Best Black Friday Bank Deals for 2011

A number of new checking account promotions have come out towards the end of 2011, however any avid bank deal hunter knows that Black Friday in particular is a prime time to scoop up substantial deals from banks and credit unions.

This year’s number one institution with the best Black Friday rewards comes from Service Credit Union out of New Hampshire. So for all you New Hampshire residents – have at it!

As for everyone else, scroll down to find the best nationwide bank deals available this Black Friday.

Service Credit Union’s Black Friday Bank Deals:

1) 3 month CD yielding 10% APY! – Here is a phenomenal savings account promotion especially for first time savers or students. It comes with a minimum deposit requirement of $250 and a maximum deposit of $1000. If you’re able to maximize the benefits of this offer by depositing $1k into this account, you’ll have earned almost $25 in just 3 months from your investment!

2) Open a Savings Plus Checking Account with Service Credit Union and set up a direct deposit and get a $150 bonus! This could end up being quite the lure for those looking to switch from big banks. The end of 2011 has been huge for credit unions with the threat of new checking account fees by some of the nation’s largest banks.

3) 1% off auto loans with Service Credit Union. Rates as low as 2.24% APR depending on credit history.

4) $25 new gift card with each new visa credit card opened with SCU.

Bank Deals (2011) Available Nationwide:

1) CitiBank Checking Accounts paying new account holders either $200 or $400 in gift cards depending on which checking account you sign up for.

2) ING Direct has a $50 sign up bonus for new online checking account holders. ING is well known for being a Black Friday specialist! With this checking account, you’ll get a very respectable interest rate on your balance, the largest network of free ATM’s, zero fees, and a cool 50 bucks!

3) EverBank has a $60 sign up bonus for new account holders, but you’ll need to maintain a minimum balance of $5,000 with this account to avoid fees. There is also an interest rate associated with this account. Get the run down here.

$150 to switch to a KeyBank Checking Account. Is it worth it?

KeyBank has once again issued their $150 bonus for new checking account holders. This offer comes around every so often (especially around the holiday season) and if you’re one of the many thousands of consumers that have been hit with fees by your big bank, you may want to explore some of Key Bank’s checking options – although you still wont escape fees.

Here are the four checking accounts that are accompanied with a $150 bonus:

1) Key Express Checking – No frills checking account that comes with a debit MasterCard. Avoid monthly maintenance service fees by making at least $500 in deposits or initiate five transactions per statement cycle. $40 yearly maintenance fee applied regardless.

2) Key Coverage Checking – Another no frills checking account which imposes a plethora of fees. First you’ll nab a $10 monthly service charge for simply owning the account. You’ll also have an annual $30 maintenance fee, plus an $18-per-item overdraft fee if you overdraw your account by $10.01 – $100 based on your end-of-day balance. This is a fairly pricey overdraft fee since it’s based on a per-item assessment. This fee has also been recently reduced.

3) Key Advantage Checking- These accounts require a $10,000 minimum balance to avoid fees and generally come with an interest rate, but considering our current landscape for money market rates, their rates today aren’t even worth mentioning (but we’ll do it anyway – 0.05% APY). You’ll also get dinged with the annual $30 maintenance fee.

4) Key Privilege Checking – Like the Key Advantage Account this one is essentially a money market account. You’ll get dinged with a $25 monthly fee (first 3 months waived) even though you’ll need to keep a whopping $25,000 tied up. You can keep the $25k in a number of savings-type accounts such as: CDs and savings, or in equity through a loan side account such as: credit cards and/or auto loans. So for example, if you have $5k in outstanding credit through a Key Bank credit card, $5k left to pay on your auto loan, and $15k in CDs and checking, you’ll be in compliance with Key Bank’s requirements.

Despite the enticing $150 sign up bonus for a new Key Bank Account, you should keep in mind this $150 bonus wont come easy. First, you’ll need to decide whether or not you even want a checking/money market account with Key Bank given their unavoidable fee structure (mentioned above). Second, you’ll need to do the following:

• open a qualifying KeyBank checking account online and enter offer code ONFT1011 by December 30, 2011, and
• make at least 30 payments and/or purchases within 3 months of account opening, plus
• make 3 direct deposits each of $500 or more within 3 months of account opening.

What say you? Is the $150 bonus worth signing up for?

