(MONEY Magazine) – Old gimmicks die hard. Back in the '70s, when regulation prevented banks and thrifts from paying depositors decent returns, bankers camouflaged minimal yields with appliance giveaways. Now, with the average rate on certificates of deposit down for the sixth week in a row, the toasters are popping up again. Actually, these days, the premium is more likely to be a cordless telephone than the traditional toaster. But whatever it is, check local stores to make sure that the retail value of the gift, plus the CD's interest payments, equals the payouts on similar-term accounts listed in MONEY's table of best deals. In most cases, it will not, especially after you consider the taxes you would owe. These gifts are considered part of the taxable return on your investment, and most banks will report the wholesale value of premiums along with cash earnings to the Internal Revenue Service. For depositors in high-tax states, taxes could reduce the retail value of a gift by more than one-fourth. Another deal to be wary of when rates slide is short-term CDs that have guaranteed rollover rates. You get to renew in, say, three or six months at the original rate, or at a higher one if it is available. Usually, these CDs offer lower rates than those available on longer-term CDs. So if you intend from the start to roll over, you are probably better off choosing a longer- term certificate.

CHART: NOT AVAILABLE CREDIT: NO CREDIT CAPTION: THE BEST SAVINGS YIELDS IN THE U.S.