Better Interest Checking

Don't settle for free checking. We've got something a whole lot better! With Better Interest Checking, you can earn a whopping 2.00% APY* each month—that's even more than most savings accounts offer!

Earn interest, get unlimited checking with no fees or minimum balance requirements, and get ATM fee refunds too! Not just in the Peoria, or even Illinois, but nationwide!

Better Interest Checking
Summary

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield.

**Certain restrictions may apply, see a Customer Service Representative for more details.

***Requires Credit Approval

Qualifications

Receiving the better rate and ATM fee refunds is easy! In fact, the qualifications are so easy, you're probably already doing them!

  • Have 10 debit card transactions post and clear per qualification cycle
  • Have One Direct Deposit or one ACH debit post and clear per qualification cycle
  • Receive electronic statement each qualification cycle

If you don't qualify in a given month, don't sweat it! You still earn our base rate of interest and pay no fees. And you can get the rewards back the very next cycle!

Disclosure

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of August 13, 2012. Rate tiers are as follows: 2.00% APY applies to balances of $.01– $10,000 and 0.25% APY applies to balances over $10,000 as long as qualifications are met each statement cycle. 0.05% APY applies to all balances if qualifications are not met. All balances will earn 2.00%–.25% APY as long as qualifications are met. ATM fee refunds up to $20 per cycle when qualifications are met. Qualifications are as follows: 1) Have at least 10 Debit Card purchases (excluding ATM transactions) post and clear per qualification cycle, 2) Receive eStatements each qualification cycle, and 3) Have at least 1 Direct Deposit or ACH Auto Debit post and clear per qualification cycle. Rates may change after the account is opened. Minimum to open account is $100. No minimum balance required. No monthly service charge. APY and ATM refund will be credited at the end of each statement cycle. Available to personal accounts only. Certain restrictions may apply, see a Customer Service Representative for more details. Member FDIC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to earn the high interest rate?

  • Have 10 debit card transactions post and clear per qualification cycle (excluding ATM withdrawals)
  • Have One Direct Deposit or one ACH debit post and clear per qualification cycle
  • Receive electronic statement each qualification cycle

How do I deposit money?

• Use Direct Deposit for your payroll or government checks; this gives you instant access to your funds without having to visit a branch. Many employers and most government agencies offer this free service. If your employer does offer Direct Deposit, great! They'll have you fill out a simple form and you'll be good to go.

• Wire transfer money from your current account into your newly opened account (contact Better Banks for details.)

• Mail your checks to Better Banks or stop into any of our branches.

How do I access my money?

• Shortly after opening a Better Interest Checking account, Better Banks sends you a free VISA® debit card*. Use this card anywhere that accepts VISA®.

• If you'd still like to use paper checks, just contact Better Banks to get set up.

• Better Interest Checking also has free online banking. With online banking, you can access your account from anywhere you have an Internet connection. Bank online to pay bills**, view account activity, transfer funds between accounts and confirm deposit amounts.

* VISA® debit card requires credit approval. **Fees may apply.

How do I check my balance?

• Better Banks offers free online banking with 24-hour access to your account information.

• We also offer 24-hour telephone banking, toll free 877-366-7733.

• Contact Better Banks at 309-272-1000 and we'll be glad to assist you.

What if I need to talk to someone at the institution?

• Simply call Better Banks at 309-272-1000 or email us at info@betterbanks.com and we'll provide the same great customer service you get when you visit one of our branches.

What happens if I don't meet the qualifications one month?

• If there's a month you don't meet the qualifications, don't worry, there's no penalty and you still have a free checking account that earns a base interest. Plus, the next month you qualify you'll be back to earning interest and receiving ATM fee refunds (up to $20 per cycle).

How will I know if I meet the qualifications?

• Better Banks sends you an email at the end of each qualification cycle that lets you know if you met the qualifications.

Is Better Interest Checking insured?

• Yes. Better Interest Checking is fully backed by the FDIC.

Is this too good to be true?

• Not in the least! You qualify each cycle when you do things like: using your check card, receiving eStatements, and making an automatic payment or direct deposit. These activities help Better Banks save money, which we pass along to you.

Is there a minimum balance?

• No! That's one of the many great benefits of Better Interest Checking.

Do I still get checks with this account?

• Yes, you can still get and use checks as you would with any checking account. After opening your Better Interest Checking account, contact Better Banks for details on ordering your checks.

Will I be reimbursed for my ATM transactions after each withdrawal or at the end of the cycle?

• Your nationwide ATM fee refunds (up to $20) occur at the end of each statement cycle.