[Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, this program is no longer available.]
Since we talk a lot here about saving money, I thought I would tell you about our favorite FREE checking account through Perkstreet Financial!
I only recommend products on the blog that I personally use, or which I believe are a good value for my readers. I can very highly recommend Perkstreet! (Perkstreet does pay me for accounts opened through these links, but I recommended them before I received payment because we have had such a great experience with them. They are also recommended by Dave Ramsey.)
Perkstreet is an online banking service through Bancorp Bank that we have been using for about two years now. Checking accounts are totally FREE and super convenient because withdrawals can be made at lots of local ATMS for FREE. Deposits can be direct deposited or mailed in with the postage paid envelopes provided by Perkstreet.
The very best part about the Perkstreet FREE Checking Account (besides the FREE part 🙂 ) is the fact that you earn cash back rewards just for using your debit card for your normal everyday purchases (as a signature-based, non-PIN transaction), and they rack up rather quickly! We normally get the $100 Walmart gift card which we use to buy household needs like clothing, food or toiletry items.
You can also get gift cards to Target® other retailers like T.J. Maxx®, Marshalls®, and Macy’s, as well as gift cards for restaurants like Dunkin’ Donuts®and Olive Garden® ! You can also get cash, but you have to pay a small fee (redeem $22 in points to get $20 deposited into your account).
Earning cash back with your Perkstreet Debit card is a definite help to the budget and a great alternative for those of you who like to earn cash back, but don’t want to use a credit card.
It’s a no-brainer: Instead of bank fees, get a FREE Perkstreet checking account and start earning money!
Click here to sign up for a FREE account!
*Affiliate links are included in this post. Read our disclosure policy here.
How long does it normally take you to earn the $100 gift card?
My husband just told me it takes more like 6 months for us to get a card, but hey, we aren’t paying any fees and we’re basically getting $100 free because we aren’t spending anything we wouldn’t normally spend. 🙂
You earn up to 2% on purchases (there may be some exceptions). Because we don’t spend very much, it takes us about 3-4 months to get a gift card. Of course, if you use the debit card for all your purchases you could earn it much faster.
You can read all the fine print on the website.
Arsure you sure you can trust them with our social security numbers and all of the other personal info. we give them?
You will have to do your own research. All I can tell you is that I am a conspiracy theorist when it comes to online security. My husband actually had his identity stolen online, so I am very careful to say the least. We have had our account for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem. Dave Ramsey also recommends Perkstreet if that helps. You could do some research on Bancorp Bank if you are interested.
Dave Ramsey recommends it? I feel like it’s too good to be true…is there a catch??
We have been using it for two years now and the only issue is the fact that we have to either make our deposits at the atm or mail them in if they are not direct deposited. They provide postage paid envelopes for the mail option and the turn around is very quick. I really like getting those $100 gift cards so I am willing to put up with the small hassle factor. I would have to drive to the bank to make a deposit anyway. 🙂
You can transfer money into this account from another account you might have. I just opened a perkstreet account and I am keeping my other account, so it’s simple to transfer the money.. Then no worries about deposits.
Thanks for the info, I’ll definitely be looking into this! I’ve been using USAA which is also online-only since I don’t live near a bank, but they recently got rid of their points system for debit, they only do it for credit now. I usually just use my discover card since I earn pretty good rewards with that, but it’d be nice to have a debit card that earns rewards too!
I have just started using Perkstreet and my understanding is that you get the Perks when you use the card as credit not debit. It is all the same card just like you would normally use but you have to press credit not debit to get the Perks.
Yes, thank you for mentioning that Sarah. I will add it to the post.
I have USAA and I’m thinking about opening a perkstreet just for groceries this coming year…can you deposit from one account to another online. Ex. USAA to Perkstreet?
I think it would depend on USAA’s policies. You usually have to pay a fee at your bank to have them transfer to another bank. I would check with them and see.
IS there a referral code we can use so you get credit??
Thanks Christy–I will get credit if you use the link in the post. (That’s why I have the note at the bottom that it is an affiliate link.) 🙂
The transaction fee for purchases made outside the states ie Canada is very low. 1% of the transaction amount I believe verses 3-5% or a flat fee. Happy to find this out since we travel to Canada often
Thank you Esther–I was not aware of that.
Most credit unions don’t charge a fee for checking or savings accounts. We are prior military and have accounts with 2 credit unions and we earn points for using them too, and you get to choose who you want your gift cards from like Wal-mart or Applebees. Your local credit union may offer the same advantages.
Do you have to claim the $100 gift cards on your taxes as income?
Just wondering?
That is a great question Bee. I would check with your tax accountant or with Perkstreet. (I’ll be checking too. 🙂 )
I signed up for a Perk Street account and I love it. I’ve already earned a gift card and the best part is that they are located in my home state of Delaware. I’m so happy! Thanks Kimberlee – if it wasn’t for you I would have never found out about Perk Street because I live in central DE and don’t make it up north to Wilmington too much.
Woohoo! I am so glad you like it. Thanks for letting me know Christa. 🙂
I have been using Perkstreet for my banking needs for two years. I cannot say enough good things about Perkstreet. I always opt for the cash back into my account. It’s free money. I love it. I did keep my credit union account open along with my credit union savings account. That way, I can deposit checks if need be into my credit union account and then make electronic transfers to Perkstreet. I have all my accounts linked together. Makes it very convenient.
We feel the same way. 🙂
I was wondering if you can’t make electronic transfers to the Perk Street account from another bank account.
I think that you can, but your other bank may charge a fee.
Do they have old fashioned checks? I don’t use them often but every now and then… Also do they charge a fee for ATM withdrawals?
Actually I am not sure because we rarely use checks now. They don’t charge an ATM fee if you use one of their approved ATMs. In my area they are practically on every block–LOL!
What is one “perk” equal to? It says 22 perks are redeemable for $20, so I’m just wondering how quickly you can rack up “perks”. Thanks for this info, definitely something to look into 🙂
It is my understanding that the perks are a percentage of what you spend, and that purchases earn different amounts based on what type they are. We earn a $100 gift card about every 4-6 months and we do not spend a lot on our card because we usually use cash. You could call customer service for more detailed information. 🙂
will, do! thanks for the quick response!!
You happened to comment when I was checking the blog. 🙂
Hello! I have been reading the comments and I am a USAA member and I have accounts with other banking institutions as well. I just wanted to let anyone who has USAA know that if you add the external account on your USAA online banking you can make transfers to and from the different accounts at no cost to you. Also if you are transferring into your USAA account from another the transfer is credited immediately. I am excited to look into this PerkStreet account!
Is your money insured like at any other bank?
Yes, Perkstreet is a member of the FDIC and with banking services provided by Bancorp Bank. 🙂
First visit to your wonderful blog by way of Pinterest, can’t wait to explore the site AND the Perkstreet possibility. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Welcome Callie! 🙂 I’m glad you found me. 🙂