Updated for 2012 changes.
There are multiple ways to earn rewards and cash back for making everyday purchases and paying your monthly bills.
Credit cards normally offer great incentives, but they are too dangerous for me (and for most people). It’s very easy to spend money and pay it off later. So I prefer to steer clear of those temptations, and only use cash or debit cards.
Please note: I do not work for the bank, and I’m not getting paid to write this, I use this checking account personally and am offering this review as a satisfied customer.
My Story
I had to start looking for a new checking account when my current bank changed their policies (like many banks recently) and charged me $10 in monthly fees ($6 for my checking and $4 for the savings).
I was earning rewards on my debit card purchases until they cancelled that perk as well. I started looking around for a new bank that could offer me rewards for using my debit card.
Thankfully, I found a new bank that focuses on rewarding customers and offers cash back for paying bills. It’s called PerkStreet Financial.
Cash Back Rewards!
In just 4 months, I’ve earned $120 cash back, by paying bills (like my auto loan) and using my debit card to buy gas and groceries. I also cashed in $50 in rewards towards purchasing a new laptop.
It’s like a bonus savings account!
The customer service is outstanding, and I have access to my account 24/7 online or by phone. I can overnight my deposit by mail for free, or just transfer money from other accounts.
How to Get Rewards
- PerkStreet Financial offers 1% cash back on debit card purchases one of the best debit card rewards programs
- The average American will earn $600 every year in cash back
- A great tool to improve your financial life – pay down your debt faster, save for your future, give back or just have some fun
- No cap on the amount of rewards you can earn (I love this perk!)
- No annual fee
- No monthly fees when you use your account
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Easy electronic transfers
- 24/7 customer support
- FDIC-insured deposits, up to $250,000
The Best Kind of Perks
For me the best perk besides earning cash back, is freedom from credit card debt.
Since I’m using my debit card, I don’t have to worry about going into debt or paying a credit card bill at the end of each month. This is a big step on my journey towards financial freedom.
Every month PerkStreet offers an additional 5% cash back bonus for certain categories, which they let the customers vote on. This includes anything from grocery stores to donating to charities.
I am one of those people that prefers to do everything electronically. Paperless statements and online bill payments are my best friends. A great perk with this checking account is free online bill payments.
New FREE Personal Finance Courses
Read more about this new series from PerkStreet here, StreetSense Free Personal Finance Courses.
Testimonies From Current Customers
If you’re still unsure about switching to PerkStreet, read these honest and unbiased comments from current customers.
From Facebook
From Twitter
PerkStreet isn’t just a bank, it’s a financial company. They are very interactive on all the social media outlets and you can contact them with questions to receive an answer within hours. NOT days.
The blog is enormousfully helpful too. They share tips to help save money, stay on track with your goals and have discussions about the latest financial trends.
Details to Open an Account
Opening an account only takes a few minutes, here’s what you will need.
- Full Name (first and last)
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Mailing Address
- Drivers License or Valid ID
- $25 Starting Deposit
- NO Credit Check
That’s it! Once you fill in the information they will contact you with the information to finish the process. Then you can start earning cash back on all your non-pin purchases!
J o i n t h e M o v e m e n t ! ! !
