Canadian bank hands out free Eee PCs

It used to be if you signed up for a new checking account, a bank might throw off a toaster, alarm clock, or in extreme modern cases, a 1GB iPod shuffle. Well times, they are a'changing, and boy do we wish we lived in Canada right now. Up north, RBC Royal Bank is offering a free ASUS Eee PC when you switch to their checking account service. That's right, you get an actual computer after completing the move (and dealing with a lot of red tape). Sure, it's only the 7-inch, 2GB version, but it still runs Xandros way better than this solar calculator we got from our bank.

[Thanks, Matt]

[psyclotron Posted May 1st 2008 2:33PM]

that;s ok, Dylan wears Vic's Secret anyway

[tiuk Posted May 1st 2008 2:36PM]

I'm happy with PCF and not paying monthly fees. Combine that with the hassle of switching and the Eee only being about half price, and I'd rather just skip the whole thing.

[(Unverified) Posted May 1st 2008 3:30PM]

If I'm with RBC already, think they'll give me a free one just for being loyal? I gotta hack me an ATM! :P

[(Unverified) Posted May 1st 2008 4:08PM]

you can still get one if you're an existing client, just ask your banker about it. you have to follow most of the steps though too.

[kcanuck Posted May 1st 2008 6:32PM]

It sounds like not a bad deal for me. Sure the account is $14, which is more than the account I have now, but I've already got all the steps covered in my other account.

Here's the lowdown.

STEP 1 Use CustomSwitch® to transfer your account balance from another Canadian financial institution. (or upgrade to the new account if you are already with RBC)
STEP 2 Transfer or set-up at least 2 (two) pre-authorized payments from your new account.
STEP 3 Transfer your automated payroll direct deposit or monthly pension direct deposit to your new account.**
STEP 4 Select paperless statement option on your new account.
STEP 5 Pay at least 1 (one) bill through RBC® Royal Bank Online Banking from your new account.

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/RBC:SBo-wo71JsYAGhAQOJg/products/deposits/nolimit/offer-details.html

It may not be so worthwhile for non-RBC people, though.

[edokid Posted May 1st 2008 6:32PM]

Can I just say that these fees aren't really that bad? I don't know who you all bank with otherwise in Canada. I'm with TD Canada Trust and I pay around $12.95 for unlimited chequing, which is the same price as CIBC. Benefit to the RBC one is the 3 free transactions at non RBC ABM's which is nice. But I think most people have these unlimited accounts, so to me it's really just switching to RBC. But what I want to know is if you get it right away, or have to wait the 8 months. I highly doubt you have to wait, it's more like if you cancel before the 8 months you'll get a bill in the mail or your final statement will have the price on the system on it. Don't pay and go to collections basically.

[(Unverified) Posted May 2nd 2008 6:20PM]

you'll actually get it a month or so after you meet all the criteria.

[edokid Posted May 1st 2008 6:34PM]

I answered my own question and the one people were asking about waiting 8 months for it:

We will contact you via mail at the address in our files when you have met all of the required criteria. A confirmation number will be provided for you to confirm your shipping address and language choice online5.
If you change your address after you open your account, please notify us immediately. Please allow 10–12 weeks for delivery of your FREE Eee PC from the date you complete the above criteria.

So if you complete the criteria right away, you're good to go. I really love TD is my problem though, but it doesn't say close down your old account, so I may just do it and set my TD account to some basic plan, get the PC then if I'm unhappy, after the period of time, close the RBC.

[(Unverified) Posted May 1st 2008 9:03PM]

I work at RBC, and the RCS/Signature no limit account includes 12 free money orders or drafts a year, unlimited transactions and 2 free email money transfers per month... which is a great bonus!

if you already have the SNL account, you can also get the Eee PC for free with upgrading to a VIP package for $30 a month, which includes a free premium visa.

[jorgetesla Posted May 2nd 2008 11:35AM]

I actually got mine from my bank here in Mexico. They do raffles every month and last month i won a black 2G surf!

[(Unverified) Posted May 2nd 2008 1:16PM]

Stop reporting on the Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee PC!