APY 24-month CD. These have a $50K minimum deposit requirement. Slightly lower rates are avaliable with $10K and $2.5K minimums. Even with only a $2.5K minimum, the 60-month CD still has a 6.06% APY. A 30-month IRA share certificate with an APY of 6.01% is available with a $10K minimum.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Tulare County, California. Branches are located in Visalia, Tulare and Porterville, California.

The credit union is NCUA insured.

10% 10-Month CD at a Philadelphia CU - $1K Max (American Heritage) read and submit comments for this post

American Heritage FCU is offering a special 10-month IRA or Term Share Certificate with a 10% APY. The minimum/maximum deposit is $1,000. It's limited to one CD per account number. It also requires you to have an active checking or money market account. They do have a free checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

The low cap makes this deal less than ideal. With $1K for 10 months at 10%, you'll earn about $37 over what you would earn in a 5.50% CD.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and several other areas. See site for details.

The credit union is NCUA insured.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this in the finding deals post.

7.62% 12-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $200K Max (SECU). read and submit comments for this post

SECU Credit Union has an exellent special called the Celebration CD. It provides a bonus rate of 2.5% of the opening CD balance, and that amount will be credited when the CD is established. This is added on to the 5.0% APY of the 12-month certificate of deposit. This gives the CD an APY of 7.62%. The minimum deposit is $500 and the maximum is $200K. This is also available as an IRA CD. I just called and confirmed that this CD is available through this Saturday, October 21, 2006.

The field of membership includes alumni, full and part-time students, faculty and staff of several Maryland schools and universities. It also includes Maryland state employees and several other select employee groups. See site for details.

Branches are located in the Maryland cities of Baltimore, Annapolis, Berwyn Heights, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, LaVale, Rockville, Salisbury, Silver Spring and Towson.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It also has Excess Share Insurance which provides an additional $100K of private insurance in excess of the federal insurance limit. Also note, like FDIC insurance, the NCUA can provide coverage over $100K. See previous post for more info.

Credit for this find goes to this SlickDeals thread.

6.01% 12-Month CD at a Chicago Bank and 5.01% Checking (Standard Bank and Trust). read and submit comments for this post

Standard Bank and Trust Co. is having a grand opening special with a 6.01% APY 12-month certificate of deposit. The minimum deposit is $5K and the maximum is $75K per family. New money is required. It's not available for business or IRA accounts. It also requires a primary checking account for the term of the CD with a minimum of 5 transactions per statement cycle. Offer expires on 11/18/06. This special is not listed at the bank's website. It was advertised in a Chicago newspaper. A scan of the ad is available here. Credit goes to FatWallet member Cossack who posted it in this FW thread.

This special is only available at the bank's Lakeview branches (3920 N. Sheridan Rd, 3747 N. Clark St. or 3434 N. Southport). The bank's toll-free number is 866-499-2265. Refer to the bank's branch locator page for more details.

Another part of the promotion is a 5.01% APY Checking with Interest account. The APY is guaranteed through 5/31/07. After that time, the rate will revert to the current standard Bank Simply Checking rate. The minimum to open the account and receive the APY is $100. Note, there may be fees if the balance drops below $2.5K. Their checking account overview page is unclear about this. You may be able to get the special CD with any of these checking accounts. Their Freedom Checking account has no monthly service charges.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1947. It has a 4 out of 5 safe-and-sound rating (sound) at Bankrate.com.

New $200 Checking Account Bonus at Citibank read and submit comments for this post

Update 8/7/07: A reader reported being told by Citibank that this offer code (MGCH) has ended.

Citibank has a new promotion for opening a new checking account. You get the first $100 for opening a regular checking account (EZ Checking is eligible) and funding it with at least $1,500 within 60 days of account opening. To get the second $100 you either have to sign up and use direct deposit for 6 consecutive months OR pay 2 bills a month for 6 consecutive months at citibankonline.com. The offer is valid through March 31, 2007. It's only available to first-time Citibank checking/deposit account customer. Credit for this find goes to this SlickDeals thread. The thread also has a scan of this offer.

I confirmed that the number in the scan (1-866-810-9043) is a valid Citibank number. I called and was told that the promo code MGCH is valid. You can open the checking account with this promotion on the phone. Note that they do a hard credit inquiry in the application. You have the option to fund the account over the phone with an ACH transfer or by check after they send you the account opening package in the mail.

This promotion doesn't require opening an e-Savings account. You can always open the e-Savings account later. The e-Savings still has a 5.00% APY and would be a useful account to have with this checking account (see post).

Beware that many people have reported not receiving previous Citibank promos (see post). So "your miles may vary."

I also learned from the customer service rep that the special 6.00% APY 6-month CD is no longer available for those in Texas. It ended a couple weeks ago. However, they are still offering a 5.50% APY 6-month CD which is available nationwide.

Update 4/23/07: According to the Citibank CSR as of 3/21/07, this $200 promo has been extended to 12/31/07. See this new post for more info. For more info on my experiences with this promo, please refer to this post.

6.19% 36-Month CD IRA at NGFCU (Open To All) read and submit comments for this post

Northrop Grumman FCU is offering a 3-year certificate IRA with an APY of 6.19%. The minimum for this rate is $40K. An APY of 5.93% is available with a minimum deposit of $2K.

In July, NGFCU had been offering IRA CD rates as high has 6.60% APY (see post). It has also mantained competitive regular CD rates, although the rates have fallen off quite a bit from a few months ago. The current 6-month CD rate is 5.40% APY for a minimum balance of $40K.

In addition to employees of Northrop Grumman, the credit union's field of membership includes members of the Southern California Historical Aircraft Foundation. The credit union allows you to join this foundation concurrently with your membership to the credit union. The minimum payment is $15 which includes a one year membership to this foundation, a one-time fee for the credit union and an initial deposit of $5 to open a regular share account.

The credit union has branches in several cities of California, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana and Florida.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $538 million in assets and over 50,000 members.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this IRA CD in the old finding deals post.

6.00% 10-Month / 6.00% 4-Month CD at a Washington DC CU (HEW) read and submit comments for this post

HEW Federal Credit Union has two new certificates with an APY of 6.00%. The 10-month term CD has a minimum deposit of $1,000. The 4-month or 120-day CD has a minimum of $100K. New money is required.

HEWFCU is also offering a $100 bonus for opening a free checking account with direct deposit and a Visa check card.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in Washington D.C. An initial minimum deposit of $5 into a savings account is required for membership.

The credit union is NCUA insured.

Thanks to reader who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

6.00% 9-Month CD at a Baltimore Maryland CU (John Hopkins) read and submit comments for this post

John Hopkins FCU is offering a promotional CD called the "New Addition" certificate with an APY of 6.00% and a 9-month term. The minimum deposit is $500 and it has a maximum limit of $10,000. The CD is available through December 31, 2006.

In addition to those employed at John Hopkins University or John Hopkins Hospital, the field of membership includes several other select employee groups. Also, anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in the select areas of Baltimore is included. See site for details.

The credit union is NCUA insured.

Thanks to reader who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

Best CD Deal in Baltimore for the Week of October 16th

The best deal this week in Baltimore is at MECU which is offering a 7.00% APY 7-month CD with a max limit of at leat $100K (see post).

5.85% 9-Month CD at a North Dakota CU - (First Community) read and submit comments for this post

First Community Credit Union is offering a 5.85% APY 9-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $1,000. A checking account is required for the 5.85% APY. Without checking account the APY is 5.60%. The CD allows additional deposits during the term. The money must be new to the credit union.

