re: #744 lizardofid

I think this is a great idea. I’m not sure what happened, but I remember credit unions being a bigger player in my younger days.

The electronic payment networks and ATMs (esp. once fees for using those became common) gave the big banks a big advantage. If your credit union only has two ATMs, how does that compete with a large bank with 100s and a solid agreement with other banks in an ATM network? And once using a non-associated ATM costs you $2-$6 per transaction there are pressures to associate with the large bank to avoid the fees.

I think I have to start looking at small independent banks again as well. I have to bet that my current bank will fall in line and start charging debit card fees in the next 18 months. I use my debit card a lot, and also have direct deposit and a bunch of automatic bill payments going. All stuff that is actually *good* for both the bank and me to implement, but I expect will probably get milked for fees in the near future as well.