A free checking account with high interest; a $10,000 sweepstakes to promote an online banking upgrade.

• Position: Marketing News - Brief article

Here are two recent product and promotion ideas:

* The Provident Bank, Jersey City, N.J., is offering a free checking account with high interest and ATM fee refunds. The product is called "Provident Smart Checking." This spring, the bank was offering 5.01 percent annual percentage yield (APY) on account balances up to $25,000, and 2.0 percent APY on that portion of their balances over $25,000.

* Universt National Bank and Trust Co., Souderton, Pa., this spring and summer sponsored a $10,000...