This add-on CD feature can be useful to protect against falling rates. If rates go down, you can always add on to this CD. However, since the term is only 9 months, it's not a huge benefit. Self-Help Credit Union also has this as a standard CD feature, but their CD rates haven't been that great for the last several months (see post).

First Community's field of membership includes individuals who reside within a seventy-five mile radius of Jamestown and a fifty mile radius of Valley City, Oakes, Napoleon, Steele, Bismarck, Wahpeton, and Wishek, North Dakota.

The credit union is NCUA insured.

6.00% 13-Month CD at a Colorado CU (Ent). read and submit comments for this post

Ent Federal Credit Union is again offering a 6.00% APY 13-month certificate. The minimum deposit is $500. The first $500 must be money new to the credit union, and 50% of money over $500 must be new to the credit union. This CD also has a bump feature. If rates go up in the next 13 months, you can get a one-time bump to the then-current 13-month certificate rate.

Ent had offered this same CD promotion back in June. One improvement appears to be that you can open CDs and other accounts online now. From my contacts with the credit union back in June I was told they don't do a hard credit inquiry in the application.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in the following Colorado counties: Denver, El Paso, Pueblo or Teller Counties. Membership requires a minimum initial deposit of $35 to their savings account.

Ent has 20 branches located in Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fountain, Peyton and Woodland Park.

Ent is NCUA insured. It has $1.9 billion in assets and over 157K members.

[Edit 11/25/06: This 6.00% CD is no longer available]

6.00% 6-Month CD at a Wisconsin CU (Fond du Lac) read and submit comments for this post

Fond du Lac Credit Union is celebrating International Credit Union Day by offering a 6.00% APY 6-month certificate of deposit. This is a one day special on October 19.

The credit union's field of membership includes residents of Fond du Lac and Dodge County. It has two branches in the city of Fond du Lac which is about 50 miles north-nortwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $29 million in assets and 6,634 members.

6.50% 12-Month CD at a Washington DC Credit Union (GPO FCU). read and submit comments for this post

GPO FCU will be offering a 6.50% APY 12-month share certificate for one day only on October 25, 2006. The minimum deposit is $1,000, and it requires new money.

Unfortunately, it has a very narrow field of membership that's based on select employee groups which includes the US Government Printing Office (GPO) and a dozen other employers. See site for details. The credit union's main office is located in Washington DC.

GPO FCU is NCUA insured. It has $25 million in assets and 3,506 members.

10% 7-Month CD at a North Carolina Bank - $2K Max (Oak Ridge) read and submit comments for this post

The Bank of Oak Ridge is offering a 10% APY 7-month certificate of deposit. The minimum/maximum is $500/$2,000. It requires both a checking account and a New Leaf Savings Account. There's a limit of one CD per person or household. This special is not listed at the bank's website. It was advertised in the following press release.

Due to the low cap and the other required accounts, it's not an extraordinary deal. You'll earn about $52 over what you would earn in a 5.50% CD with $2K over 7 months. The New Leaf Savings Account has a current rate of 4.01% APY. It has a minimum opening deposit of $50 and no minimum balance requirements. You do have to have at least one automatic credit to the account per month to avoid a $5 service charge. There are a couple of free checking accounts to choose from. These also require a $50 minimum initial deposit. The best checking account is available for those 49 and over.

Branches are located in Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Greensboro, North Carolina.

The bank is FDIC insured. It has a 4 out of 5 star safe-and-sound rating at Bankrate.com.

Thanks to Mike who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

Finding the Best Bank Rates and Deals #4 read and submit comments for this post

This post is intended to be a place where readers can share info on the best bank deals. Your help is much appreciated. Also, I'm including a list of websites that list the best CD and money market rates. This is intended to be a place where you can start your search for the best bank deals.

This is the fourth finding-the-best-deals post. The last one was getting too long.

In your comment, please include the link to the deal. If the deal is not on the bank's website, please include the source of the deal (i.e. a New York Times newspaper ad, a sign at a local bank, etc.)

I'll try my best to post on the deals, and I'll be sure to give you credit. If you want to remain anonymous, simply comment as an anonymous user or email me at bankdeals at gmail dot com.

Don't worry about being absolutely sure that a deal is new and worthwhile. It's often hard to find all the small print or to find if the deal has already been posted. One tip to see if the deal has already been posted is to use the search box at the top of this page or do a search of my archive page.

Other Sources for Bank Deals

With new deals from banks and credit unions constantly popping up, no site has a complete list of all the best deals. This is my list of the best sites. If you find another good source of bank deals, please let me know.

Best Certificate of Deposit Rates

• Bank Deals CD List
• FatWallet CD Thread
• BestCashCow CD List
• BestCashCow CD Credit Union List
• Bank-CD List
• Bankrate.com 6-month CD List
• Bankrate.com 1-year CD List
• Bankrate.com 1-year Credit Union CD List
• eMoneyCentral
• BauerFinancial CD RateWatch
• Credit Union Deals
• Bank Best Rates - CD Rates
• Money-Rates - CD

Best Money Market / Savings / Checking Account Rates

• Bank Deals Savings/Money Market List
• FatWallet Savings/Checking Thread
• BestCashCow Savings Account List
• Bankrate.com Savings/MMA List
• Bank-CD Checking/Savings List
• Bank Best Rates - Checking Accounts
• Bank Best Rates - Savings and MM Accounts
• iBankBonus - Bank Sign-up Bonuses

Bank Deal Summary for October 14, 2006 read and submit comments for this post

There were some signs this week that the 2-month decline in CD rates may be slowing down. GMAC Bank raised its CD rates by 5 to 15 basis points with the largest gain being on the longer term CDs. However, there were others which lowered rates. AmTrustDirect dropped its long term CD rates from 10 to 25 basis points, and Transportation Alliance Bank decreased all of its long term CD rates from 5.34% to 5.28%. With reports this week of a jump in consumer confidence and healthy retail sales, bond and treasury yields have been rising lately (see CNN article). So CD rates may hold for awhile, or perhaps start to rise again.

This was a quiet week for savings and money market accounts with no major rate changes. E-LOAN is still on top with a 5.50% APY (see post).

For CDs, even though AmTrustDirect dropped its long term CD rates, it raised its 1-year CD from 5.60% to 5.71% which just tops E-LOAN's 5.70% 12-month CD. World Savings ended its 5.76% 13-month internet CD special and replaced it with a 5.61% 4-month CD special (see post), and don't forget that this is the last week to take advantage of World's secret branch-only 6.01% 7-month CD (see post).

I added a new bank to the list of long-term CDs available nationally. First State Bank has been offering high yields on long-term CDs for several months. You can still get a 6% APY 60-month CD with a $25K minimum. With only a $1K minimum, you can get a 5.90% CD for either a 48-month or 60-month term. Although it's a Florida bank, I've confirmed that they do accept out-of-state deposits with applications done by mail (see post).

Next week is International Credit Union Day, and several credit unions are coming out with some nice specials. The best is at MECU in Baltimore, Maryland which is offering a 7% APY 7-month CD with a maximum limit of $100K (see post). For a complete list of these recent local CD deals, refer to my local CD list below. Remember that many of these deals don't last long. Please check if the rate is still active at the bank or credit union's website. If you see that a deal has ended, a comment is much appreciated.

Thanks to all who have helped by leaving comments or sending emails on rate updates. Sorry I can't post on all of your suggestions.

The rates listed below are based on Annual Percentage Yield (APY). No minimum balances are required unless noted. MMA next to the rates indicate a money market account. Most MMAs have check writing and ATM cards. Online savings accounts usually lack both of these. The top lists include banks and credit unions with broad availability and with minimums of $10K or less. Previous weekly summaries are available for Oct 7th, Sept 30th, Sept 23rd, Sept 16th, Sept 9th and Sept 2nd.

