Avidia Bank offers the eChecking account to customers nationwide

By Elaine Griffin

The eChecking account from Avidia Bank is a rewards checking account that offers a 2.27 percent annual percentage yield (APY). This rate is in effect as of October 15, 2010, and on balances up to $25,000. This is a free account with no monthly balance requirements. It also includes ATM refunds and access to a rewards program.

There are four monthly qualifications required to earn this rate. Every month customers must: receive electronic statements, sign into internet banking, make at least ten debit card transactions, and receive a direct deposit or use online bill pay.

Avidia Bank was established in 1869 and has been a member of the FDIC since November 1985. They are headquartered in Massachusetts. The eChecking account, a rewards checking account, is available online nationwide.

Type of account: Checking Account

Bank requirements:

• Account must be opened online
• Customers must meet monthly requirements in order to earn rate
• Rate is effective on balances up to $25,000
• For full details, contact Avidia Bank

Account benefits:

• Generous annual percentage yield of 2.27 percent
• This is a free account with no minimum balance requirement
• ATM refunds
• Access to a rewards program

By Elaine Griffin

Tiered interest rates on the online money market account are available at Incredible Bank. Annual percentage yields are valid as of May 1, 2011 and are subject to change. They are as follows: 1.15 percent APY on balances between $2,500 and $99,999, 1.25 percent APY on balances between $100,000 and $249,999, and 0.80 percent APY on balances over $250,000. This account must be opened with a minimum of $2,500, a minimum balance that must be maintained in order to earn a rate and avoid fees.

Incredible Bank accounts are guaranteed by River Valley Bank. River Valley Bank was established in, and has been a member of the FDIC since December 1967. They are headquartered in Wisconsin. Incredible Bank, is a division of River Valley Bank, providing online accounts nationwide.

Type of account: Money Market

Bank requirements:

• This account must be opened online
• This account must be opened with a minimum of $2,500
• Maintain average daily balance of at least $2,500 in order to earn rate and avoid fees
• For more information, contact Incredible Bank

Account benefits:

• Competitive, tiered annual percentage yields

By Elaine Griffin

The free online savings account from SFGI Direct offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY) of 1.21 percent. This APY is valid as of April 1, 2011. Although there is a $500 minimum deposit required to open this account, there is only a one-dollar minimum to earn interest. This account may be accessed online at any time.

The online savings account from SFGI Direct is a product of Summit Community Bank, Inc. Summit Community Bank was established and has been a member of the FDIC since December 1995. They are headquartered in West Virginia.

Type of account: Savings Account

Bank requirements:

• This account must be opened online
• Open account with a minimum of $500
• For full details please contact SFGI Direct

Account benefits:

• Free online savings account with a 1.21 percent annual percentage yield
• Account may be accessed online at any time

By Elaine Griffin

The internet-only money market account from Zions Bank now carries an annual percentage yield (APY) of 1.00. There is a $1,000 minimum to open, and in order to earn the rate customers must carry an average daily balance of at least $2,500. Customers may make up to six free transfers per month as well as an unlimited number of monthly withdrawals.

Zions First National Bank has been a member of the FDIC since January 1934. They are headquartered in Utah and were established in 1873.They offer online accounts in addition to their personal, business, and investment accounts in Utah and Idaho.

Type of account: Money Market Account

Bank requirements:

• All internet money market accounts must be opened with a minimum of $1,000
• Must carry a minimum average daily balance of $2,500 to earn rate
• For full details and disclosures, please contact Zions First National Bank

Account benefits:

• This account carries an annual percentage yield of 1.00 percent on balances over $2,500
• Six free transfers per month
• Unlimited number of monthly withdrawals

Zions First National Bank - internet-only money market account

By Tim Manni

Financially speaking, life's all about making money then learning how to properly save it. Saving money is more important than ever these days with our country still trying to claw its way out of a recession and into a recovery.

Perhaps the number one way a homeowner can save some more of their hard-earned dollars these days is by refinancing their mortgage.

Even if your home isn't a "money pit," there are both routine and non-routine costs that you must put...

By Elaine Griffin

U.S. Bank offers competitive rates on three CD specials. The annual percentage yield (APY) for the 19-month CD is 1.15 percent. The APY for the 37-month CD is 1.75 percent, while the APY for the 59-month CD is 2.50 percent. Rates are effective as of June 13, 2011, and are guaranteed for the life of the term. Rates posted online may differ from individual branch rates. These CDs require a minimum $1,000 deposit to open. Penalties will be imposed for early withdrawal.

U.S. Bank, NA, has been a member of the FDIC since January 1934, and were established in 1863. They are headquartered in Ohio. They offer a variety of banking products both at local branches and online.

Type of account: CD (Certificate of Deposit)

Bank requirements:

• These CDs should be opened with a minimum $1,000 deposit
• Online rates may differ from individual branch rates
• Penalties are imposed for early withdrawal
• For more details, please contact U.S. Bank, NA

Account benefits:

• Special rates on their 19, 37, and 59-month CDs
• Guaranteed rate for the entire CD term