A Quick $100 By Opening a Bank of America Checking Account
Fatwallet Finance Forum is an amazing place to learn the latest personal finance deals. In the past, the Forum pointed me to the 10% restaurant cash rebate by MBNA Cashback Card (almost $500 value), the $100 Fidelity bonus for eBay customers, the free DeductionPro download, and free no-hassle Experian credit report (before free annual credit report becomes a law). If you missed all these deals, you have two days left to take advantage of the new $100 bonus offer by opening a checking account online. The deal will expire on April 1, 2005. (FatWallat discussion here.)
Here is how to get your $100: you have to open a checking account online, and enter Offer Code LSP100. BofA will credit $100 to your account "within 45 business days" after your account is opened.
Don't think it's a bait-and-switch -- to my surprise, BofA does offer a variety of checking accounts, and many of them are free (some with minor restrictions). BofA publishes a complete checking account product lineup online. If you want the $100 but are not determined to move your checking account to Bank of America, here are some recommendations (certain type of accounts may not be available in every state):
- VERSATEL® Checking is the bare bone checking account but is totally free with no minimal balance requirement. $3 teller transaction fee applies.
- MyAccess Checking® is free with monthly direct deposit. No minimal balance requirement too.
- If you are 55 and over, try Classic Rewards Free, which has no minimal balance requirement, no monthly charge but a list of benefits like free first order of checks and free annual rental of a small-size safe deposit box.
According to FatWallet Finance Forum, Bank of America does pull a credit report to verify your information, but unless you need to apply credit very soon, $100 is still sweeter, isn't it?
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The Versatel checking is only for California
I don't think so. I applied mine using Versatel too (I'm at WA).
Versatel is only available in Western states. Eastern states have totally different account types.
Does anyone know if someone who already has a Bank of America checking account would be eligible for this bonus if they open a new different type of one online?
Also, how good is the Versatel automated phone service? Would I be forced to speak with a teller to close the account, thus inflicting a $3.00 charge?
Well, You can open the account online only if you are a US citizen. This is the first bank I have heard who has such a requirment.I am a resident alien for tax purpose....
is there an expiration date on this? how long is this promo good till?
It's gone. Expired on April 1st.
any other current promo's you know about?
I will share new deals I dig out. Keep reading pfblog!