As of October 14, 2006

Savings Accounts/Money Market Accounts:

• E-LOAN - 5.50% ($5K min), my post
• BankUnited - 5.35% (min $5K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.30% ($1K min), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.26%, my post
• AmboyDirect - 5.25%, my post ($25 bonus)
• Apple Bank - 5.25%, my post
• OneUnited - 5.25% (min $10), my post
• Security Savings Bank - 5.25% (min $100), very small bank with no online banking, see post
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% MMA (min $500), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.25% (min $1K) (closed to CA residents), my post
• Countrywide - 5.25% (min $10K), (5.30% $50K+) my post
• Zions Bank - 5.24% (min $1K) (5.28% $50K+), offers 3.05% free checking, my post
• Heritage Bank Online - 5.20% (min $1K), my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.14% MMA (min $5K, Costco members only, $25 deal for exec. members)
• Presidential - 5.12% (min $5K, only first $35K receives this rate), offers 4.50% checking, my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% MMA (min $1K) (5.15% $5K+), offers checking, my post
• MyBankingDirect - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.10% MMA (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.05%, my post, (rate history)
• HSBC Direct - 5.05%, offers checking, (rate history), my post
• Citibank - 5.00%, requires checking account, my post
• Washington Mutual - 5.00% (requires checking), my post
• Tennessee Commerce Bank - 4.97% (min $10K), my post
• Corus Bank - 4.96% MMA (min $10K to open)
• CapitalOne - 4.80% (MMA has same rate, but with checks and ATM. $100 min.), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.68% MMA (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $100), (4.86% $50K+/ 5.13% $100K+) offers checking, my post ($20 bonus)
• GE Money - 4.50% (min $4K), (5.05% for $15K+), my post ($25 bonus)
• MetLife Bank - 4.50% MMA (min $5K), my post ($50 bonus)
• EverBank - 4.41% ($1.5K min), 6.01% 3-mo promo, my post
• ING Direct - 4.40%, my post ($25 bonus), (rate history)
• Imperial Capital - 4.20% MMA ($2.5K min), offers free checking, my post
• ebank - 4.00% MMA ($1K min, rate for $10K-25K balance), offers checking
• NetBank - 3.52% MMA ($500 min), requires checking, my post ($250 deal)
• ETrade Bank - 3.25% (min $1K to avoid fees/$5K for APY), my post ($50 bonus)

3-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• EverBank - 6.01% ($1.5K min), checking account promo, see post
• World Savings - 5.61% (4 months) (min $10K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.50% (min $5K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.35%, ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.30% (min $10K), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.26% (min $10K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.25% ($100 min)
• GMAC Bank - 5.25% (min $500), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• Charles Schwab - 5.19% (min $1K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.13% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.10% (min $1K)
• EverBank - 5.10% ($1.5K min)
• ebank - 5.00% (min $1K), 5.25% for ePremium checking customers
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Corus Bank - 4.96% (min $10K)
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.73% (min $500), my post

6-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• World Savings - 6.01% (7 month) (min $10K), unadvertised, branch-only, my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.61% (min $1K) my post
• Superior Savings - 5.60% (min $500)
• E-LOAN - 5.60% ($10K min), my post
• Corus Bank - 5.60% (min $10K)
• World Savings - 5.56% (5 months) (min $10K), branch-only, my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.55% (5 mo special offer) (min $5K), my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.51% (min $10K), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.50% ($100 min)
• Citibank - 5.50% (min $500), 6% for Texas, my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.40%, ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.35% (min $10K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• UFB Direct - 5.30% (min $8K)
• World Savings - 5.26% (5 months) (min $10K), new funds only, my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ebank - 5.15% (min $1K), 5.40% for ePremium checking customers
• NetBank - 5.05% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.00%, my post
• MetLife Bank - 5.00% ($1K min)
• Wells Fargo - 5.00% (5 months) (min $5K), rate and min vary by state, my post
• VirtualBank - 4.86% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 4.76% (min $500), my post

9-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Patelco Credit Union - 5.75% ($1K min) (8 months), not NCUA insured, my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.60% ($100 min)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.60% (min $1K) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.55% (min $10K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K), my post
• VirtualBank - 5.39% (min $10K), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.35% (min $1K)
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500), my post
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• IndyMac Bank - 5.25% (min $5K), my post
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.05%, my post

12-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Patelco Credit Union - 6.00% ($1K min), not NCUA insured, my post
• La Jolla Bank - 5.75% (min $10K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.71% (min $1K) my post
• E-LOAN - 5.70% ($10K min), my post
• Western Financial Bank - 5.65% ($100 min)
• GTE FCU - 5.64% (min $500) (add-on feature) my post
• FirstFedDirect - 5.64%, (min $10K) my post
• Corus Bank - 5.63% (min $10K)
• Melrose CU - 5.61% (min $5K) my post
• Digital CU - 5.50% (11 month) (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.40% (min $500), my post
• UmbrellaBank.com - 5.40% (min $1K)
• Imperial Capital - 5.40% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.40% (min $10K)
• Mutual Bank - 5.35% (min $2.5K) my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.30% (min $1K), my post
• IndyMac Bank - 5.30% (min $5K), my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• EverBank - 5.25% ($1.5K min)
• NetBank - 5.25% (min $1K), my post ($100 bonus)
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• UFB Direct - 5.25% (min $8K)
• MetLife Bank - 5.25% ($1K min)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• ING Direct - 5.10%, my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.01% (min $500), my post
• VirtualBank - 4.60% (min $10K), my post

16-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Digital CU - 6.00% 16-mo (min $500), my post
• Patelco Credit Union - 6.00% ($1K min), not NCUA insured, my post

18-Month Certificates of Deposit:

• Patelco Credit Union - 6.00% ($1K min), not NCUA insured, my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.40% (min $1K) my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.40% (min $5K) my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Imperial Capital - 5.25% ($2K min), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.21% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• ETrade Bank - 5.15% (min $1K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.10% (min $10K)

36-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• First State Bank - 5.75% ($1K min), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.72% (min $5K) my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.64% (min $1K), my post
• Mutual Bank - 5.60% (min $5K) my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.41% (min $1K), my post
• AmTrustDirect - 5.30% (min $1K) my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.08% (min $500), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.90% (min $1K)

48-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• First State Bank - 5.90% ($1K min), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.77% (min $5K) my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.75% (min $1K), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• USA FCU - 5.33% (min $1K) my post
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• Agriculture FCU - 5.25% (min $1K), my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• GMAC Bank - 5.30% (min $500)
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.09% (min $500), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)
• Washington Mutual - 4.90% (min $1K)

60-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• First State Bank - 5.90% ($1K min) (6.00% with $25K min), my post
• Fort Belvoir FCU - 5.90% (min $1K), my post
• Melrose CU - 5.82% (min $5K) my post
• Members Credit Union - 5.75% (min $2K), my post
• E-LOAN - 5.75% ($10K min), my post
• Agriculture FCU - 5.65% (min $1K), my post
• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• GMAC Bank - 5.35% (min $500)
• Transportation Alliance Bank - 5.28% ($1K min)
• AmTrustDirect - 5.25% (min $1K) my post
• ebank - 5.25% (min $1K), 5.50% for ePremium checking customers
• VirtualBank - 5.15% (min $10K), my post
• Self-Help Credit Union - 5.10% (min $500), my post
• Imperial Capital - 5.00% ($2K min), my post
• ETrade Bank - 5.00% (min $1K), my post
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

84-Month Certificate of Deposit:

