Kasasa accounts aren't like other bank accounts. When you're doing the research to find a new bank, an option with higher interest rates than average and extra rewards on top might sound too good to be true. It's not and here's why.

As discussed in earlier posts on this blog, Kasasa rewards are tied to certain, simple behaviors you do that benefit your bank or credit union (what we call qualifications). You get great interest rates, ATM refunds, and other rewards, and they make or save money because of the actions account holders like you do.

All of the qualifications that earn you Kasasa rewards are easy. In almost every case, they're things you were already doing. In this and upcoming posts, we’ll share a little more about how Kasasa accounts work and how you can get more from your checking account.

Debit card swipe qualifications

This post is all about the debit card swipe qualification. Every time you use your debit card, your bank or credit union benefits (and you do, too!). Debit card swipe fees earn your institution some extra money, which makes it easier for them to provide a better deal to you. That win-win relationship is the whole idea behind Kasasa.

As a result, for many Kasasa accounts, gaining your monthly rewards requires you make a debit card purchase around a dozen times a month. That may sound like a lot, until you start thinking about all the purchases you make on a regular basis.

How to use a debit card a dozen times in a month

Consider a month in your life...

On a typical weekday, you make a regular morning purchase.

Swipe #1: You grab a coffee and bagel on the way to the office.

Once you're in the office, you probably won't make any purchases for a few hours. But when noon hits, you're starving.

Swipe #2: You eat lunch out with a few of your work colleagues.

If a workday is rough or your co-workers make plans to wind down, you probably find yourself heading off for another purchase.

Swipe #3: You enjoy a happy hour drink after work.

With your daily commute, a stop at the gas station now and then is unavoidable.

Swipe #4: You fill up on gas.

About once a week, you make an inventory of everything you're low on at the house to create a shopping list.

Swipe #5: You make some purchases at the grocery store.

You raced through that last book you were reading and several friends have recommended one you're dying to dive into.

Swipe #6: You make a trip to the bookstore to buy a new book.

Inevitably, there are days when you're too tired to cook after work.

Swipe #7: You grab some takeout for dinner on the way home.

When the weekend hits, it's a good opportunity to see friends and grab some mimosas.

Swipe #8: You meet up with friends for Saturday brunch.

The season's changing and you need to find some clothes more appropriate to the weather.

Swipe #9: You head to the outlet mall to grab some new summer outfits.

Your favorite actress just released a new movie getting great reviews.

Swipe #10: You head to the theater and buy tickets for the movie.

What's a movie without some snacks?

Swipe #11: You grab some popcorn and a drink to enjoy while watching the movie.

It seems like at least once a month a friend has a birthday, new job, or other big news to celebrate.

Swipe #12: You eat a celebration dinner with friends at one of the best restaurants in town.

There's a dozen easy swipes for you. Maybe your typical month doesn't include all of these, but you probably do at least some of these things several times throughout the month.