ABOUTBENS

ING may not have the highest rate right now, but their focus on security and customer service still puts them at the top for me. The $25 bonus just makes it just that much better!!!

It may not be "necessary," but I voted yes because it could be worth the time spent. It's really only a few seconds more to login with an additional security measure, so why not do it? Would we rather vote for "fewer" security measures in place? A lot of people (including my sister and mother) are still to fearful of banking online. I try to convice them that it is "safe," but haven't gotten them to try it yet. If additional measures were in place, people like my sister and mom might be more likely to try online banking. Or maybe not, but I still don't think spending a few more seconds to login to my accounts is a depravation of my time.

How many 1099's do you think you'll have by the end of this year? This is the first year I've signed up for accounts just to get a bonus, and I'm wondering if it's confusing to have a bunch of 1099's for taxes. In spite of that, I say keep them coming!

Thanks for the info! Just did the online application and I'm looking forward to the $50 Bonus!

For comparison sake, ING included a flyer with APR's of some other lenders for the same type of loan (source: bank sites as of 9/9/05):
Countrywide 6.335%
ETrade 6.210%
Bank of America 6.144%
E-Loan 6.321%
Obviously the larger your mortgage the bigger the difference the 5.900% would save you. I've purchased two homes with the closing costs being $2000 or more, so the flat fee of $555 for closing costs seems to be a good deal as well.