• Pentagon Federal CU - 5.42% (min $1K), my post
• CapitalOne/Costco - 5.21% (min $5K, Costco members only)
• EmigrantDirect - 5.20% (min $1K)
• Countrywide - 5.00% (min $10K)

High Rates with Conditions - Open to All

• 10% Savings Account for kids ($500 max)
• 6.01% 3-month intro rate on checking account
• 6.00% Savings Account for $75k+ Deposits
• 6.00% 3-month intro rate on Money Market account
• 6.00% 60-months CD with $25K min
• 5.49% Money Market Account with $250K initial deposit
• 5.40% Money Market Account with $25K min
• 5.36% Money Market Account at Bank of America with $50K+
• 5.25% Money Market Account with $25K min

Checking and Saving Accounts at Local Banks/Credit Unions

• 6.00% Checking Account up to $25k (Arkansas)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months (New York)
• 5.50% Money Market Account for 3 months at Banco Popular (CA)
• 5.25% Checking Account (Florida)
• 5.25% Money Market Account (Utah)
• 5.25% no-min online savings account and $50 Bonus (New York)
• 5.25% low-minimum online savings account (California)
• 5.15% Savings Account (Massachusetts)
• 5.11% Money Market Account (Wisconsin)
• 5.00% Money Market Account (Washington State)
• 5.10% savings account (Pennsylvania)
• 5.01% Checking Account (Wisconsin/Illinois)
• 4.75% Checking Account (Texas)

CD Specials at Local Credit Unions/Banks Over the Last Two Months

Terms of 60 Months and Over

• 6.67% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU - $100K+ (Dayton Firefighters FCU)
• 6.53% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Ohio HealthCare)
• 6.50% 60-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.27% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU - IRA (Hamilton Horizons)
• 6.25% 73-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (Minnesota Valley)
• 6.25% 61-Month CD at a Michigan CU - Open To All (Telcom)
• 6.25% 60-Month CD at a Utah CU (Pacific Rails)
• 6.20% 60-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.16% 60-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - IRA $50K+ (SAFE FCU)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Emery)
• 6.14% 60-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a Pennsylvania CU (Patriot)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU (Paragon)
• 6.00% 60-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First State)
• 5.85% 60-Month CD at a New York Bank (First Central Savings)
• 5.75% 60-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (open to all)

Terms of 24 Months to Under 60 Months

• 6.66% 36-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Loudoun)
• 6.48% 24-Month CD at a California CU - IRA Variable (CAHP)
• 6.43% 36-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.25% 24-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (United Services)
• 6.25% 36-Month CD at a South Dakota CU (Watertown)
• 6.25% 33-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Metro)
• 6.11% 24-Month CD at a California CU
• 6.01% 30-Month CD at a Florida CU (SCORE FCU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Illinois CU (USA One National)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Florida and Iowa Bank - Prime Based
• 6.00% 24-Month CD at a Florida CU (FSU)
• 6.00% 36-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (Central One FCU)
• 6.00% 40-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Glass City FCU)
• 5.98% 30-Month CD at a Virginia Bank (Farmers)
• 5.82% 36-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Cintel)
• 5.80% 24-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Terms of 12 Months to Under 24 Months

• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Philadelphia Bank Continues ($1K Max)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $1K Max (First Financial)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a New York CU - $2K Max (Palisades)
• 10.00% 12-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - $1K Max (Carolina Trust)
• 6.17% 19-Month CD at a Indiana CU (Steel Parts)
• 6.16% 14-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Energon)
• 6.14% 18-Month CD at a Wichita, Kansas CU (Campus Credit Union)
• 6.10% 18-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Chicago Bank (Lincoln Park)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Michigan CU (Peoples Trust)
• 6.00% 14-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Desert Schools)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Unitus)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Minnesota CU (TFCU)
• 6.00% 18-Month CD at a North Carolina CU (Riegelwood)
• 6.00% 13-Month CD at a Maryland CU - $25K Max (Mid-Atlantic)
• 6.00% 20-Month CD at a Georgia CU - No Penalty (CGRCU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Colorado CU (College CU)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Arizona CU (Canyon State)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 15-Month CD at a South Carolina CU (MCAS Beaufort)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a Dallas Bank - $125k min (ViewPoint)
• 6.00% 12-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 5.92% 12-Month CD at a California CU (Kerns Schools)
• 5.92% 13-Month CD at a Tampa Florida CU
• 5.88% 12-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Sun American)
• 5.75% 13-Month CD at a Ohio CU, plus $75 Checking Bonus (Telhio)

Terms of Under 12 Months

• 10.00% 10-Month CD at a Washington State CU - $1K Max* (Verity)
• 9.00% 9-Month CD at a Colorado CU - $2K Max (Elevations)
• 8.30% 8-Month CD at a Arizona CU - $8K Max (Arizona Holsum)
• 8.00% 8-Month CD at a California CU ($5K max)
• 7.25% 7-Month CD at a New York / Pennsylvania CU (Visions)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a California CU - $2.5K Max (USE)
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Louisiana CU - $7K Max
• 7.00% 7-Month CD at a Baltimore CU (MECU)
• 6.25% 9-Month CD at a California CU ($5K max)
• 6.24% 6-Month CD at a Ohio CU (Fremont)
• 6.17% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Martinsville DuPont)
• 6.15% 6-Month CD at a San Antonio, Texas CU
• 6.11% 8-Month CD at a Florida CU (Kennedy Space Center)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD a Citibank Texas
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Texas Credit Union (Lone Star)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Kansas CU (Central Star)
• 6.00% 9-Month CD at a California CU (Valley First)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 10-Month CD at a Colorado CU (BCS)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Florida Bank (United Heritage)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Apple FCU)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a California CU (SESLOC)
• 6.00% 3-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Connecticut CU (American Eagle)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a Oregon/Washington CU (First Tech)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha)
• 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii CU (West Oahu Community)
• 6.00% 11-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (MIT FCU)
• 6.00% 7-Month CD at a New Jersey/North Carolina CU (Proponent)
• 5.90% 11-Month CD at a California CU (American River HealthPro)
• 5.90% 5-Month CD at a Alabama CU (Legacy FCU)
• 5.85% 7-Month CD at a Illinois Bank (First Suburban)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a Tennessee CU (Eastman)
• 5.85% 6-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services)
• 5.80% 10-Month CD at a California CU (Tech CU)
• 5.80% 6-Month CD at a Phoenix Bank (Copper Star)
• 5.80% 9-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Seasons)
• 5.78% 8-Month CD at a California CU (CommonWealth Central)
• 5.77% 7-Month CD at a North Dakota/Arizona Bank (First International Bank and Trust)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a California CU (OCTFCU)
• 5.75% 9-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 3-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (St. Louis)
• 5.75% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (FBC)
• 5.75% 7-Month CD at a Oregon CU (Rivermark)
• 5.71% 8-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First Commercial)
• 5.70% 7-Month CD at a California CU (Water and Power)
• 5.60% 6-Month CD at a Texas CU (Resource One)

Savings Account/CD Alternatives

• Money Magazine article on risk-free investments
• Fidelity Money Market Fund - 5.00% 7-day yield ($100 bonus and other info)
• Paypal Money Market Fund - 5.02% 7-day yield (1% cashback debit MasterCard)
• FW Thread on Treasury Bills
• I Bond Rate Starting May 2006, I Bond Article, I Bonds as CD Alternatives
• SmartMoney Brokerage Survey

6.00% 7-Month CD at a New Jersey/North Carolina CU (Proponent) read and submit comments for this post

Proponent Federal Credit Union is featuring a 6.00% APY 7-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $1,000. New money is required. The CD is also available in an IRA. There's also an 8-month 6.00% APY CD, but this requires a checking account with direct deposit.

