ING Direct CD rates are becoming more competitive, but they are still far behind the leaders. ING Direct has some advantages that may make up for the lower rates for some people. One advantage ING Direct offers is an easy CD account opening process that’s all electronic. Managing the CD is also easy. When the CD matures, you can log in and immediately transfer it back to the funding account or your ING savings account.

The bank has an application page which describes how you can mail or fax in the application and fund it with a wire transfer. If you apply, definitely try calling first. They will take your name and give you 7 days to fund the CD at the current rate. They don’t charge for incoming wire transfers.

Outbound wire transfers that you might use when the CD matures is $15. Another thing to note about CD maturity is that the grace period is 7 days and they don’t pay interest during the grace period if you close the CD.

Discover Bank also has a money market account with a fairly competitive yield, at 3.04% APY.  Deposits over $50,000 yield 3.14%.

Banking with discover could be useful if you already have other accounts with them.

They do require a branch visit to open accounts. Branches are located in the California cities of Stockton, Modesto, Arnold, Tracy, Groveland, Angels Camp and Lodi.

Pacific State Bank if FDIC insured.

To see the rate, you still have to enter your zip code.  It appears you can apply online, by phone or at a branch.

Field of membership in First US Community Credit Union is extended to those who live, work, or worship in the California Counties of Sacramento, Amador, Yuba, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, San Joaquin, Nevada, Placer, Solano, Sierra or Contra Costa. Membership is also extended to current or retired federal employees (including military and postal) and their families throughout California.

According to the credit union’s About page, anyone is eligible to join:

MCU has an “open charter” which enables us to extend membership to anyone.

Montauk Credit Union membership requires a minimum deposit of $25 in the share savings account.

The credit union’s main office is located in New York, NY.

• EverBank’s intro rate for its checking and money market account lowered to 5.01% APY (was 5.51%) Standard rate lowered to 4.26% (was 4.51%).
• Citibank’s Ultimate Savings Account and e-Savings Account rates lowered to 3.75% APY (was 4.00%) The Ultimate Money Account rate (which Citi heavily advertises) remains at 4.50% APY but this rate has an online bill payment requirement.
• Capital One’s High Yield Money Market rate lowered to 4.30% APY (was 4.40%)
• Provident Credit Union’s reward checking account rate lowered to 5.51% APY (was 6.01%). Provident CU allows for easy membership so this is one of the few reward checking accounts available nationally.

WaMu Free Checking features:

• No minimum balance or direct deposit requirements, open with $1
• Free basic checks for life
• No ATM fees on their end
• One free overdraft per year
• Free outgoing wire transfers.

The Statement Savings account has:

• A competitive 5.00% APY on all balances (rate only available online)
• No minimum balance requirements, open with $1
• Instant transfer to/from the Free Checking

A new checking account is required for this deal, so if you already have one you need to close your old account.

WAMU also offers free online fund transfers that allows you to link your account to external accounts. A soft credit pull is done when you sign up for the account, allowing you to avoid a potential credit ding from hard credit pull. For more information, visit Washington Mutual’s savings account signup page.

You’ll have seven days after the maturity date to change your term or withdraw your CD funds without penalty. If you choose not to make any changes, your CD automatically renews for the same term at the current interest rate.