HSBC <us.hsbc.com> is offering new Smart Idea checking customers a free night at participating Marriott hotels, and are even tossing in breakfast for two. The only major requirement, as outlined in the relatively scant fine print (click on continuation link at the bottom of this article), is a direct-deposit relationship or $3,000 deposited by the end of September. The screenshot right shows the offer on the bank's homepage (click to enlarge).
Here's the landing page for the offer (first click off the homepage):
Analysis
This is a good offer because the perceived value of $200+ is likely far less than what HSBC is paying for it, which we estimate is considerably less than $100 due to the exposure Marriott receives. While it may not appeal to the stay-at-home crowd, they are not the target market for HSBC's premium checking account.
We also like the alternative to dropping $3 grand in the account in lieu of direct deposit. That appeals to small business owners and the self-employed who often are ineligible to participate in many bank premium offers that require direct deposit. However, the bank should work with the single-deposit customers to get some electronic hooks into the account as soon as possible, either electronic bill payments, pre-authorized debits, or an integrated credit line with automatic payments from checking.
—JB
Notes:
Fine print for HSBC's offer:
* Minimum balance to avoid monthly maintenance fee applies if direct deposit ceases. To receive the Marriott award, customers must open an Interest Checking account by 9/30/06 and either set up direct deposit or deposit at least $3,000 by 10/31/06. Interest Checking Account has 0.15% Annual Percentage Yield (APY), which is accurate as of 8/1/06 on balances of $5 or more. APY is variable and subject to change after opening. Charges and fees may reduce earnings. HSBC reserves the right to charge your Interest Checking account an amount equal to the bonus if your account does not remain active for at least 180 days. Hotel redemption forms will be sent to qualifying customers by 12/31/06. Hotel award includes accommodations for a one (1) night stay, including breakfast for two and room tax, at participating Marriott properties in North, South and Central America, Hawaii and the Caribbean, subject to availability. Breakfast not included at SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites properties. Hotel reservations must be booked and used by 1/1/08. Limit of one hotel award per customer. Cost of gift will be reported on IRS Form 1099.
** The Introductory APR does not apply to cash advances. After the Introductory Period or if during the first 12 billing cycles of your Account, whichever is earlier, your Minimum Payment (or any greater amount) is late or you exceed your credit limit twice, the Introductory APR will increase to the Customary APR. The variable Customary APR is 11.99%, 15.99% or 18.99% (as of 8/1/06), depending upon your creditworthiness. There is no balance transfer fee for balance transfers that post to your Account within 90 days of your Account opening; otherwise a 3% ($5 minimum, $50 maximum) balance transfer fee will apply, unless otherwise disclosed. We apply payments to lower APR balances before higher APR balances. We have the right to change your APRs, fees, and other terms at any time, for any reason including, but not limited to, any change in your credit history, credit obligations, Account performance, use of your credit lines with us or any creditor, or our financial return. Any changes will be in accordance with your Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.
In the latest from Online Banking Report, "Personal Finance Features for Online Banking," we've awarded an OBR Best of the Web 2006 to a new Web-based bill management service. It's the third winner of the year,* and 53rd since the first recipient in 1997 (here's the list). 
