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?