Additional states available for BOA checking bonus

Yesterday, I posted about the $100 bonus for new Bank of America checking customers in AR, CA, DC, DE, FL, IA, IL, KS, MD, ME, MI, MO, NH, NM, NV, PA, RI, TX and VA.

Well, as it turns out, there are additional offers for other states.

CT, NJ and NY residents are eligible to receive up to $200.

1. Open a new personal checking account by October 1, 2012.
2. Use offer code CHLHMP when opening your account online. Or print and present the bonus page
   when opening your account at a banking center.
3. Set up and receive a qualifying Direct Deposit with your new account within 90 days from account opening.

Get an additional $100 when you increase the total combined balance across your choice of eligible checking, savings and/or CD accounts with Bank of America and eligible investment accounts with Merrill Edge by at least $25,000 within 90 days of new account opening.***

 

There is a $75 bonus for customers in AL, AK, CO, HI, LA, MN, MS, MT, NE, ND, OH, SD, UT, VT, WV, WI and WY. It appears accounts from these states can only be opened online.

1. Open a new personal checking account by October 1, 2012.
2. Use offer code CHLHMP75 when opening your account online.
3. Set up and receive a qualifying Direct Deposit with your new account within 90 days from account opening.

 And if you live in ID, IN, KY, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN or WA, the bonus is also $75, but the account can be opened online or in a branch.

1. Open a new personal checking account by October 1, 2012.
2. Use offer code CHLHMP75 when opening your account online. Or print and present the bonus page when opening your account at a banking center.
3. Set up and receive a qualifying Direct Deposit with your new account within 90 days from account opening.

 There do not appear to be any offers for AZ, GA or MA.

And be sure to see yesterday's post about how to avoid checking account fees and why a BOA ATM or debit card might be a good idea for international travel. 

New Bank of America Checking Offer--$100 bonus

Bank of America is currently offering a $100 bonus to new checking customers.
Update 8/2: See new post about additional states available for bonus offers.

The details:

Open a new personal checking account by October 1, 2012.

Use offer code CHMBRD when opening your account online. Or print and present the bonus page when opening your account at a banking center.

Set up and receive a qualifying Direct Deposit with your new account within 90 days from account opening.

The offer is available only in AR, CA, DC, DE, FL, IA, IL, KS, MD, ME, MI, MO, NH, NM, NV, PA, RI, TX, VA.

Completely free checking accounts have fallen by the wayside, but it looks like monthly fees can be avoided by not making teller transactions or keeping a minimum balance.

I'm on the fence about whether to sign up for this deal. I closed a BOA checking account about five years ago, so I'd likely be considered a new customer. But changing my direct deposit is a pain. Oh, I already have too many checking accounts I'm not using.

But my main incentive would actually not be the $100. It's the lack of fees for using a BOA ATM or debit card internationally that's the draw. While I plan to use my no foreign transaction fee Visa card as much as possible, not everywhere accepts credit cards and many places in Europe only accept "chip and PIN" cards.

Here's what I found on their website about international travel.

Use your debit card or ATM card within the Global ATM Alliance in the countries shown with no ATM operator fees or Non-Bank of America International ATM Fee. International Transaction Fees of 1% for converting your currency may apply. Some members may have locations in countries other than the country listed in the coverage area. Only ATMs in the country listed are considered part of the Alliance.

• BNP Paribas (France)
• BNL Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro (Italy)
• Barclays (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands)
• Deutsche Bank (Germany)
• Scotiabank (Canada and the Caribbean, Caribbean countries include: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Netherlands Antilles (St Maarten), St Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands)
• Westpac (Australia and New Zealand)

In addition, Bank of America has arranged for you to use your debit or ATM cards in China at China Construction Bank ATMs (China Construction Bank ATMs in Hong Kong are not included) and in Mexico at Banco Santander with no ATM Operator Fees or Non-Bank of America International ATM fees. An International Transaction fee for converting your currency may apply.

Recent shopping trips: CVS, Staples, Target

I use coupons to pay less for the things I need, so I have more money to spend on the things I want, like travel.

CVS

I spent $2.41 on these items and have $3 to use toward my next CVS purchase.

Why I shop there: CVS offers valuable ExtraCare Bucks (ECB) through its ExtraCare Rewards program. Basically, you get a coupon for X dollars off your next purchase when you buy certain advertised items. I roll the ECB from week to week to lower my out of pocket cost. I sometimes do multiple transactions in one shopping trip to roll rewards and minimize costs.

Transaction 1

Renu Sensitive--pay $7.99, get $4 ECB

Used $2 off manufacturer coupon--printed from coupons.com
Price: $5.99

 

Stayfree Ultra Thin--price $2.00

Used $2 off manufacturer coupon from newspaper
Price: Free!

