It’s that time of year again when U.S. banks and investment companies get a temporary boost from federal income tax refunds and stimulus checks.

This year, much of that largesse is expected to go towards paying down debt or stashed away into FDIC-insured deposits. But there are still some folks looking for better longer-term returns, so ING’s ShareBuilder investment service is giving them a nudge with a $90 new-account bonus  offer (note 1) delivered in the March 25 email to Costco customers. This is higher than the $25 to $50 bonuses we’ve seen from them in the past.

The ShareBuilder offer was near the bottom of a lengthy email that arrived at 5:30 PM Pacific time yesterday. In total there were 54 products featured. ShareBuilder was the only financial product. 

Email from Costco (25 March 2009)

ShareBuilder landing page (link, 25 March 2009)

Note:
1. The $90 rebate applies to Costco Executive members. Business and Gold members receive $70. In addition, Executive members receive a 25% rebate in ongoing investing fees; Business/Gold receive a 10% fee rebate.