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Who says big-box retailers have the corner on Black Friday door-buster specials? Bank marketers are jumping in this holiday season to get a share of your wallet too. Forget the 40” HDTV for $399 (doors open at 4 a.m., 3 units per store). Try a 10% APY CD special (3 months/$1,000 max from Service Credit Union … sorry, the special is already gone). Or, open a checking account from ING Direct and get $121 (hurry, this special is still running this weekend).

Amidst the chorus of “spend spend spend” at the malls, banks are changing up their messaging with a contrarian view like this from ING: “It’s a great time of year to think about saving money, even when you’re spending it.” 

To meet customers on familiar turf, some banks even offered 5 a.m. Black-Friday lobby openings accompanied by one-day specials, and online-only offers promoted using banner ads and landing pages with some pretty attractive discounts or offers. (Thankfully I didn’t see any free-toaster give-aways.)

Given the fight for core deposits and customer acquisition, it’s no surprise that banks and credit unions are testing the virtual marketing waters just like retailers.

Another fact banks are probably waking up to (and cashing in on) is a change in consumers’ mindset: If you see a good deal, hop on it before it’s gone.

As ING so matter-of-factly states, “All good things must come to an end; ING DIRECT retains the right to withdraw these offers at any time.”

Meanwhile, stay tuned for potential Cyber-Monday bank specials. Just don’t let your boss see you surfing financial sites in search of a CD special.