Deal? Or No Deal?

2. Open Bank Account, Get Bonus

The bank down the street is handing out a free portable DVD player to anyone who opens a new checking account. Deal?

DEAL IF...you're okay with the terms of the account.

These types of splashy promotions are designed to lure customers away from other banks, and often you have to keep a minimum balance or pay a certain number of bills a month online.

But be sure to keep up your end of the agreement, or else the bank could charge your account for the retail cost of the gift. It's also worth noting that the bank reports the value of the bonus to the IRS as taxable interest income.

Learn the basics of banking and saving

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