The field of membership is primarily employee based. There's a long list of eligible organizations and companies.

Branches are located in the New Jersey cities of Nutley, Raritan, Branchburg, Clifton, Newark, and in the North Carolina cities of Burlington and Research Triangle.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $382 million in assets and 24,245 members.

5.75% 13-Month CD at an Ohio CU, plus $75 Checking Bonus (Telhio) read and submit comments for this post

Telhio Credit Union is having a savings promotion with a 13-month certificate of deposit with a rate of 5.75% APY. It requires a minimum deposit of $5K of new money.

You can also get up to $75 for opening a new free checking account. A minimum deposit of $50 is required for a $50 bonus. Additional $5 is added for each of the following: applying for a debit card, applying for overdraft protection loan, signing up for home banking, signing up for eStatements and using direct deposit.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in Franklin County or these surrounding communities: Canal Winchester, Dublin, Galloway, Johnstown, London, Orient, Pataskala, Pickerington, Powell, Reynoldsburg, and Westerville. Branches are located in Hiliard, Worthington and Columbus, Ohio.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $378 million in assets and 56,864 members.

Thanks to Gary who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

7.50% for First $500 in Checking and Savings Account at a Washington State CU (BECU) read and submit comments for this post

BECU is starting a new program in which members earn 7.50% on the first $500 in both the Member Advantage Savings and Checking Accounts. Balances above $500 would earn the standard rate (1.76% for savings and 0.50% for checking). To qualify requires signing up for free online banking, monthly eStatements and enrolling and remaining active in either free online bill payment or direct deposit. An Early Saver account is available for children in which you earn the same 7.50% for balances under $500 without the above requirements.

With only a $500 cap, the deal isn't great. With both a checking and savings account, you'll earn about $25 a year over what you would earn with the money in a high yield savings account. But if you need a local checking account and don't plan on keeping large balances, it could be worthwhile.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in any Washington state school district. The Select Employee Group includes Boeing and its susidiaries or affiliates. Branches are located through out Washington State.

BECU is the sixth largest credit union in the country with $6.6 billion in assets and 451k members. It's NCUA insured.

Thanks to Matt who mentioned this promotion in the finding deals post.

False Alarm at AmTrustDirect - e-Money Market Will Remain at 5.30% read and submit comments for this post

It turns out that the big rate drop on the e-Money Market at AmTrustDirect was just an IT issue that caused the wrong rates to be posted on the website. They're still offering 5.30% APY across all tiers. The website has now been fixed to show the proper rate.

Although this mistake was just related to the display of the rates on the website, it does bring up the issue that banks often make mistakes, and they can sometimes adversely affect your account. There are federal regulations that provide some protection to consumers, such as those related to Electronic Funds Transfers. The important thing is to check your accounts at least once a month. If you wait too long before reporting an error, the bank won't be required to correct it.

How significant is this mistake? What are the chances that they'll make mistakes with my account? I've read about some people who have had troubles with their AmTrustDirect accounts. Others have been very pleased, and have also been pleased with AMTrustDirect's customer service. So I wouldn't read too much into this website mistake.

Please refer to my previous post for more info on AmTrustDirect.

Big Drop in AmTrustDirect's Savings Account Rate read and submit comments for this post

AmTrustDirect just made a big change to their e-Money Market savings account. It changed from 5.30% APY for all balances to a tiered rate that starts at only 3.30% APY for the first $25K of balance. A balance of over $50K is required for an APY of 4.10%. The maximum rate is 5.50% APY but this requires a balance of $1 million.

For the last two weeks, it looked like AmTrustDirect and E-LOAN were going to be the two new major contenders for online savings accounts. This move takes AmTrustDirect out of the game and even behind ING Direct.

A few people have mentioned that online banks are moving to tiered rates. This happened a few months ago at VirtualBank and UmbrellaBank. The theory is that it's less costly for a bank to maintain an account for one person with a large balance than accounts for multiple people with small balances. We could also see this same tiered rates at E-LOAN. Hopefully, it won't be extreme as AmTrustDirect's new tier.

[Edit 10/13/06 12:00pm: The apparent rate drop was just an IT mistake. See post for more info.]

6.00% 60-Month CD at a Florida Bank (First State). read and submit comments for this post

First State Bank continues to offer high yields on its long term certificates of deposits. The rates include a 6.00% APY 60-month CD with a $25K minimum, a 5.90% APY 60-month and 48-month CD with a $1K minimum and a 5.75% APY 36-month CD with a $1K minimum. These rates are the same as I reported back in May and August.

A reader mentioned that the bank takes out of state deposits. I received email from the bank confirming this. Here's the info that they provided:

We do open out of state CD's with a notarized letter of direction. The letter should outline how the account will be titled and if there are any beneficiaries. We still have a 5.83% interest rate with 6.00% APY for a 60 month term on a $25,000+ deposit. There is a 180 days interest penalty for early withdrawal based on a term of over 1 year. If you would like to open an account, we will need the following information:
-Names and Social Secruity numbers for all named on Account
-Name of employer, if retired, provide a description of former employment
-Physical and Mailing address, phone numbers
-Clear photocopies of two ID's, one needs to be a State issued Driver's License, State ID Card, or Passport
-A check to open the account
-Names, birthdates and SS# of any beneficiaries on the account.

The bank has six branches in the Florida cities of Sarasota, Seminole and St. Petersburg.

First State Bank has been FDIC insured since 1988. Bankrate gives the bank 4 out of 5 stars (sound).

6.14% 18-Month CD at a Wichita, Kansas CU (Campus Credit Union) read and submit comments for this post

Campus Credit Union is offering a 6.14% APY 18-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $1,000. The CD is also available in an IRA.

The field of membership includes all those affiliated with Wichita State University. There are additional organizations and employers in which you may qualify. See site for details.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $18 million in assets and 3,925 members.

6.27% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU - IRA (Hamilton Horizons) read and submit comments for this post

Hamilton Horizons FCU has several high yield long-term certificates for both regular and IRA accounts. The highest rate is a 6.27% APY 60-month IRA CD. The regular 5-year CD has an APY of 6.00%. The 36-month IRA CD has an APY of 5.76% and the regular 36-month CD has an APY of 5.50%.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Hamilton Township, New Jersey (Mercer County).

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $22 million in assets and 3,208 members.

6.11% 8-Month CD at a Florida CU (Kennedy Space Center) read and submit comments for this post

The Kennedy Space Center FCU is offering three share certificate specials. The best is a 6.11% APY 8-month CD with a $5K minimum. The other two specials are a 5.70% APY 15-month CD and a 5.32% APY 12-month CD. Both have a minimum of $10K.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, or worship in Brevard or Volusia County, Florida. Branches are located in Merritt Island, Titusville, Port St. John, Suntree, Palm Bay, Halifax, Deland and Deltona.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $386 million in assets and 49,311 members.

6.15% 6-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (United Community Bank). read and submit comments for this post

United Community Bank in Cumming, Georgia is offering a 6-month, 6.15% APY certificate of deposit. The minimum deposit is $1,000 with no maximum. It requires that you open a checking account with a minimum opening balance of $100. The special ends this week. This special is not listed at the bank's website. A reader provided this info, and I obtained additional details from the bank.

They do offer the Ultimate Free Checking Account with no monthly fees. Also, there's a free halogen spotlight gift when you open this checking account.

This CD special is part of the celebration of a new branch in Cumming, and thus it's only available at the two branches in Cumming, Georgia (4365 Browns Bridge Road and 1015 Buford Highway). Call 770-888-1880 for more details. Cumming is in the northern suburbs of Atlanta.

