First State Bank & Trust Company is offering a reward checking account called First Rate Checking. The account offers the following:

• 5.00% APY on balances up to $30,000
• 0.75% APY on balances over $30,000
• 0.25% base rate if qualifications are not met
• ATM fees nationwide refunded without limit

As with all rewards checking accounts, there are specific requirements that must be met to qualify for the top rate.

• 12 Visa debit card purchases
• One direct deposit
• Sign up for E-statements

Additional features of the account regardless of the monthly requirements include:

• $100 minimum initial deposit
• no minimum balance requirements
• no monthly fees
• multiple accounts can be opened, but requirements must be met for each account

A branch visit is required to open an account. Branches are located in Fremont, Nebraska which is about 25 miles northwest of Omaha.