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Last Updated: September 17, 2009 07:56 PM

 

Best High Yield Reward Checking Account Rates that are Insured

Reward Checking Rates are often higher than the saving rates that you can find online. It is a fairly new concept that is bringing back power to smaller banks and credit unions, as larger banks continue to become less attractive in today's economy. In return for the higher rates offered, there are usually 2-3 specified requirements that must be met to receive the rate monthly. The usual (but not always) requirements are:

 

- Make 10 Debit Card transactions (banks receive money & reputation for card transactions)

- Make at least 1 ACH transfer (credit/debit card payment, purchases, etc), Direct Deposit, OR Bill Pay every month (banks receive money for this as well).

- Agree to receiving statements online, instead of mail (saves the bank's time & money).

 

BancVue, an expert in financial software development, created the software for many banks and credit unions that offer Rewards Checking. As a result, these institutions can now offer customers CD-like interest without restrictions, and free ATM refunds.

 

Here is a list of some of the best high yield Reward Checking account rates I found that are insured. Institutions listed are insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). FDIC and NCUA are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. To double-check validity of insurance, please go to http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main.asp or http://www.ncua.gov/indexdata.html. Also, please note the date last updated. If there are any discrepancies, please inform me.

 


Nationally Available within United States of America:

 

Bank/Credit Union | APY | Balance Cap | Link to Account Review

 

Bank of the Sierra 4.51% $25,000 initial rvw: 12/03/08 Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company 4.50% $25,000 updated rvw: 07/28/09 Royal Banks of Missouri 4.30% $25,000 updated rvw: 05/10/09 Consumers Credit Union 4.09% $25,000 updated rvw: 01/12/09 Pacific Resource Credit Union 4.07% $25,000 updated rvw: 05/17/09 Coulee Bank 4.04% $25,000 updated rvw: 06/30/09 Heartland Community Bank 4.02% $30,000 updated rvw: 04/15/09 Danvers Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 04/01/08 Capital Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 11/02/08 Ouachita Independent Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 12/06/08 Charter Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 04/01/09 Liberty Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 09/07/09 Farmers & Merchants Bank 4.01% $50,000 updated rvw: 05/17/09 First National Community Bank 4.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 07/26/09 Liberty Savings Bank 4.01% $25,000 initial rvw: 04/27/09 Patriot Bank 4.01% $50,000 initial rvw: 05/08/09 First Security Bank & Trust 4.01% $25,000 initial rvw: 06/30/09 First Bank & Trust 4.01% $25,000 initial rvw: 07/09/09 First Community Bank N.A. 4.01% $25,000 initial rvw: 07/14/09 Lake Michigan Credit Union 4.00% $15,000 updated rvw: 05/03/09 Southern Community Bank & Trust 4.00% $25,000 updated rvw: 11/01/08 ViewPoint Bank 4.00% $50,000 initial rvw: 05/22/08 Evantage Bank 4.00% $10,000 updated rvw: 04/22/09 Bank of the Wichitas 4.00% $10,000 updated rvw: 04/22/09 AmericaNet Bank 4.00% $10,000 updated rvw: 04/22/09 Jeff Davis Bank 3.82% $25,000 updated rvw: 04/11/09 First New England Federal Credit Union 3.65% $15,000 updated rvw: 05/17/09 Connexus Credit Union 3.65% $25,000 updated rvw: 09/07/09 CornerStone Bank 3.60% $50,000 updated rvw: 03/11/09 Addison Avenue FCU 3.51% $25,000 updated rvw: 05/03/09 First City Bank 3.51% $50,000 initial rvw: 02/25/09 The Bank of Fayetteville 3.50% $50,000 updated rvw: 03/17/09 Atlantic Coast Bank 3.50% $25,000 updated rvw: 06/27/09 Libertad Bank 3.50% $25,000 updated rvw: 02/01/09 City National Bank 3.28% No Cap initial rvw: 05/26/09 State Bank of Toledo 3.01% $70,000 updated rvw: 10/15/08 Provident Credit Union 3.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 05/17/09 Community Bank of Raymore 3.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 03/31/09 Community Bank of Pleasant Hill 3.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 04/01/09 CBDirect Bank 3.00% No Cap updated rvw: 02/01/09 Champion Bank 2.25% $25,000 updated rvw: 05/17/09 Heritage Bank 2.14% No Cap updated rvw: 07/18/09 West Texas National Bank 2.01% $25,000 updated rvw: 01/09/09

 

 

Available by State:

Institution

State

APY

APY Limit

Monthly Requirements

Rocky Mountain Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Montana

6.01%

up to $25,000

At the present time, Rocky Mountain Bank is accepting accounts only from its local service areas. Electronic statements, use your free debit card, at least one direct deposit or automatic payment

Rio Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Texas

5.50%

up to $25,000

e-Checking Plus - minimum of 10 debit card transactions, minimum of 5 Online Bill Pay payments thru IPay, 1 Direct Deposit per month, receive monthly electronic bank statement

First Clover Leaf Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Illinois

5.25%

up to $25,000

My Great Rate Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit, 3 online bill payments. Must come in person to open account.

