I was at a local event today and Charter Bank was there giving out promo pamphlets for this new thing. They call it turbochecking, www.turbochecking.com and the rate is really good.
It Offers:

* 6.01% APY* on balances to $25,000
* 1.01% APY* on balances above $25,000
* .25% APY* if requirements are not met
* No ATM Fees Nationwide
* Overdraft Privilege
* Free Online Bill Pay

The Requirements Are:

* Make at least 10 debit card transactions monthly (excluding ATM transactions)
* Receive one direct deposit or ACH auto debit monthly
* Receive your monthly statement electronically (e-statement)
* Access on-line banking at least once a month

There is no minimum balance, no monthly charge, and you need $100 to get the account opened. I'm not a debit card user so I'd have a tough time meeting the 10 transactions, but the no ATM fees is pretty nice.
I'll probably add this info to the ongoing thread on high rate savings accounts as well...
Brian

Available online or in branch registration only?

Yep they claim all you need to sign up is an email address and $100. I thought it was a good deal because it matches the top rewards checking accounts APY's but has the least requirements I've seen and Charter is a nationwide bank.

If someone signs up, let us know how the process goes!

They claim you can use ATMs at any Wells Fargo bank branches (except in California)

For deposits??

the customary question:

what about HARD PULL??

Personally, I think these accounts are terrific and make an excellent primary checking account, after all, checking accounts are typically paying an abysmal rate of return. The fact that the rate is "only" paid on $25,000 would not ordinarily be a hindrance since I never keep that much money in an ordinary checking account. However, given that State Bank of Toledo is paying the higher rate on unlimited balances, were I opening a new reward checking account, I'd do it with them instead. After all, I have no qualms about keeping more than $25,000 in a checking account at these rates!

borisnotthespider said:The requirements are a bit stringent. Especially 10 debit transactions each month. I don't like to use debit transactions that much as 1) less safety compared to a credit card in terms of chargebacks & 2) unnecessary hold @ gas station transactions and other places.

If you have larger amounts in the account, more risky using your debit card & pin all over the place and if you have small amounts, it is just not worth the hassle One man's view. Then again, if you have $100,000 in the account that comes to over $80/month for every 1% in yield above what you are otherwise earning on your money. I've had my reward account for 4 months and have yet to use a pin other than at the atm machine. And I've never once had to get a chargeback on my lunch or breakfast orders.

How are deposits handled?

borisnotthespider said:The requirements are a bit stringent. Especially 10 debit transactions each month. I don't like to use debit transactions that much as 1) less safety compared to a credit card in terms of chargebacks & 2) unnecessary hold @ gas station transactions and other places.

If you have larger amounts in the account, more risky using your debit card & pin all over the place and if you have small amounts, it is just not worth the hassle

It says "10 debit card transactions". So, I assume you can still use "credit" option.

Looks like it's not nationwide after all: Bank Deals Post About Charter Bank Reward Checking Account. According to Banking Guy when he called their toll-free number, he was told a branch visit was required in order to complete the application. I PM'ed Firedrake to ask him, assuming the bank is local to him, if he could confirm this.