ING Direct’s Online Checking Account: $50 Cash Bonus!

ING Direct has just sweetened the pot to their already popular “Electric Orange Checking Account” which features an above average interest rate (especially for larger sums) and free checking with absolutely no fees or ATM surcharges.

For a limited time new customers opening this online checking account can now snag a $50 bonus for signing up and making a total of 3 Card purchases or Person2Person Payments (or any combo of the two) within 45 days of account opening. Once the requirements have been completed, ING will deposit a $50 bonus into your account automatically on day 50.

Sign up for the Account and Get the $50 Bonus Here!

Even without the $50 sign up bonus, this checking account from ING has been one of the most popular amongst US retail banking consumers. In a time where the nation’s largest banks are making unprecedented moves to impose fees on consumer checking accounts and debit card usage (ie Bank of America, Wells Fargo and now CitiBank) checking accounts like the “Electronic Orange Checking” from ING Direct are refreshing alternatives.

Why is the Electronic Orange Account so popular?

1) N0 overdraft fees. The national average for overdraft fees from United State’s banks sits at $30.

2) N0 ATM surcharge. The national average for ATM surcharges throughout the country sits at $2 per withdrawal.

3) No monthly fees.  The current national average for monthly fees is on the rise. While it currently sits at $13, many major banks are beginning to impose larger monthly fees if individual checking accounts don’t keep a required minimum balance. ING imposes no minimum balances nor fees for their checking accounts.

Interest Rates on ING Electronic Orange Checking:

- If your account holds less than $50,000 you’ll receive a variable rate of 0.25% APY.

- If your balance is between $50,000 and $100,000 you’ll receive a variable rate of 1.10% APY.

- If you balance exceeds $100,000 you’ll receive a variable rate of 1.15% APY.

ING is member FDIC and all accounts are federally insured up to $250,000.

To put the interest rates above in perspective, the national average for interest checking accounts are between 0.50 and 0.80% APY depending on your balance. The accounts composed in the survey of national averages may, however, impose monthly fees and minimum balance requirements as well as limit the amount of withdrawals per month. ING’s checking account has no restrictions or minimum balance requirements.

Limited Time Offer – Earn a $50 bonus when you open an Electric Orange℠ checking account from ING DIRECT

Best Cash Bonus offered for a new Checking Account

Over the weekend we were sent a link to a pretty sweet cash bonus for a new checking account from Chase Bank. Chase is notorious for these bonuses but releases them rather secretly and only for limited periods of time. From today until October 7th of this year you can snag yourself $125 in cash simply for opening a new Chase checking account and making a $100 deposit into the account.

Related: Compare this offer to our rundown of the best checking account promotions of 2012.

This seems like Chase Bank’s go to move especially when they need to shore up new accounts. And after the month of August’s tumultuous downhill ride for JP Morgan Chase’s stock price, they are probably looking for a plethora of new accounts to ease stockholders fears.

Check out the graph (below) to see the sell-off incurred this month from JPMorgan Chase’s stock price.

Regardless of whether or not you believe Chase to be in any serious trouble, the checking account bonus is still a lucrative offer and nice way to more than double your money in a short time (deposit $100 into new account and receive $125). Also keep in mind the account is FDIC insured.

Features of Chase Checking Account:

- FREE access to 16,100 ATMs nationwide

- FREE Online Banking & Online Bill Pay

- FREE Chase Debit Card with built-in security

- FREE Text and E-mail Alerts

- 24/7 access with Chase Mobile^SM on your phone

You’ll need to click on the “email my coupon” button, then Chase will send you a code to use at either a local branch or online. You’ll then need to open your new account with $100 and make one direct deposit within 60 days of opening. After your direct deposit has been received they will issue the $125 bonus within 10 business days.

We think they are having these coupon codes emailed to potential customers now rather than placing one code online for everyone to see. This gives them better control on the number of accounts they receive. When Chase Bank has issued these checking bonuses in the past their promotional codes were syndicated and featured on countless blogs which combined with social media had them spreading like Texas bush fire.

OR see how this compares to our number 1 rated online checking account of 2011. Visit our Perkstreet Checking Account Review to see how that checking account can net you $600+ year in cash back!

