Zions Bank Internet MMA
Savings: 2.30% $1000 min balance (no check writing)

Since these short term deposit rates can change at any time, the key to choosing a good account is the relative longevity history of its interest rates.

So my suggestion would be to either only include those that have at least a 6 month history of being among the highest rates for that type of account or to place * next to those that have a long history of highest rates.

Also, don't incl those with promotional (temporary) rates.

I can vouch for zions and ING as having years of realative highest rates.

Another suggestion-
separate listing for those that require a high balance for high rate, say 25k.
I have a list of these that I can share if you want them.

ING's rate is down to 2.20% (credit to asky for pointing this out)

I just updated the top posting with zions and virual, and updated ING's rate drop.

I also removed a couple of banks. The present criteria for inclusion is as follows:

1) over 1% checking and/or 2% savings/mm; or
2) General interest in the bank.

Great suggestion regarding tracking rate performance over time. It is my hope that this thread will be a way of doing that. Check out the top post to see who is paying the best now, but also check out the entire thread to see how that rate has changed. Please keep any coments regarding the other pros and cons of banks in other threads. Interest rates only here please! Also no Credit Unions unless they have good rates AND membership so wide that anyone can figure a way in NATIONWIDE.

I may also add an interest rate hall of shame. This if for banks like Umbrella Bank that once offered very good rates and then slashed them down to the current pitifull 0.31%.

Updated to add Charterone. Also changed the order of informantion so the rate is the first thing you see on each line and is therefore easier to find. Please post any future posts in this format.

not to mention "A monthly non-activity fee of $25 will be charged when the account reflects no deposits or check writing for two consecutive months regardless of balance."

Charter One - Energized Checking

wtf...no activity means less work for them...am i missing something?

I believe Charter One energized checking is just a 2 month promotional rate...the rate decreases greatly after your account is open 2 months!

I am right...this is a temporary rate that expires in a few months...then you get a much lower rate! Also the inactivity fee is regardless of balance!

ENERGIZED CHECKING

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of 3/27/2003. After 7/28/2003, the interest rate may change at any time. Special Energized CheckingSM account rate is offered only on new accounts with new money. Transfers from existing accounts are ineligible for the special promotional rate. This is a limited time offer, available only through the Internet and subject to change. Minimum balance to open the account and obtain the advertised APY is $50. Current non-special Energized CheckingSM account rates are as follows: $0 - $9,999 earns 1.50% APY; $10,000 - $24,999 earns 1.50% APY; $25,000+ earns 1.50% APY.

A monthly service charge of $12 will be charged if the minimum daily balance in the account is below $2,500. A monthly non-activity fee of $25 will be charged when the account reflects no deposits or check writing for two consecutive months regardless of balance. There is a fee of $50 if the account is closed within 120 days of opening. Account maintenance fees, if any, may reduce earnings on the account. Other parties may impose surcharges if you use ATMs that are not owned by the Bank. Business accounts not eligible. Offer applies to new checking customers new to Charter One with funds not currently on deposit in a Charter One account. This is a limited time offer and is subject to change.

I am deleting the Charter One listing unless I hear a convincing reason otherwise. This thread is for actual rates, not teaser rates. The actual rate at Charter One is okay but not worth jumping on. When there are other banks with consistantly higher rates. This thread is to find those, not for a bank to stick money in for a month then move it on to the next tease.

Zions has dropped to 2.19% apy