Banks with checking accounts are always trying to get new customers with their clever promotions. The usual kind is to give out $100 for new customers who open a checking account with them. True enough, Bank of the West does it again, with a $100 bonus for new checking accounts.
Unlike their previous promotions, Bank of the West is now requiring a direct deposit. A minimum deposit of $100 will be required, and this has to be new money, meaning the cash cannot come from an account transfer in an already existing Bank of the West checking or savings account.
This promotion is available for three different types of checking account. The Free Checking Account, Choice Interest Checking Account and Choice ATM Checking Account. Below are some details of each.
Free Checking Account
* Unlimited use of Bank of the West ATMs
* Online Banking with Bill Pay
* Free Mobile Banking
* Overdraft protection with a linked savings or Gold Line account
* Bank of the West Debit Card with discounts and special offers on everyday items
* Discounts on consumer loan rates with automatic payments
* Free personal assistance through our Telephone Banking Center
* Unlimited check writing with sufficient funds available
* Deposits eligible for FDIC insurance up to the maximum established by the FDIC per depositor and ownership type
What you’ll need for fast, online sign-up
* About seven minutes to complete the application
* $100 minimum opening balance
* Social Security or taxpayer ID number
* Driver’s license or state ID
* Date of birth, email address and physical street address
* Routing number, if you’ll be opening your account by transferring funds from another bank
Choice Interest Checking
* Same as above except that this account allows you to earn interest on every dollar saved. There is however, a $10 monthly service charge that can be waived in four ways: $2,500 average monthly balance in this account or $5,000 average monthly balance in this account plus linked personal savings, CDs and IRAs, or five or more online bill payments per statement cycle, or monthly direct deposit of $250 or more per statement cycle.
Choice ATM Checking
* Same conditions as Free Checking but with a service that provides free ATM withdrawals from any institution in selected areas of the country. A $10 monthly charge is also applicable but can be waived under the same conditions.
The promotion is not available in all states although a long list of areas are included. The offer is also not available to existing customers of Bank of the West. And finally, opening of checking accounts are subject to credit approval. Promotion is available only until September 16, 2011.
