Quote Originally Posted by kpc2593
yea...I did some research on ING and HSBC...both are online, but ING has 3 APR and HSBC has 3.50APR...

but if I don't want to consider a online savings account, I have talked with Associated Credit Union and they are offering me a 2.50APR....and suntrust is offering me the same rate too

I just opened up a HSBC account last week. Seemed to handle the opening well. They send you login ID, password and account info all at sperate times spread over snail mail and email. So you have to intercept all three at different times get access (security is good to think about this day and age). Im not sure if this is the standard, as Im no bank professional.

I would not look at the current APY too hard, as it changes from month to month or week to week. When i was researching I looked for historical APY charts for the major banks. HSBC and Etrade seemed to be always the most competive (historically). I went with HSBC because thier 3.5% is fixed for a couple months, and is a little higher currently than etrade. But that will all change in a month or two.

Credit unions are also another good option and could be worth investigating.