The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that If you are up for a bribe, it is a great time to open a chequing account with one of the big banks. The Globe's Rob Carrick writes that Royal Bank of Canada will give you an iPad that appears to have a retail value of more than $400 if you open one of two types of chequing accounts. TD and BMO are offering $300 cash, while Scotiabank is putting up 10,000 Scene points or Scotia Rewards points. CIBC's deal is worth up to $179. Fees on this account max out at $14.95 a month. A recent report from consultant McVay and Associates discusses the importance of "primary customers" who consider their bank or credit union to be their main financial provider. The report says these people typically comprise 20 per cent of customers, yet contribute 70 per cent or more of total personal deposit, loan and investment balances. Chequing accounts are the foundation of a relationship with a bank, and it is not usual for banks to run promotions to attract new sign-ups. Mr. Carrick says consumers need to consider whether these offers are just banks fronting you money they will later claw back through fees -- or whether the banks are feeling pressure from on-line competitors.