US Bank Personal Savings Account – $50 Bonus

Below is a solid savings account bonus from US Bank (thanks to BankVibe.com reader Jennifer for tipping us off on the offer!). Currently US Bank is giving away $50 Rewards Visa Cards for those that can stash away $1,000 in the account (as well as meet a few other account requirements). That’s equivalent to a 5% APY – try getting that from a CD rate!

Here’s how it works:

Step 1

Visit a participating branch, call us toll-free at 800-593-6087 or enroll now and choose the U.S. Bank Package that works best for you.

Step 2

Enroll in S.T.A.R.T. and create your savings plan. Set up one or more of the following qualifying transfer options from your Package Checking account to your Package Money Market Savings account:

Transfer an amount you choose on a specific day of the month, OR

Transfer an amount you choose for each U.S. Bank Check Card purchase, OR

Transfer an amount you choose for each U.S. Bank Credit Card purchase.

What you get:

Enjoy rewards from US when you reach one or both S.T.A.R.T. goals:

• When your savings balance reaches $1,000, we’ll recognize your achievement with a $50 U.S. Bank Rewards Visa® Card⁴.
• Maintain a balance of $1,000 or more in your account for one year, and earn another $50 U.S. Bank Rewards Visa Card.

To help accomplish your goals, you will also receive:

• S.T.A.R.T. goal progress and transfer summary information within U.S. Bank Internet Banking
• S.T.A.R.T. details on your monthly account statement
• 24/7 assistance from our bankers

Go the the promotional offer here.

ING Direct’s Financial Independence Day Promotion

About this time every year we receive notice from a number of our readers as well as ING Direct representatives themselves about the “Financial Independence Day Sale” offered through ING Direct. During the fourth of July weekend they typically offer a number of promotional products as well as new account bonuses for some of their already existing financial products.

Here is the most recent note we’ve received from Diana over at ING Direct:

“As a 4th of July celebration, ING DIRECT is urging savers to make a personal declaration of financial independence with its annual Financial Independence Days Promotions. For 2 days only (July 1st & 2nd) ING DIRECT will be offering Independence Day themed promotions, including:

Checking: New Electric Orange checking account customers will receive the traditional opening bonus of $50 when they make three purchases within 45 days of account opening. Those that then set up and make at least two direct deposits of $250 will receive an additional $76 bonus for a total savings of $126. Think of all the BBQ that could buy!

Investing: Investors who open a new ShareBuilder account will receive a $76 account bonus after their first investment. Uncle Sam would be proud!

These promotions and four other offers are available to consumers, and will be announced at July 1st 12 a.m. EST.”

We’ve got a hunch that they’ll also throw in a mortgage or refinance offer which features a major savings off of closing costs. To review ING’s mortgage products use the previous link.

You can check out their promotions when they become available at ingdirect.com/independence.

Chase Freedom® Visa Card now Offering $200 Bonus!

These cash bonus offers for new credit cards keep rolling into our inbox every week it seems! The Chase Freedom® Visa Card (formerly a $50 bonus, then $100 bonus, and most recently a $150 bonus) has now upped the ante to $200 for new customers opening this card.

Keep in mind the $200 bonus comes with some strings attached. First – you wont be able to get it for a half year, second – you’ll need to spend $1500 on the card within that time frame to be eligible. Another nice feature of this bonus offer is that even if you don’t think you can manage spending $1500 in 6 months ($250 per month) you’ll still be eligible for a $100 bonus after spending $500 in 6 months. Essentially they have just added another $100 bonus on top of the first $100 they’ve been issuing for some time now.

The generous cash back structure of between 1 and 5% still apply to ALL purchases. You’ll nab 5% for the usual gas, hotel, and other travel related purchases and 1% on all other purchases. The cash back categories rotate on a quarterly basis so you’ll have to keep up with the changes to take full advantage of the card.

We only see the $100 bonus offer listed on their homepage, but we’ve spoken to a rep and the $200 offer is definitely live. Below is the link…

Get the Bonus Here!

Terms and Conditions:

Get the Bonus Here!

Chase Freedom Card Now Offering 5% Cash Back!

We just got word that the infamous Chase Freedom Credit Card is now offering 5% cash back on all gas, hotel and airline purchases through September 30 of this year while still offering the $150 sign up bonus to boot! This may end up being one of the most lucrative credit card offers of the summer! And it comes just in time for the busy road-tripping season to offset gas prices. Basically with this card in your wallet you’ll nab a 5% discount on all gas purchases this summer. Not too shabby!

