Atlantic Coast Bank has a high interest savings and checking account that work together to help you save more. The bank’s Kasasa Cash checking account has a 3.25% annual percentage yield (APY). The Kasasa Saver is a high interest savings account with a 2% APY and is linked to the checking. Details of the offer include:

• Nationwide ATM fees up to $25 refunded on checking account are automatically deposited into savings account
• Free checking
• No minimum balance or monthly fees
• Minimum opening deposit of $100 for checking account and $5 for savings

To qualify for the bank rates you must:

• Make a minimum of 10 debit card purchases
• Set up one direct deposit of ACH automatic payment from your checking account
• Receive electronic statements

Even if you don’t meet the requirements to earn the bank rate on the savings and checking, both accounts are free. During that time you earn a base rate of 0.1% on the checking account, which gets automatically deposited into the savings. The combined balance earns a base rate of 0.3% APY.

Once you meet the requirements again, you can earn the 3.25% APY on checking and 2% APY on savings. Bank rates are accurate as of Nov. 16, 2009.

Atlantic Coast has branches throughout northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. But residents of other states can apply online for a bank account

Do you run a small business and want to boost your savings? Open an ING Direct business savings account and receive a $50 bonus. Details of the savings offer include:

• Savings rate of 1% annual percentage yield (APY)
• No fees
• No minimums
• No service charges
• FDIC insured up to $250,000

You must open a business savings account by March 15, 2020 and use the reference code BSA326 to receive the bonus. The cash bonus is deposited into the account when it is opened and can be withdrawn after 30 days.

The 1% savings rate is effective as of Feb. 24, 2010, but is a variable rate that can change at anytime. Interest on your savings accrues daily, is compounded monthly, and credited to your balance each month.

The savings account is available to many kinds of businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and not-for-profit organizations. You can set up the account for you and two other people to have access with separate logins and customer numbers.

You don’t have to change banks to open a business savings account at ING Direct. You are required to link a business checking account from another bank with your ING Direct savings.

ING Direct offers 24-hour banking online and has customer service representatives available to speak to you from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  every day of the week.

Costco is offering an online savings account for its members with the help of Capital One Bank. The savings account has a cash bonus of up to $60.

The InterestPlus Savings has a 1.5% annual percentage yield (APY), which is effective as of Feb. 16, 2009. The Costco savings account also has a 10% quarterly bonus on interest earned on average balances of $15,000 and up. Details of the online savings account offer include:

• 1.5% APY applies to balances of $5,000 and up
• Savings rates are variable and can change at any time
• Minimum deposit of $5,000
• Electronic statements
• Must have six withdrawals by online transfer per month

Costco customers can earn a cash bonus that is based upon their membership. To earn the $60 bonus you must be a Costco Executive Member when you open the savings account. Costco Gold Star or Business members are eligible for a $20 bonus.

The cash bonus is only paid out to customers who open a Capital One Direct Banking account for the first time through any Costco program. The savings account must be funded with at least $5,000 within 30 days of opening to receive the bonus.  The bonus is paid within four to six weeks as two partial credits.

Costco operates a chain of 566 membership warehouses around the world that offer a variety of name-brand merchandise.

The Momentum Savings Account at Ridgestone Bank has a 2.5% annual percentage yield (APY). The savings rate is for new accounts. Details of the offer include:

• $100 minimum deposit to open savings account
• Must also open a Momentum Checking Account
• No minimum to open checking account
• Must complete eight transactions in checking account during each statement cycle
• Set up automatic transfer of at least $100 from checking account to savings each month

The savings rate of 2.5% APY is for accounts with a balance of $2,500 to $49,999. The savings rate for balances of $50,000 and up is 1% APY. Balances below $2,500 have a 0.25% APY.

When you open the savings and checking accounts, you receive a combined monthly statement through the bank’s website. You get free online access and bill pay, as well as telephone access. You also get access to free ATM terminals nationwide with an ATM/debit card.

Ridgestone Bank also offers a cash bonus with the checking account. When you set up direct deposit into your checking account you get $50. You can also receive a free box of checks for a new account when you bring your old checks to the bank to be shredded.

Ridgestone Bank operates in the Chicago area and Southeastern Wisconsin.

The recession has made building up savings cool again. The thrifty are no longer looked at as an odd species in American culture. Use the following tips to boost your savings this year to help secure your financial future.

• Stash your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. This is money that you may need to access quickly. Look for a high-yield savings account  that can help combat inflation.
• Shop for the best CD rates online. Decide how long you can tie up your money and shop for the best rates and other terms. look at penalties and other fees when comparing bank deals.
• Set up regular contributions to a retirement savings plan. Put contributions on auto-pilot and watch your savings grow.
• Pay off pesky credit cards once and for all. If you’re paying too much interest, compare credit card offers to get a better deal. Once credit card debts are wiped out, divert the monthly payment amounts to your savings.
• Shop around for better savings deals at several banks. Being loyal to your local bank doesn’t always result in the highest savings rates. You may even need to take your business online to get the best savings rates.

Take the time to shop around for the best bank deals to improve your personal savings rate.