United Community Bank has been FDIC insured since 1950.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

AmTrustDirect Raises 12-Month CD Rate, Drops Long Term Rates read and submit comments for this post

It looks as if AmTrustDirect is trying its best to compete with E-LOAN. Last week AmTrustDirect raised its 6-month CD to 5.61% APY which just surpassed E-LOAN's 5.60% 6-month CD. Today, AmTrustDirect raised its 1-year CD rate from 5.60% to 5.71% APY which just beats E-LOAN's 5.70% CD.

However, on long term CDs, E-LOAN's lead has widen. Yesterday, AmTrustDirect dropped rates on its 18-month to 60-month CDs from 0.10% to 0.25%. The 5-year CD APY is now only 5.25% (which is less than the 5.30% e-Money Market account). AmTrustDirect's long term CDs had peaked in August when the rate on all CDs of 1-year and longer was as high as 5.68% APY. Before this last change, the long term CDs were at 5.50% APY. At least AmTrustDirect resisted the lower rates longer than most other banks. You have to wonder how long will E-LOAN be offering 5.75% APY on all CDs from 18 months to 60 months.

Please refer to my previous post for more info on AmTrustDirect and this post for more info on E-LOAN.

Credit for this rate update goes to shraz. Thanks!

New Internet CD Special at World Savings - 5.61% 4-Month read and submit comments for this post

World Savings changed its top Internet CD special today from a 5.76% 13-month CD to a 5.61% APY 4-month CD. It has the typical internet special requirements: $10K minimum deposit, $100K maximum, not available in branches and new funds only.

The trend of falling long-term rates can be seen in these internet certificate specials over the last two months. On August 31st, the 6.01% 15-month internet special came out. On September 18th, this was changed to a 5.76% 13-month internet special.

For those who live near a branch, World Savings is still offering a 6.01% APY 7-month CD. Note this is an unadvertised special. Only certain customers were sent mailers on it. But if you specifically request this special, most branches will honor it. Many people have described their experiences in opening this CD in my previous post. Your comments are much appreciated!

For those who have a CD maturing at World, you may want to try to get them to match a competitor's CD. In that way you can avoid the new money hassle. I was successful in getting them to match a 6% APY 6-month CD that Citibank is offering in Texas (see post).

The best advertised branch CD special is currently a 5.56% APY 5-month certificate of deposit. Rates vary by state.

Bank of America's Free Online Trades read and submit comments for this post

Bank of America has announced that through its brokerage unit, it'll offer 30 free online trades a month for customers with at least $25K in bank deposits (see CNN article).

If you're an active stock trader, this could save you money. But if you don't do many stock trades, you'll be better off keeping your money away from Bank of America's standard savings accounts or checking accounts. However, there are some options in which you can now get decent rates at Bank of America. If you're an AAA member or a NEA member, there's a high yield money market account available through MBNA which was just acquired by Bank of America (see post). Also, Bank of America has been offering some 5-percent-plus CD specials (see post). If you don't keep too much money in a BofA's checking or savings account, you can make out well with signup bonuses and the Keep the Change Program (see post).

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this news in the finding deals post.

10% 12-Month CD at a South Carolina CU - $1K Max (Carolina Trust). read and submit comments for this post

Carolina Trust FCU is another credit union having specials next week in celebration of International Credit Union Day. They're offering a 10% APY 1-year savings certficate. The minimum and maximum deposit is $1,000. Only one CD per member is allowed, and only 500 of these CDs will be offered from October 16th to 20th. Members must open a checking account with Visa debit card and direct deposit. See site for further details.

This deal could be better with a higher maximum. With a $1K max, the offer will earn you about $45 more than a 1-year CD earning 5.50%.

The field of membership includes individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Williamsburg or South Florence County and relatives of members.

Branches are located in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside, Johnsonville and Lake City, South Carolina.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $115 million in assets and 29,403 members.

6.00% 11-Month CD at a Massachusetts CU (MIT FCU) read and submit comments for this post

MIT Federal Credit Union is offering a special 6.00% APY 11-month Jumbo share certificate. The minimum deposit is $50K. A regular 11-month CD is also available with a rate of 5.75% APY and a minimum of $1K. To qualify for these rates, you must be a Smart Money Rewards member which requires an active checking account and direct deposit. Without this, the APY is 0.25% lower.

In addition to MIT students and staff, the field of membership includes several other select employee groups.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $199 million in assets and 21,482 members.

6.00% 12-Month / 5.85% 6-Month CD at a California/Nevada CU (1st United Services) read and submit comments for this post

1st United Services has several certificate specials. The first is a 6.00% APY 12-month jumbo share certificate with a minimum deposit of $100K. It has an add-on feature which allows you to add funds at any time during the term. It also has a bump feature and a one-time penalty-free withdrawal feature. However, the penalty-free withdrawal is only on the interest.

The second one is a grand opening special with a 5.85% APY 6-month share certificate. It has a $2K minimum and a $10K maximum. A special rate HELOC is also being offered. These offers end October 28, 2006.

New members who open this CD or HELOC and a 1st Interest Checking account can also get a $50 gas card. The checking account requires a $1K balance to avoid a $10/month fee.

And finally a third special is another "Add On" certificate with an APY of 5.50% and a term from 12 to 24 months. The minimum is $1K. Like the jumbo, you can add funds at any time. This add-on feature could come in handy to hedge against falling rates. Fund this with the minimum for 24 months. If rates fall, you can always add more into this.

The field of membership includes anyone who lives, regularly works, attends school, or worships in the California counties of Alameda, Contra Costa or Kings. There also many employers in their select employers group including the US Armed Forces in Nevada. See site for details.

Branches are lcoated in the California cities of Haywood, Fremont, Berkeley, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Rodeo, Alameda, Pittsburg, Lemoore and Union City and in the Nevada city of Fallon.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $677 million in assets and 57,367 members.

5.88% 12-Month CD at a South Florida Bank (Sun American) read and submit comments for this post

Sun American Bank is offering a promotional 5.88% APY 12-month certificate of deposit. It requires a $50K minimum deposit, and applicants must open a free checking account and maintain a $100 balance. The promotion is available until October 31st. The special is not listed on the bank's website, but was advertised last week in a South Florida paper.

Branches are located in Miami, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Hollywood, Doral, Coconut Grove and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Sun American Bank has been FDIC insured since 1987. It has the highest safe-and-sound rating at Bankrate.com of 5 out of 5 stars (superior).

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this special in the finding deals post.

7.00% 7-Month CD at a Baltimore CU (MECU). read and submit comments for this post

MECU (Municipal Employees Credit Union) will be offering from a 7.00% APY 7-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $500 and the maximum allowed deposit is $100K. It'll be offered from 10/16 to 10/23.

This special isn't listed at the credit union's website. It was mentioned in the FatWallet CD thread. I called to confirm. I was told the maximum is $100k which is a nice max for a 7% CD (often it's under $10k).

The field of membership includes those who live, regularly work, worship or attend school in Baltimore, Maryland. You can also join MECU if you are a relative by blood or marriage to anyone who lives, regularly works, worships or attends school in Baltimore City or if you are a current or former employee of a company in their Select Employee Group.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $789 million in assets and 81,048 members.

6.17% 6-Month CD at a Virginia CU (Martinsville DuPont) read and submit comments for this post

Martinsville DuPont Credit Union is offering a 6.17% APY 6-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $2,500 and $500 for an IRA account. The credit union also has a decent rate on 1-year CD (5.64% APY).

