No Checking Account

I suppose that is one good way to go, you might perhaps consider at least a savings account though since some banking history is essential to building good credit... not to mention the added costs you would face with check cashing fees etc... The real key is discipline perhaps ifyou have a close family member who can serve as your checkbook custodian, use it to pay bills etcc.. but use cash for your usual expenses... if helpful u can even go sans debit card... one other idea is to go into your bank and see what suggestions they may have.

I did away with checking accounts for about 2 years in an effort to control spending.. it was tough but it did help.. I did have a savings account.

My daughter tried not having a checking account for a while. I noticed that she was having to do more running around buying money orders, traveling to different places to pay her bills in cash. but at the same time she always knew exactly how much money she had at all times. I guess there are advantages both ways.

Do you have an ACE Cash Express in your neighborhood? If so, they have prepaid Visa cards that work as a debit and Credit Card. You can also have your paycheck direct deposited on your card. When I couldn't get a bank account anymore because of those scum payday folks, I turned to this. It works great, plus they also have a savings account that earns interest.

not a bad idea, but I still recommend having at least a savings account

I have not heard of ACE Cash Express either, but it sound like a really good deal. I agree with JJ, you do need to have some money in some type of savings. You don't want to have gaps in your credit rating.

A friend of mine uses something like that, I don't know if it's the same company or not. it works for him.

I tried to get just a savings account but the bank wouldn't let me. I had to have a checking account as well.

If you decide to go with ACE Cash Express just make sure you are not tempted to get a PDL at the same time since this company also has PDL services. You'll just have to be very strong and not give in temptation each time you go in there. Just a little advice from someone who has used their PDL services before. :(

I recently closed my checking account for the same reason; too many payday loans. I got a prepaid debit mastercard from Greendot Financial Network. It works great. I use it to pay nmy bills.