I opened a gold account last week. First I went in to a branch office, and was told that the mileage checking accounts no longer exist. So I ran back home and looked up the flyertalk info, called the bank, and got a knowledgeable rep on the first try. The rep said the first two months are free, regardless of the balance, then the subsequent 4 months will have a service fee of $35 per month if the balances fall below 50K. I told him I was planning on buying a house and will be closing escrow within the next week or two, and will not be leaving the money in, no way, no how. Should I go for the basic checking plan, I asked, instead of the gold? He said to go for the gold, if I value the 30K miles at $35x4 months worth of fees, which I do. So, that's the plan.

FWIW, the info in post one says $30 per month, the rep said $35, with 2 months free. ymmv

PS-- I do have that rep's email direct. If anyone would like it, PM me. The offer ends today, I believe.