 

(2) Milky Way bars--price $.50 each

Used $1 off 2 Milky Way manufacturer coupon--printed from coupons.com
Price: Free!

 

(2) Twix bars--price $.50 each

Used $1 off any 2 Mars candy bars from CVS Coupon Center (aka Magic Coupon Machine)
Price: Free!

 

Other coupons

Used $1 ECB from previous purchase
Used $3 ECB from email promo

Total (out of pocket): $2.15

Received $4 ECB

 

Transaction 2

Revlon Nail Polish--pay $4.99, get $3 ECB

Used $1 Revlon coupon from newspaper
Price: $3.99

 

(2) Milky Way bars--price $.50 each

Used $.75 off 2 Milky Way manufacturer coupon--printed from coupons.com
Price: $.13 each

 

Other coupons

Used $4 ECB from first transaction

Total (out of pocket): $.26

Received $3 EC

Total (out of pocket) for CVS: $2.41+ I have $3 in ECB for my next purchase.

Staples

I will make $4.02 after rebates on this transaction.

Why I shop there: This post explains why I like Staples. To sum up: free after rebate items can be a good way to meet a minimum spend for a credit card sign-up bonus, Easy Rebates that require no postage or cutting of UPCs and the potential to make money on a purchase when rebates are combined with coupons. Of course, they also have good deals on school and office supply products.

Week of 7/15

Titanium Antivirus Software $15.00
Bicmatic Grip Pencils $4.29
Staples Photo Paper $14.99

Used store coupon $5 off purchase of $30 or more
Used store coupon $15% off all software

Total: $29.26

Submitted the following Easy Rebates for $33.28
Titanium Antivirus Software $15.00
Bicmatic Grip Pencils $4.29
Staples Photo Paper $14.99 $13.99

Total after rebates: $4.02 moneymaker! 

 

Week of 7/22

Total after rebates: $.77

HP Photo Paper $9.99
Pentel RSVP Pens $4.00
Zebra #2 Pencils $4.00
(2) 8.5x11 Multipurpose Paper $6.99 each

Used store coupon $5 off purchase of $30 or more

Total: $29.20

Submitted the following Easy Rebates for $29.97
HP Photo Paper $9.99
Pentel RSVP Pens $4.00
Zebra #2 Pencils $4.00
(2) 8.5x11 Multipurpose Paper $5.99 each

 

Total after rebates: $.77

Target

Total: $2.02

Why I shop there: You can “stack” their store coupons with manufacturer coupons. Many store coupons can be printed on Target's website. Target also gives you $.05 for each reusable bag you bring.

Comet Stainless Steel Cleanser—regular price $1.99

Used $1 off Target coupon—printed from coupons.com

Used $1 off manufacturer coupon— printed from coupons.com (doesn't have be to redeemed at Wal-mart)

Price: Free!

 

Up & Up (Target brand) Cotton Balls--regular price $.99

Used $.50 off Target coupon
Price: $.49

Up & Up Isopropyl Alcohol--regular price $1.24

Used $.75 off Target coupon
Price: $.49

(2) Up & Up Aluminum Foil 25 sq. ft.--regular price $.99 each

Used $1 off 2 Target coupon
Price: $.49 each

Total: $2.02

*Some of the links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here
 

More Priority Club points (and status!)

Back in June, I posted about my first mattress run at the Candlewood Suites (an IHG hotel). Shortly after the stay, I received 7,330 points, but I knew more were on the way. Well, all of the points I expected to receive finally posted and it looks like my one stay netted me a total of 17,330 points (the 3,000 other promotional points I received would have posted regardless of whether or not I had a "stay").

I'd say that's a pretty decent haul of points for just over $50 (room cost $131.06-$75 mail-in rebate), considering if you use the "cash and points" option to reserve a room, 10,000 points cost $70.

I've already got a booking in mind for these points, but I'm anxiously awaiting the next Point Breaks list to see if my hotel is on it. (Update 7/31: The new list was posted! Unfortunately, nothing I can use this time, but maybe next time.)

Since these new points bumped up to more than 20,000, I now have status! Not that it really means anything to me at this point.

It takes 15 nights OR 20,000 points to move up to the Gold Elite, which comes with additional benefits such as Priority Check-In and 10% bonus earning on top of base points. Of course, Platinum is where I'd really like to be (because it comes with complimentary upgrades), but I doubt I'll get there.

Freebie Roundup: Relaxation Music, Raising Canes

Lots of freebies this week!

Free 60 minutes of Relaxation and Meditation music

Relaxation & Meditation (Exclusive Amazon Sampler Featuring 60 Minutes of Music for Relaxation, Meditation, Massage, Spa & Yoga)

Free $2 Amazon MP3 credit with Tweet

Expires at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on July 27, 2012.