The field of membership includes anyone who lives or works in the cities of Martinsville and Danville and the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick and Pittsylvania. Branches are located in Martinsville, Collinsville and Rocky Mount, Virginia.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $220 million in assets and 23,658 members.

6.00% 60-Month CD at a New Jersey CU (Paragon) read and submit comments for this post

Paragon FCU is offering a 6.00% APY 60-month certificate of deposit. The minimum deposit for this rate is $10k. Previously, it was only available as a special with a $50k minimum. The 6.00% CD is also available in a Roth or Traditional IRA.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Bergen or Passaic County, New Jersey. There are additional communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are included. Also, there's a long list of schools, companies and organizations which can qualify you for membership.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $377 million in assets and 58,240 members.

3.01% Checking Account at a Wisconsin/Illinois Bank (Blackhawk) read and submit comments for this post

Update 8/16/09: The yield has fallen to 3.01% APY. Refer to the bottom of the post for the rate history.

Blackhawk Bank has a 3.01% APY checking account called the EasyMoney Checking. It's a reward checking account, and the APY applies to balances up to $25K (1% for over). The main requirement for this EasyMoney Checking is that you make 10 point-of-sale debit card transactions per statement cycle. There's no direct deposit requirement. Also, there are no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees. Another perk is automatic refunds of all ATM transaction fees worldwide. If requirements are not met, the rate falls to 0.15%.

According to the bank representative, they require a branch visit to open the checking account. Branches are located in the Wisconsin city of Beloit and in the Illinois cities of Roscoe, Machesney Park, Rockford, Belvidere and Capron.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934. It has an average safe and sound rating at Bankrate.com of 3 out of 5 stars (performing) as of 10/10/06.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this checking account in the finding deals post.

Rate History:
08/17/09: 3.01% APY for up to $25K
12/23/08: 4.01% APY for up to $25K; 1.00% for above; 0.15% if req's not met (updated 1/14/09)
10/10/06: 5.01% APY (initial post)

Edit 3/22/09: Updated eligible ATM fee refunds from domestic to worldwide

4.01% Checking Account at Classic Bank in Texas read and submit comments for this post

Update 1/30/09: The top rate has fallen to 4.01% APY. Refer to this post for more up-to-date information on this reward checking account.

Classic Bank has a Reward Checking Account that pays 4.01% APY for balances up to $25K (1.01% for above). The two main requirements are that you use the VISA Check Card 10 times per month (excluding ATM withdrawals) and you either have direct deposit or pay one bill via auto draft each month. It only requires $100 to open and has no minimum balance and no monthly fees.

According to the bank representative, they require a branch visit to open the checking account. Branches are located in the Texas cities of Cameron, Rosebud, Rockdale and Giddings which are located east and northeast of Austin.

The bank has been FDIC insured since 1934.

Other Reward Checking Accounts

To find reward checking accounts in other areas of the nation or to learn more about these accounts, please refer to my High Yield Checking website.

Rate History:
01/30/09: 4.01% APY up to $25K; Bank name is now Classic Bank; URLs updated
10/10/06: 4.75% APY up to $25K; Bank was called First National Bank

6.00% 12-Month CD at a Dallas Bank - $125k min (ViewPoint) read and submit comments for this post

ViewPoint Bank is offering a Fall Special CD with an APY of 6.00% and a term of 12 months. The minimum deposit is $125k. Money must be new to the bank. The offer is good through October 31, 2006.

The bank has several branches in the Dallas metro area. According to the bank representative, the CD can be opened by mail and is available to those outside of Texas.

ViewPoint is a newly established bank that has been FDIC insured since January 2006. Note, you can go above $100k and still be FDIC insured for joint accounts and revocable trust accounts with qualifying beneficiaries (see FDIC page for more details).

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this deal in the finding deals post.

6.00% 6-Month CD at a Hawaii CU (West Oahu Community) read and submit comments for this post

West Oahu Community FCU is having a special with a 6.00% APY 6-month share certificate. The minimum is $1k and the maximum deposit is $100k.

The field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school located in various parts of Honolulu County, Hawaii. You can also be eligible via select employee groups. See site for details.

It has been difficult to find CD deals in Hawaii. This is the first Hawaiian-based credit union that I've come across with an attractive rate on a CD. I hope there'll be some readers out there who'll be able take advantage of this.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $29 million in assets and 7,364 members.

6.00% 12-Month / 6.00% 6-Month CD at a Georgia Bank (Alpha). read and submit comments for this post

Alpha Bank and Trust is still offering 6.00% APY 12 and 6 month certificates of deposit. I first reported on this bank and these CDs on August 2nd. A reader just mentioned the CDs, and I thought it was worthwhile to post on them again. The rates have remained the same since August. They also have 5.75% APY CDs with terms from 24 to 60 months and IRA CDs with rates about 0.05% higher than the regular CDs. The regular CDs have a $1K minimum and the IRA CDs has a $500 minimum.

Alpha Bank and Trust is a one-branch bank located in Alpharetta, Georgia which is in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta. I've received mixed messages from this bank concerning account opening requirements. In an email reply, they stated that you can open accounts by mail. However, a couple of days afterwards, a reader mentioned that they now require a branch visit for account opening. However, you can be from out of state. The lack of a well-defined procedure like this seems typical for small, newly established banks.

The bank just started business last May. It is FDIC insured.

5.85% 60-Month CD at a New York Bank (First Central Savings) read and submit comments for this post

First Central Savings is offering a 5.85% APY 60-month certificate of deposit. The bank also has a 5.75% APY 24-month CD. The minimum deposit is $500 and the early withdrawal penalty is 6 months of interest.

Branches are located in the New York cities of Whitestone, Astoria, Ridgewood and Bayside. According to the bank representative, they require a branch visit to open an account.

First Central Savings is FDIC insured. The bank has a 4 out of 5 star safe-and-sound rating (sound) at Bankrate.com.

Thanks to the reader who mentioned this CD.

$50 Bonus and 5.25% Savings Account at a New York CU (RateEdge) read and submit comments for this post

RateEdge.com is offering a $50 cash bonus for opening a RateEdge.com account with $5,000 or more. It must be a new account and the money must be new to Sunmark FCU (the parent of RateEdge). The offer is good through 12/31/06. The account must remain open for 90 days after account opening. The $50 will be credited within 30 days.

This promotion is a little surprising since this RateEdge's 5.25% APY savings account is the best online savings account from any credit union. RateEdge.com is an online division of Sunmark Federal Credit Union. Sunmark launched RateEdge and its high yield online savings account about a year ago. The savings account is similar to those offered by online banks. It has no monthly fees, only a $5 minimum deposit requirement, and no rate tiers. Over the last year, the rates have averaged higher than rates at HSBC Direct and EmigrantDirect. Below shows a history of the rates:

RateEdge       RateEdge   Fed Funds  Emigrant     HSBC
Rate Change    APY        Rate       Direct APY   APY
Oct 10         5.25%      5.25%      5.05%        5.05%
May 16         5.25%      5.00%      4.50%        4.50%
Apr 05         5.00%      4.75%      4.50%        4.80%
Feb 09         4.75%      4.50%      4.25%        4.80%
Jan 07         4.50%      4.25%      4.00%        4.25%
Nov 14         4.25%      4.00%      4.00%        4.00%

Until recently, RateEdge had maintain an APY 25 basis points above the Fed funds rate. However, this ended on the last Fed rate hike. The APY has remained at 5.25% since May. Perhaps the credit union decided to skip a rate hike and instead do this $50 bonus promotion.

