I’d like to thank John for reminding me of the promotion from Key Bank. As far as I can recall, Key Bank is famous for the previous banking promotion which offered a free iPod for opening a new account with them. This time, Key Bank is offering $100 Key Possibilities gift card for opening a new Key Express Free Checking Account with direct deposit or automated payments. In order to get the $100 gift card, you have to open a Key Express Free Checking Account between 03/29/2008 and 04/25/2008. You can open an account at Key Bank local branch, www.key.com or by phone at 877-888-3658. To qualify for this bonus, you have to make a combination of two direct deposits and/or automated payments each of $100 or more by 6/27/08. If you close your account within 180 days of account opening, you will be charged a $25 account early closure fee.

Fine Print:

Must open a qualifying checking account at a KeyBank branch, Key.com or through 1-877-888-3658 between 3/29/08 and 4/25/08 and make a combination of two direct deposits and/or automated payments each of $100 or more by 6/27/08. Free checking only applies to a Key Express Free Checking account. Qualifying accounts include Key Express Free Checking (this is the basic banking account in NY) and Key Advantage®. You will receive your $100 Key Possibilities MasterCard® card within 90 days of meeting requirements. The gift card can be used at locations that accept Debit MasterCard cards. Direct deposit transactions are limited to: payroll, social security, pension and government benefits. Automated payments exclude Key Bill Pay, debit card automated payments, PayPal® transactions and account to account balance transfers. Offer available to individuals without an existing checking account at KeyBank as of 03/28/08. Offer not available to individuals who have opened a KeyBank checking account in the last 12 months. Employees of KeyBank, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not eligible for this offer. Limit one $100 Key Possibilities Card per qualifying account. Limit one $100 Key Possibilities Card per individual. Offer valid while supplies last. The $100 value of the Key Possibilities gift card received for opening a checking account with direct deposit and/or automated payments will be reported on Form 1099-INT. If you close your account within 180 days of account opening, you will be charged a $25 account early closure fee.

Features of Key Express Free Checking Account:

• No monthly maintenance service charge
• No minimum balance requirement
• No per-check fees or limits
• No monthly or annual KeyBank Debit Card fee
• No fee for using your KeyBank Debit Card on purchases when using a PIN or signing for a purchase
• Free, unlimited use of Key’s nationwide network of ATMs
• Free 24-hour access to your accounts with Online Banking
• Free Key Bill Pay to pay your bills quickly and easily online

NO hard pulls were reported for opening this account at Key Bank. They need your personal information to identify you. Details of this promotion can be found here. Key Bank is the 16th largest bank in United States based on total deposit and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2007, key Bank was ranked 319 on Fortune 500.