Free $2 MP3 credit

1. Connect your Amazon.com and Twitter accounts. (If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so). A window will pop up when you connect your Amazon.com and Twitter accounts for the first time. The window will provide some information about the permissions you're giving Amazon.com. Although these permissions allow us to post tweets for you, we will only post the following message once automatically after you click the button below: "I just got a $2 credit for music from @amazonmp3 and @imdb.

2. Automatically follow @amazonmp3 and @imdb.

3. A $2 credit towards purchases at Amazon MP3 will be automatically added to your Amazon account.

4. After completing these steps successfully, browse for music at Amazon MP3, and click the "Buy MP3 album" or "Buy MP3" button.

5. If at any time you would like to disconnect your Amazon.com and Twitter accounts, you can do so from the Applications tab of your settings page on Twitter.

Amazon has many 25-cent songs available, including this catchy hit We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe).

Free shredding at Staples

Up to 5 lbs.

July 29-August 4

No coupon required

Free Chicken Finger

http://www.raisingcanes.com/locations/

Raising Cane’s is giving its customers one free chicken finger on Friday, July 27 (tomorrow!). Go to their Facebook page to print the coupon. I know where I’m going for lunch tomorrow!

Free Tea at McAlister’s Deli-Today, Thursday July 26

https://www.facebook.com/TeaFreaks

http://www.mcalistersdeli.com/locations/

Finish Quantum dishwasher detergent

You can skip the invite three friends part and just click submit after typing your info.

https://www.facebook.com/FinishDishwashing?sk=app_175604282562989

Eucerin Daily Replenishing Lotion

http://www.facebook.com/EucerinUS/app_367905096582525 

or

http://m.eucerinus.com/pledge/index

Dark And Lovely Anti Reversion Cream Serum

Answer YES to the first question.

https://www.facebook.com/darkandlovely/app_458785200812890

*Some of the links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here

 

100 AAdvantage miles--expires tomorrow!

Just saw on Facebook that this offer ends tomorrow, July 20--so sign up now if you haven't already.

Visit and “Like” AAdvantage’s Facebook page for 100 free American Airlines miles. No it’s not much, but it will reset your miles expiration date, which is 18 months from most recent activity. Perfect if you’re in danger of some miles expiring.

 

And check out my newly updated page of free and easy frequent flyer miles for miles opportunities from numerous airlines.

Freebie Roundup: Greeting cards, Woolite, Fandango

Free Cardstore Card

Free card and free shipping at cardstore.com. Good for any card, valid from July 19 to July 22. Use code: CAJ2719, Valid 7/19 thru 7/22. Shipping only valid in the U.S.

Free Treat.com Birthday Card

Create a birthday card at treat.com and enter promo code: TREATBDAY to get it free. Have it sent to yourself to get free shipping or pay $.44 to send to someone else. Valid today, July 19 only, ends at 11:59 pacific time. If you don’t want a birthday card, use code FREETREAT. Only valid for first time customers.

Woolite

Get another free sample of Woolite Extra Dark Care on Facebook

The previous sample is still available on Target's website

Free Beer Glass or $2 Check

Newcastle Brown Ale is offering a free glass or $2 check on its Facebook page. Limited quantities are available so you may want to hurry.

Click on the "Get Rewarded" box. Enter your info and take a short survey, then choose your reward of either a Newcastle glass or a $2 check. It will ask you to upload a photo of a Newcastle at the end. Don’t have a pic? Search Google Images for Newcastle, choose an appropriate pic and upload it to your one of your photo albums on Facebook.

Fandango/Amazon MP3 Deals

Get a $2 Amazon MP3 credit with Fandango ticket purchase

After ticket purchase, you’ll receive an email from Fandango within 48 hours with your Amazon MP3 promotional code. Offer valid through July 31. Credit expires 11:59 PT August 31.

You may want to pair this with Fandango’s Visa Signature 2-for-1 Movie Tickets on Fridays. Visa Signature cardholders can buy one movie ticket and get one free. Tickets must be purchased and used on a Friday. Limit one free ticket per card every 30 days. Offer valid through August 17. To determine if you have a Visa Signature card (can be from any bank) look for the word “Signature” underneath the Visa logo on the bottom right corner of your card.

And the $2 Amazon MP3 credit I posted previously is still available if you haven't redeemed it yet. Go here and enter HEARTMP3. Credit must be redeemed by 11:59 p.m. PST on July 23, 2012.

Some good options for these Amazon credits are the 25-cent Customer Picks songs or the $2.99 Soul and R&B albums.

Blockbuster/Hulu Plus

And be sure to check out my post from last week on how to get a free 6-months of Blockbuster by mail and/or two months Hulu Plus. I got my first Blockbuster movie on Tuesday, watched it yesterday and mailed it back in today. Good stuff!

*Some of the links in this post are my referral links. Read my disclosure policy here