Has anybody had any experience with these banks before?

As of 5:30PM PST today, all the Reward Checking accounts in the Quick Summary have maintained their 6% + APYs. There are no guarantees of course, but so far these accounts have weathered unchanged two FOMC rate cuts. Perhaps the Reward Checking product is proving profitable to these banks, or perhaps not enough time has passed yet for the banks to decide on the profitability of these accounts. I hope if rate cuts occur, they'll be no more severe than the rate cuts at other banks -- that would still leave the Reward Checking rates relatively high. We shall see.

Another article on Bank Deals, discussing Reward Checking accounts, and expanding on the bankrate.com article: Link. One point that was brought up was the possible diminished customer service, especially if the bank is small. An example was given of an individual and the "problems he had when he was outside the US and lost his ATM card at a bad ATM machine. State Bank of Toledo was unwilling to waive a $10 fee for the ATM card replacement and offered no assistance in sending emergency cash or helping him get his card back from the bank that owned that ATM. So the small banks offering these reward checking accounts may not have the resources to offer the customer service and fee waivers that you might expect."

I think it's a valid point, not only because of the bank's size, but possibly also because banks offering Reward Checking accounts feel that they have to minimize their expenses in order to have a chance to make a profit off of the accounts -- or, at least reduce the unprofitablility of them.

goldpiece said:Updated Air Academy: According to their site, to join the CU, you only need to open a savings account with at least $5 and it can be done online:

http://www.aafcu.com/MembershipInformation/HowToJoin.aspx
You can't open that savings account and join the credit union until you've met one of the credit union's eligibility requirements, such as joining the United States Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. I restored the prior information and link in the Quick Summary, and added how to mention this on the application for credit union membership.

Careful with the Provident credit union deal, I opened an account on Sunday with an automatic transfer from my bank account ($1000), but I haven't recieved any account information from them and they have no record of me being a member (but had no problem taking $1000 from me).

Anybody have any idea how I can get my $1000 back? I keep calling them and it doesn't seem they think i'm being serious.

hiroler said:Careful with the Provident credit union deal, I opened an account on Sunday with an automatic transfer from my bank account ($1000), but I haven't recieved any account information from them and they have no record of me being a member (but had no problem taking $1000 from me).

Anybody have any idea how I can get my $1000 back? I keep calling them and it doesn't seem they think i'm being serious.
I have an account with them and haven't had any issues. It sounds like you applied for the account on-line, correct? Have you simply asked them how long it takes them to process an on-line application? I suggest you call them back straight away, and if you don't get satisfaction from the CSR, ask to speak with a manager or supervisor.

I'm sure it will all work out. Good luck!

Edited because I apparently don't know what day of the week it is!

And to add: If you'd like, you can PM me with your contact information. The credit union is local to me, and since I'm a current customer of theirs, perhaps I can get a supervisor or manager to contact you.

glxpass said:I didn't even know what Bonaire was until a moment ago. Sounds like a great diving place with an interesting history. I agree that you're probably better off depending on an international bank's resources should something go awry. Not that it will, of course!You are not alone. Many of us have heard the phrase "ABC Islands" and have no idea what they are, or where they are. (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). Of the three, Bonaire is the least populated and is generally known only to divers and windsurfers as well as Europeans who want to do absolutely nothing on vacation.

Anyone know whether the max checking at Air Academy Federal Credit Union will require a HARD credit pull?

I deleted it from the daughter thread. Thanks for the update. I guess they figure if you can get to a branch you are more likely to use other products like a mortgage.

I signed up for the Advantus Fusion.

This account was taken off the list at the beginning of the thread...

It's pretty easy to join.

The rule is:
Membership to Advantis Credit Union is available to anyone living, working, or is an organization located within Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties in Oregon.
Family Members (spouse, parents, grandparents, children, stepchildren,
grandchildren, brothers, half-brothers, sisters, half-sisters, uncles and aunts) or
domestic partners of a member or person eligible for membership may also join.

I found a relative there who was not a member of the credit union that I didn't even know that I had

6.25 APY* - on balances up to $30,000
ATM fees refunded nationwide
No minimum balance
No monthly service fees

They told me that ATM rebates were unlimited.

Talked to a rep on the phone last night.... I think I'll like this account.

I'm going with the 12 x payments to Cox cable. I just wish I could automate it.