If Sunmark wants to increase deposits, it needs to expand its field of membership. Unfortunately, the FOM is primarily limited to those who live in parts of New York State. To open an account at RateEdge.com, you have to live, work, worship, own a business, volunteer or attend school in one of the following New York counties: Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie. You can also be eligible if you have an immediate family member who meets the above criteria (even if they're not already a member).

Push for Online Savings Accounts from Your Own Credit Union

There's no reason why other credit unions can't offer similar online savings accounts. They may not all be as competitive as this, but by applying the same online business model, credit unions should be able to give the online banks a run for their money. Another example of a credit union doing this is Beehive Credit Union of Utah. It's currently offering an online savings account with a rate of 5.25% (see post).

I've contacted my credit unions about offering this type of online savings account. I've written both to the management and to the board. I received a reply from the CFO and he was very interested in Sunmark's RateEdge. However, he wasn't sure how many members would want this. So that's why we need more people to speak up. The more people who push for this, the more likely credit unions will respond.

6.15% 6-Month CD at a San Antonio, Texas CU read and submit comments for this post

The San Antonio City Employees FCU has a promotional term share certificate with an APY of 6.15% and a term of 6 months. The minimum balance is $2.5K.

The field of membership was just expanded to include all those who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Bexar County, Texas. Branches are located through out San Antonio.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $289 million in assets and 42,609 members.

Update on the E-LOAN 5.50% Savings Account - 2nd Account, Xfer Speed and Other Reviews read and submit comments for this post

I tried opening another E-LOAN savings account so I could link to another external account. As I mentioned in this previous post, this does allow you to get around the single ACH link limitation. Both accounts will be shown on your account page. However, E-LOAN currently does not allow internal transfers between multiple savings accounts.

I was hoping that the process of opening another savings account would be quicker than the first. Unfortunately, it's the same exact process, even if you use the "open another savings account" link on your account page. To ensure the new account gets grouped with your existing savings account, it states that you must use the same user name and password in the application.

During the application for my second account, I noticed a few things I missed in the first application. In step 2 where you fill in your personal info, there's a link under the username/password field for beneficiaries. Click this link and additional fields open where you can add optional beneficiaries. Note the social security number field for the beneficiary is optional. Also in step 2, there's a privacy opt-out link under the security code verification box near the bottom. Clicking on this will open a new window. Filling out this info should prevent E-LOAN from giving out your info to its partners.

After the application was done, I logged back in and saw the new account showing up in my account page. I now have to verify the trial deposits just like the first account.

Last week I was able to withdraw money out of the E-LOAN account just one day after I verified the trial deposits (probably could have done the withdrawal on that day). The transfer was quick. I made the request on Wednesday and the deposit showed up at my GMAC account on Thursday.

You may also be interested in reviews of this E-LOAN savings account from other sites. My Money Blog provides an image of the account page. He also notes that there is no download link for Quicken or MS Money. Punny Money has a 3-part series on the opening process. A good point is made about why the initial deposit is debited from your linked account before trial deposit verification. Seems like the debit should only be done after the verification of the trial deposits. And of course FatWallet has a E-LOAN savings account thread. Several have confirmed that there are no hard credit inquiries for opening this account. Also, it's mentioned that although E-LOAN does not allow withdrawals to be done from outside accounts, it does allow ACH deposits. The routing number is 111925359. Since the first 5 digits of your account number are hidden in the account page, you'll have to contact them for this information.

For more information on E-LOAN, please refer to my previous posts:

• My experience opening an E-LOAN savings account
• E-LOAN Savings Account and CD Overview

5.92% 13-Month CD at a Tampa Florida CU read and submit comments for this post

Tampa Bay FCU is offering a 5.92% APY 13-month share certificate. The minimum deposit is $5K, and it requires new money. Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly.

The field of membership is primarily based on Select Employer Groups. Those not part of a SEG or without an eligible family member, may be eligible through the credit union's Prime Time Club. The credit union has a $25 one-time membership fee which is way above average, and I would recommend to try to see if they would waive this. Sometimes this is possible if you're going to be making a large deposit.

Tampa Bay FCU has several branches around the Tampa, Florida area.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $312 million in assets and 39,268 members.

6.00% 15-Month CD at a South Carolina CU (MCAS Beaufort) read and submit comments for this post

MCAS Beaufort FCU is offering a 6.00% APY 15-month certificate of deposit. The minimum is $10K. It's a limited time special.

The field of membership includes all those who live or work in Beaufort County. There's a one-time $5 membership fee and a $5 minimum deposit into the share savings account is required.

The credit union has 3 branches in Beaufort and Port Royal, South Carolina which are located between Charleston and Savannah.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $61 million in assets and 19,582 members.

6.11% 24-Month CD at a California CU read and submit comments for this post

California State University, Los Angeles FCU has several high yield share certificates. The highest rate is a 24-to-36 month CD with an APY of 6.11% and a minimum deposit of $50k. The APY for a $25k minimum is 5.80%. Other lower rates are available with smaller balances. The 12-to-23 month CD also has a high APY of 5.85% with a $50k minimum. These CDs have a bump option which gives you one chance to increase the rate if rates increase. There's a 3-month early withdawal penalty.

In addition to those affiliated with the University, the field of membership includes those who live, work, worship or attend school in the community of El Sereno. You may also be eligible through the Select Employee Groups.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $33 million in assets and 4,540 members.

10% 10-Month CD at a Washington State CU - $1K Max* (Verity) read and submit comments for this post

Verity Credit Union is offering what it calls a 10 for 10 certificate special. New members can purchase one 10% APY 10-month certificate with a minimum/maximum deposit of $1K. A checking account is required. Current members are eligible for one 10 for 10 certificate for each new member they refer who also opens a 10 for 10 certificate. The offer is available from October 10 to 23, 2006.

This is similar to the 8% CD special that Chartway Credit Union had offered several months ago except it has only a $1K maximum deposit limit rather than Chartway's $8K. With a $1K maximum limit, the 10 month earnings would be about $37 over what you would earn with E-LOAN's 5.50% savings account (assuming no rate changes). However, there doesn't seem to be any limit to the number of referrals. Feel free to request for referrals in the comments of this post.

The credit union's field of membership includes all those who live, work, worship or go to school in any county within Washington State.

Verity is NCUA insured with $327 million in assets and over 26,000 members.

7.00% 7-Month CD at a Louisiana CU - $7K Max read and submit comments for this post

The New Orleans Firemen's FCU is having a one-day term share certificate special on October 19th. A 7.00% APY 7-month certificate will be available on that day. The minimum is $2K with a maximum deposit of $7K. New money is required.

The $7K maximum deposit limits the amount you can earn on this CD to about $61 over what you would earn in an E-LOAN 5.50% savings account (assuming no change in rates).

In addition to New Orleans firemen, the field of membership includes anyone who lives, works or attends schools in St. James Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Plaquemines Parish, and certain parts of the New Orleans East area. Also there's a long list of select employee groups.

The credit union is NCUA insured. It has $117 million in assets and over 16k members.

October 19th is International Credit Union Day. So be sure to keep an eye out for credit union specials like this one.

6% 6-Month / 6% 12-Month CD at a Missouri Bank (WestBridge) read and submit comments for this post

WestBridge Bank and Trust is having a special certificate of deposit offer. It's a 6.00% APY CD with a term of 6 to 12 months. The minimum deposit is $10k. The early withdrawal penalty is 90 days of interest. The offer is also available for an IRA.

The bank is located in Chesterfield, Missouri which is in the western suburbs of St. Louis. It's not clear if the bank requires a branch visit to open an account. I've sent the bank an email to see if they accept applications by mail.

Westbridge is a new bank that was just established with FDIC insurance in February of 2006.

Credit for this find goes to the FW CD thread.