I am a "big bank" user - PNC. It stared out as National City which was bought out by PNC. I have no major complaints with PNC, except for the interest rate that they presently pay on savings accounts. I had an initial introductory rate that was high for the industry, now it is minimal.

Enter Chase into the picture. I was enticed by a coupon for $150 after opening a savings account with $10,000 and maintaining it for 90 days. On the 91st day, I'll receive the additional $150.

It was very simple to transfer a portion of my EF ($11,500 to be exact) to the checking account and open up the new savings account. Really no hitches to the pitch, just maintain the balance.

I had an interesting conversation with the personal banker setting up the account. He said that he noticed that the balances keep creeping up higher and higher in order to take advantage of the "special offers" - it used to be $5,000 - now it is $10,000.

I asked if a lot of people were coming in with this coupon to take advantage of this offer. He said suprisingly yes, and he wondered if the next round of coupon offers will apply to balances of $15,000 and more.

And if you are wondering, after I receive my $150 on 1/13/12, I'll be closing the account and returning the funds to PNC.

But $150 *IS* $150 after all.