Community West Bank this month began offering Great Rate Checking, a nominimumbalance, free personal checking account that rewards customers with 5.5 percent interest and automatic refunds on ATM fees.

To receive the high interest and the ATM fee refunds, Great Rate Checking customers must:

•Make at least 10 free debit or credit transactions per cycle, excluding ATMs.

•Make one free direct deposit or automatic debit per cycle.

•Receive monthly electronic statements free via secure e-mail notification.

•Access online banking free once per cycle.

Qualifying customers earn 5.5 percent on balances up to $25,000 and 0.55 percent on $25,001 and over. Customers who do not meet the account requirements will still earn 0.25 percent on their free checking balance.

"It's a thrill to be first in the market with such an innovative product," said Lynda Nahra, Community West Bank President and CEO.

Community West Bank has a branch office in Westlake Village. Visit their website at www.communitywestbank.com.