Get the Offer Here!

Details, Terms and Conditions:

• Earn $150 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months
• 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent on Gas, Hotel and Airline purchases from 7/1/11 – 9/30/11
• You’ll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like grocery stores, dining, department stores and even home improvement stores. It’s free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
• Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases without limits on what you can earn
• Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase
• Cash back rewards never expire.
• No Annual Fee

  Apply Now!

KeyBank Checking Account Bonus: $150!

We were just forwarded a pretty sweet checking account deal from KeyBank which is available ONLINE ONLY. Currently, with a qualifying KeyBank checking account – Key Express Checking, Key Coverage Checking, Key Advantage Checking, Key Privilege Checking, or Key Privilege Select Checking – you can earn a whopping $150 cash bonus!

To get your $150 Bonus complete the following:

- open a qualifying KeyBank checking account online and enter offer code ONFT0311 by June 24, 2011, and

- make at least 10 payments and/or purchases per month for 3 months after account opening, plus

- make 3 direct deposits each of $500 or more within 3 months of account opening.

Visit their promo page here to apply. Also, you may want to compare this offer to the best checking account promotions this year.

Terms and Conditions:

Between 3/26/11 and 6/24/11, you must open a Key Express (this is the basic banking account in NY), Key Coverage, Key Advantage, Key Privilege, or Key Privilege Select Checking Account online and make at least 10 posted payments and/or purchases from the new checking account per month for the first three months after account opening, plus within three months make a total of three direct deposits each of $500 or more to get your gift. One month is calculated as 31 calendar days from account opening date (three months equals 93 calendar days from account opening date). Limit one gift per qualifying account. Limit one gift per individual. The value of your gift will be reported on Form 1099-INT. Your gift will be deposited within 90 days of meeting requirements. Qualifying purchase and payment transactions include checks, MasterCard signature, PayPass® and PIN-based purchases, Key Bill Pay, debit card automated payments, PayPal® transactions, and Automated Clearing House (ACH) direct payments. Direct deposit transactions are limited to payroll, Social Security, pension, and government benefits. Offer available to individuals without an existing checking account at KeyBank as of 3/25/11. Offer not available to individuals who have opened a KeyBank checking account in the last 12 months. Employees of KeyBank, its affiliates, and subsidiaries are not eligible for this offer. If you close your account within 180 days of account opening, you will be charged a $25 account early closure fee. Accounts overdrawn or closed as of 9/30/11 are not eligible for this offer. Accounts titled as Trust Accounts, Estate, Non-Individual, and No Access are excluded from eligibility. You must have a U.S. mailing address on 9/30/11 to be eligible. Offer is subject to cancellation without notice and cannot be combined with any other offer. Other miscellaneous charges may apply. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

ETrade IRA Bonus – Up to $500 Cash!

Update: Bonus now up to $600  Use this link.

E-Trade’s marketing team has been relentless over the last year or so by continuously coming up with new E-Trade babies to amuse us during commercials. However, now they’ve put together some pretty enticing online bonus offers to supplement the notoriety their receiving on TV.

Roth IRA and IRA Rollover Bonuses available with E-Trade:

Today if you choose to rollover your IRA into an E-Trade account, you can earn up to $600 in cash depending on how much money you transfer.

Get the $600 Cash Bonus Bonus Here!

Terms and Conditions:

- Credits for deposits of new funds or securities from accounts outside of E*TRADE will be made as follows: deposits over $250,000 receive $500; deposits between $100,000 and $249,999 receive $250; deposits between $50,000 and $99,999 receive $100; deposits between $25,000 and $49,999 receive $50.

- This offer is valid only for new or existing IRAs (limited to Rollover IRAs, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs), but excludes E*TRADE Securities and Bank accounts.

- Accounts must be enrolled by December 31, 2011, the offer expiration date.

Also, if you’re looking to start a new IRA or Roth IRA account, E-Trade has some bonus options available for you as well. First of all, the same cash bonus structure applies. If you are opening the account with new funds, then see the terms and conditions above to find out how much cash you will be entitled too. Second, new account holders will get 60 days worth of free trades. Depending on how active you are with your account, this could quickly rack up to some serious savings considering E-Trade’s stock trades cost $9.99 per trade at retail price.

Trade Free for 60 Days – Bonus Available Here!