Farmers Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

5.01%

up to $25,000

10 check card transactions, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit, enroll and receive electronic statements, and access on-line banking

Southern Missouri Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

5.01%

up to $0

Account available only to residents of Missouri and Arkansas - Premium Rewards checking - Make at least 12 check card transactions and Set up one monthly direct deposit or automatic payment

Bank of Blue Valley
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Kansas

5.01%

up to $25,000

To open account please go to one of their five banking centers and speak with a Personal Banker. Performance Checking - 12 signature-based debit card transactions, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Kansas State Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Kansas

4.55%

up to $25,000

Free Rewards Checking - 10 check card transactions, electronic statements, one direct deposit or ACH auto debit, access online activity at least once

Cross County Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

4.51%

up to $30,000

Limited to Arkansas residents only. 10 debit card point of sale transactions, receive monthly statements electronically, set up one direct deposit or one ACH auto debit monthly.

Focus Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Missouri and Arkansas

4.51%

up to $25,000

MAXimum Free Checking 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, access online banking

First Arkansas Bank & Trust
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

4.44%

up to $50,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit, auto ACH debit, or online bill payment, at least one log-in to online banking

The First National Bank of Wynne
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Arkansas

4.33%

up to $25,000

10 VISA check card transactions, electronic statements, one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Page Valley Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Virginia

4.25%

up to $25,000

Geographic Restrictions - Contact bank for details. 10 VISA check card transactions, electronic statements, access online banking at least once, at least one direct deposit or direct debit.

Crossroads Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Illinois

4.10%

up to $30,000

Account must be opened in person in Effingham, IL. Effingham First Checking - 20 VISA debit card transactions excluding ATM transactions, receive electronic statements.

Noble Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Alabama

4.05%

up to $25,000

Noble Horizons - 12 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit

TriStone Community Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Florida, Georgia, North Carolina

4.05%

up to $25,000

MoneyMax Checking - 12 VISA debit card transactions excluding ATM transactions, receive electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Progress Bank (FL)
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Florida

4.04%

up to $25,000

12 point of sale debit transactions, e-statement and at least one direct deposit or ACH

Keystone Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Alabama

4.04%

up to $25,000

10 MasterCard Debit Card purchases, set up one Direct Deposit or Auto Debit from your account, enroll and receive your bank statements electronically

Coulee Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Wisconsin

4.04%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

Heartland Community Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Arkansas

4.02%

up to $30,000

Interest Plus Checking Account 10 check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit, access online banking once

Montgomery Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Missouri

4.01%

up to $0

Montgomery ebluechecking

First Banking Center
Rates as of Sep. 14th

4.01%

up to $0

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

New Mexico Bank & Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

New Mexico

4.01%

up to $20,000

Accepting accounts only from local service areas. Cash Rewards Checking - 12 signature-based debit card transactions, one automatic payment or direct deposit, receive electronic statements

Tri-County Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Iowa

4.01%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit

Arizona Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arizona

4.01%

up to $20,000

At the present time accounts accepted only from local service areas. 12 debit card transactions, electronic statements, make and automatic payment or direct deposit.

Southeast National Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Illinois

4.01%

up to $25,000

Free Reward Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

The First National Bank of Dieterich
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Illinois

4.01%

up to $25,000

Prime Rewards Checking account is available only for residents of the following Illinois counties: Effingham, Jasper, Shelby, Fayette, Clay, Richland, Crawford, Clark, Cumberland and Coles. Requirements: 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, access online banking at least once

Opportunity Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Texas

4.01%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto-debit, log-in at least once

Bank of Little Rock
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

4.01%

up to $25,000

Kasasa Cash - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Charter Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

New Mexico

4.01%

up to $25,000

Turbo Checking - 10 check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit, access online activity at least once

Capital Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

North Carolina

4.01%

up to $25,000

Smart Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto-debit

Lake City Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Indiana

4.01%

up to $25,000

8 POS debit card transactions, electronic statements, one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Orange Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Texas

4.01%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, access online banking at least once, sign-up for direct deposit or receive a recurring ACH

All America Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Oklahoma

4.00%

up to $25,000

Better Than Free Checking - 10 check card transactions, electronic statements

Southern Community Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

North Carolina

4.00%

up to $25,000

ME Banking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least direct deposit or automatic draft

Tioga State Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

New York

4.00%

up to $25,000

Confirmed enrollment in TSB Online E Statements, 12 or more purchases with TSB debit card, one direct deposit or ACH debit per qualification cycle

Peoples Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Tennessee

3.91%

up to $50,000

Interest Reward Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

MidwestOne Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Iowa

3.90%

up to $25,000

Power Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit

Westbury Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Wisconsin

3.75%

up to $50,000

Offer valid for Wisconsin residents only - Ideal Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

Community First National Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Missouri, Arkansas

3.75%

up to $25,000

Free Reward Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit

Community West Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

California

3.75%

up to $25,000

Great Rate Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit.

