Monday, March 18, 2013

7 Incredible Bank Promotions that Make Up for the Horrible Interest Rates Today

High-yield deposit rates may be a rare find, as interest rates today continue their steady progression toward flat-lining at zero, but this doesn’t mean you have to be on the losing end with your banking institution. Instead of settling for pennies in return for your business, look into the best bank promotions currently being offered by large and local banks and credit unions.

What you find may surprise you, as they are often valued at exponentially more than the paltry returns generated from almost non-existent interest rates. Soothe the sting of low rates with these impressive bank promotions available now.
Most Exciting Bank Promotions
#1. US Bank – S.T.A.R.T. Savings

Customers of US Bank can link a new or existing US Bank checking account to the bank’s S.T.A.R.T. savings program for cash back rewards that are rare to find. In order to start saving money, you can either set up standard automatic transfers from their checking account to their savings account, or establish an automatic transfer of $0.25 – $5 per check card purchase.

After reaching the first $1,000 in the savings account, you’ll receive a $50 U.S. Bank Rewards Visa Card. Those who maintain a $1,000 or more account balance in the S.T.A.R.T. Savings fund after a year will receive an additional $50 Visa card — essentially a 10% return in total.
#2. Plaza Bank – Online Bill Pay

The best bank promotions give you perks for the doing the things you’re already doing. At Plaza Bank, customers receive the convenience of online banking features that turn banking into a seamless experience. Their current offer encourages customers to take advantage of the full online banking process with its online bill pay functionality.

Customers who have set up online banking, but do not use automatic bill pay, can receive a $25 Target gift card if they clear three) bill payments online within the month of February, March and April. Those who already use automatic bill pay more than three times per month, must make seven bill payments within each month to still qualify for the $25 Target gift card prize.

While this promotion is already in full swing, it’s apparent that Plaza Bank knows how to reward its loyal customers.
#3. Sovereign Bank – Checking Account Packages

Having options is always ideal, and Sovereign Bank ensures that you retain control of your own financial success with tiered bank promotions that let depositors choose how much cash back they receive.

Upon activating one of three checking account packages by March 31, you simply need to make a minimum of five debit card purchases or one direct deposit processed by May 1. Those who fulfill these requirements receive a cash bonus of $50 – $125, depending on the checking account package selected.

#4. PS Bank – eStatements

Green living and exotic cruises may seem like two totally disconnected concepts, but the team at PS Bank bridges the them together with arguably one of the best bank promotions available. Those who sign up for eStatements will be entered into a drawing for a 3-4 Night Bahamas Cruise with Royal Caribbean with a guest.

It’s as simple as that. The promotion is scheduled to run until April 15, 2013 and the winner will be selected at random.
#5. BBVA Compass Bank – Checking Account

Most financial institutions, especially big banks, have eliminated high deposit interest rates and rewards programs from checking account product features. At BBVA Compass Bank, customers receive something else that’s just as helpful: A Kindle Fire HD tablet. Simply open a new checking account with the bank and provide a minimum $25 opening deposit. Then, make three qualifying payments and setup one direct deposit into the account within 90 days to receive a Kindle.

These types of bank promotions help you regain the financial advantage regardless of low interest rates today. And the incentives don’t stop there — mortgage loan bank promotions are extremely popular these days, as the housing market begins to see improvement.

If you’re in the market for a new home, look into the following bank promotions that add significant savings to your bank account.
#6. Premier Bank – Mortgage Freebie

Premier Bank’s current Mortgage Madness TV Giveaway promotion offers customers the chance to win a free 42″ flat screen TV. There are two ways to enter: 1) Submit a mortgage or refinance application by April 4, 2012, or 2) Fill out an entry form at a Premier Bank location.

One entry is permitted per person, per day, so increasing your chances of winning one of three TV prizes is easy. There is also no purchase necessary to enter or claim the prize. What better way to redecorate your home than with a new television you and the family can enjoy?
#7. American National Bank – Mortgage or Refinance

Mortgage payments are usually the biggest monthly expense homeowners contend with, and can be difficult to manage despite today’s affordable interest rates. American National Bank provides its customers with a generous opportunity to win $1,000 mortgage payments for an entire year.

When you open and activate a mortgage loan, mortgage refinance, home equity loan or home equity line of credit from now until the promotional period (December 31, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time), customers are automatically entered into the drawing. The total cash value of the prize is an impressive $14,000.

With so many bank promotions, rewards and prizes waiting to be claimed, there’s no reason to let interest rates today hinder you from getting more for your money.