debit cards or checking accounts?

Prepaid debit cards are more costly than checking accounts. In a recent study, it has been found that a prepaid debit card will cost you $19 per month approximately while the average checking account will only cost around $6. Moreover, it has also been noted that some prepaid card issuers don't disclose the usage fees that they charge the consumers.

There are many banks that have totally free checking accounts...wells fargo/wachovia, US bank, TCF....check around.

yes there are many banks that offer free checking. Just check them out. I caution you also from using credit or debit cards too. Although convenient, debit cards act like credit cards and you may have a tendency to overspend. It is harder to let go of cash as you can visually see it leaving your hand. You also know exactly how much you are spending. so make it a habit to use cash for most things you buy

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Jeorge I don't understand your response.

I don't believe Keith was advocating carrying a ton of cash with you all the time. Simply carry what you need for groceries, gas, etc.

Personally I never have cash. Everything goes on my debit card and daily I log into my bank to check my balance. I find it is easier to monitor my spending ...I see where everything goes. I never write checks either, so I dont have that expense

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