Online Accounts with Bonuses for Latecomers?

[lrjohnson]

OK, I'm behind in this, but catching up. I'm good at being frugal, but very intimidated by doing anything other than sticking money in a savings account at my local credit union.

I have too much in my one percent account, so wanted to move a fair chunk to account(s) that are reasonably safe (a bigger name place that's been around for more than a couple months), have a good rate, and, preferably have some sort of incentive.

I was reading the thread “HSBC Direct $25 Bonus vs Emigrant Direct Bank (Is ING even in the competition?)” and it seems the bonus links may be outdated.

Can someone point me to a thread/blog post/current article that has bonus, interest and other that is current (aso of April 06? Or, if there are no current bonus sites, tell me whether they’ve been happy with HSBC or Emigrant or ING or another Place? In a response on my blog someone mentioned HSBC.

Even if I can't get a bonus, I wouldn't mind helping someone else get a referral bonus.

I don't know why this intimidates me, but I need to get over it! I've made myself willing to open up one to four accounts to get better interest and bonuses.

Thanks, guys, for being willing to go over old ground for someone who has just now taken off blinders.

[sweeps]

Your money should be safe at any of the 3 online accounts you've mentioned. My personal experience is with HSBC. Their service has been very good so far, and their security seems to be very solid. An example: To initiate a bank-to-bank transfer with them you must enter a special password by clicking keys on a virtual keyboard with your mouse. (This is to defeat any keyloggers that may be running on your computer.)

Unfortunately you don't hear as much about HSBC as ING and ED because it doesn't offer referral bonuses. So many of the deal sites don't mention it because they can't get a cut. The only HSBC bonus I'm aware of right now is a combo with a checking account -- details here.

[coffeebreak]

Here's a thread that details some of the bonus offers:
Emigrant Direct $10 or $20 Sign-Up Bonus

[coffeebreak]

You can always sign up with one online savings account just to get the bonus but keep your money somewhere else.

I am going to buy some CDs with GMAC as soon as the ING offer ends in about a week.

[JoyJoy]

Originally Posted by coffeebreak

You can always sign up with one online savings account just to get the bonus but keep your money somewhere else.

I am going to buy some CDs with GMAC as soon as the ING offer ends in about a week.

Smart idea Coffeebreak about buying the CDs and from GMAC as well. I was just about to say Money Magazine's top money advisor, Gerri Detweiler (hope spelling is right!) suggested people invest in CDs now and not open 3 or 4 saving accounts. She said it is too much to track having so many accounts and that CDs is the better investment.

[lrjohnson]

Okay, I managed to do my first one, by opening an account at ING, following the bonus $25 links on the Thread " ING $25 Bonus Links" under Everything Else. Jeffrey keeps the main post up to date: you may see that the original post is 11/05, but look at the "last edited" on the bottom-it was edited April 06. I managed not to at first.

The instructions were very clear, but I managed to misread them in my anxiety about it. It reminds me that in an area where I realize I know very little, I get very uncomfortable.

Coffeebreak, I will be looking at that link: thanks very much.

I appreciate SavingAdvice and you all helping me take a necessary step that I was scared to take.