Heritage Community Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

NJ

3.51%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit, access online banking

Bank of Ripley
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Tennessee

3.51%

up to $25,000

Perform the following each cycle: make at least 10 Debit Card transactions, receive electronic statements, access Online Banking

First East Side Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

3.51%

up to $25,000

Reward Checking - 10 debit card transactions, 1 direct deposit and electronic statements

First Robinson Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Indiana, Illinois

3.51%

up to $25,000

Accounts available in Crawford Co., IL and Knox Co., IN and their surrounding counties. Reward Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, process one online bill payment or 3rd party electronic payment.

Sutton Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Ohio

3.51%

up to $25,000

11 check card transactions, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto-debit, electronic statements

Bank of Idaho
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Idaho

3.51%

up to $25,000

Account available if you're in Idaho Falls, Ashton, Pocatello or in any of Bank of Idaho's other Eastern Idaho locations.10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit, Idaho residents only

Citizens Bank Minnesota
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Minnesota

3.51%

up to $25,000

10 check card transactions, receive electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or one automatic payment

Butler Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Massachusetts

3.50%

up to $40,000

Free Advantage Checking - during monthly qualification period: 10 debit card purchases, at least one direct deposit or ACH debit, receive eStatements with online banking

Bank of Fayetteville
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

3.50%

up to $50,000

Smart Checking - 10 VISA check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH payment, sign on to online banking

M&F Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

3.50%

up to $0

Summit Checking 12 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit, log-in to online banking at least once

Marlborough Co-Operative, A Division of Butler Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Massachusetts

3.50%

up to $40,000

Free Advantage Checking - during monthly qualification period: 10 debit card purchases, at least one direct deposit or ACH debit, receive eStatements with online banking

Legence Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Indiana, Illinois

3.25%

up to $25,000

Serving Southern Illinois and Evansville, Indiana Area. First Rewards Checking 10 POS debit card transactions, receive electronic statements, one direct deposit / online bill payment / or ACH auto debit, access online banking

NewPortFed
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Rhode Island

3.10%

up to $50,000

eLoop Checking - 10 check card transactions, electronic statements, access online banking at least once, at least one for direct deposit or ACH

Wilson Bank and Trust
Rates as of May. 5th

Tennessee

3.04%

up to $50,000

10 check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Monroe Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Michigan

3.01%

up to $25,000

Performance Checking - 15 debit card transactions, electronic statements, receive e-mail reminders, at least one direct deposit of a payroll check or retirement check

Community Bank of Pleasant Hill
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Missouri

3.01%

up to $25,000

10 POS debit card transactions, have at least one ACH direct deposit or ACH auto debit, receive electronic statements,

State Bank of Texas
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Texas

3.01%

up to $100,000

15 check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one ACH or direct deposit , at least one online bill payment

Rollstone Bank and Trust
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Massachusetts

3.01%

up to $100,000

All-In-One Checking - 10 debit card transactions, receive electronic statements, direct deposit either payroll, pension, or social security payments

Haverhill Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Massachusetts

3.01%

up to $50,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit. You must maintain an online account with a current e-mail address.

State Bank of Toledo
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Ohio

3.01%

up to $70,000

Hometown Reward checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

Premier Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Florida

3.01%

up to $50,000

Super Interest Checking - 12 check card transactions, electronic statements, one direct deposit or pre-authorized electronic payment

Legacy Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Oklahoma

3.00%

up to $50,000

Win/Win Checking - 12 check card transactions, $100 opening deposit, electronic statements, sign up for direct deposit

BankNewport
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Rhode Island

2.76%

up to $100,000

Account available to residents living in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Go Checking - 12 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit.

Clinton Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Arkansas

2.76%

up to $50,000

Total Access Checking - 10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or auto ACH debit

Bank of Illinois
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Illinois

2.75%

up to $25,000

VIP Elite Checking - 10 check card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or recurring ACH

Southbridge Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Massachusetts

2.75%

up to $50,000

Key Rewards checking - 10 debit card POS transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit or ACH auto debit

Home State Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Colorado

2.34%

up to $25,000

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

North Middlesex Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 15th

Massachusetts

2.28%

up to $50,000

Max Checking - Must live within market area to open an account. 12 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit

Bank of Hiawassee
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Open to all states

2.21%

up to $99,999

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit, at least one online bill payment

Bank of Blairsville
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Open to all states

2.21%

up to $99,999

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit, at least one online bill payment

Bank of Blue Ridge
Rates as of Sep. 14th

Open to all states

2.21%

up to $99,999

10 debit card transactions, electronic statements, at least one direct deposit, at least one online bill payment

Dime Savings Bank
Rates as of Sep. 14th

0.75%

up to $0

Prime Dime Rewards Checking - Direct deposit required, $5000 average daily balance required to avoid monthly fees.