Citibank has one of the richest online promotions going. New regular checking customers earn a 1-year free subscription to The Wall Street Journal (normally $175) with a $2,500 deposit and after making two online bill payments within 60 days. The offer expires
Dec. 31, 2002. The bill payment requirement is an interesting twist that provides a double benefit: it motivates customers to start using their new account and it cuts down on those just signing up for the freebie.

Consider a similar promotion with your local daily. It makes a valuable premium and you may be able to negotiate free print advertising as well. Most periodical publishers are facing revenue shortfalls in both advertising sales and paid subscribers. A bank giveaway could be well received and well promoted.

Separately, Citibank is about to launch a completely revamped home page with new navigation. It’s a big improvement on its current design . Based on the preview posted online, the site makeover will incorporate most current design conventions including search and browse, an upper-right customer login, and so on. To view a Flash demo of the new interface, visit Citi’s current home page,  www.citi.com  and click on the banner on the top of the page).