I have an HSBC Online Savings account and I just received a note the other day saying that they raised the interest rate to 3.5%. This of course is subject to change but I will take it while it lasts. Meanwhile I will long for the days when they were paying 6% =)

3.5% is a good rate, but there is a couple of banks listed at Money-Rates.com paying higher. The nice thing about HSBC is I the low minimum.

Anything north of 1.5% would be considered a good deal these days. That's how much you'll get from Fidelity's MySmartCash checking. Schwab, on the other hand, is offering 2% on its checking account, and HSBC direct is now promising 3%. Of course, these rates are subject to change and other factors may come into play. For instance, if one bank has a higher interest rate but charges more fees for ATM usage, a bank with a lower rate and a more generous ATM policy may come out ahead.