Banking Deals of the Week: Sept. 1

There is another strain of good news for the economy, one that adds another potential ingredient for a more a stable financial picture, and that could contribute to better bank rates if it proves sustainable.

It’s the latest consumer confidence number, which was better than most expected. According to the Conference Board, the August number clocked in at 53.5 — higher than the 50 level most economists predicted.

Though viewed as a “short-term” blip by the Board, short-term confidence is better than no confidence at all. Still, the Board isn’t too excited. "Employment concerns continue to weigh heavily on consumers' attitudes," said Lynn Franco, director of Conference Board's consumer research center, in a statement. "Expectations about future business and labor market conditions have brightened somewhat, but overall, consumers remain apprehensive about the future.

Some further good news — there are faint signs of consumer confidence heading upward for more than just one month. The Conference Board also reports that the July consumer confidence index was upwardly revised to 51.0 from a prior estimate of 50.4.

Now, onto the best Deals of the Week for the start of September:

Checking Account

Let’s light this candle with a new offer from a big bank — Bank of America’s (Stock Quote: BAC) $75 offer to open a new MyAccess Checking Account online.

Here are some benefits attached to the deal:

• No monthly maintenance fee.
• Bank of America Visa debit card with zero liability protection.
• Access to nationwide ATM’s with no service fees and 24/7 customer service.

Just fund your new checking account with $125 within 30 days of opening the account. And after that, you’ll receive the $75 within 90 days of opening it.

Make sure to use the Offer Code: CH750L1 when you begin. The offer is good through Dec. 4.

For more information, check out BankofAmerica.com.