The default checking account they tried to migrate my WaMu free checking account into had some HUGE new fee for using non-Chase ATMs. Like $5 or something! That's in addition to what the ATM charges, of course. Credit unions are reimbursing even the ATM fees!

With my ex-WAMU checking account, now Chase Free Extra Checking, soon to become fee-heavy Chase Total Checking, it looks like it may be time to find a new bank...

I think this is happening everywhere, especially with big banks that are not afraid of charging for services. For now I am still at Chase but I have kept a free account in a second bank as a backup. I do appreciate the OP's warning as I see from Chase.com that they have a simpler offering chart now with their personal checking accounts. It's simple: you either have a relationship with the bank or you are a nobody.

I really still like Ing Direct's Orange savings and electric orange checking.

(If anyone wants an Ing referral, let me know. :) )

On a side note: Am I the only one who doesn't like using ATMs?

Maybe s/he's "donating" to a charity whose goals s/he opposes.

I'm confused. I've had a Chase checking account for 20+ years now and have never seen a fee. I do direct deposits, online banking, paper checks, ACH's, have a safe deposit box, etc, etc. No Fee! for anything.

Next step (same as before): government-bailed-out banks blaming government regulation for elimination of "free" checking and/or some (past or current) fee-waiver methods they previously offered.

Banks: a type of dog not afraid of biting the big and small hands that feed them.

Some will have to remember this come October 2012. A bunch of $.01 donation to some campaigns, and people will likely run out of time before running foul of any contribution limits, past or present.

THey now have a fee if your direct deposit is less than $500

Only thing about ATM's that bother me is when it's one that's been attacked by a crook to skim your info/drain your acct. How come you don't like using ATM's? Did you marry a teller or something? Or is it because the vending machine that cheerfully and always takes your money but doesn't put out?

My Chase says: 5 debit card transactions per month = no checking account fees (DD amounts < $500 per are OK too).

I can't remember all the reasonings but I was a banking system programmer when ATMs came about, and I remember the system was buggy at that time. Just never trusted ATMs and I tend to use credit cards for miles/rebates. And yes there are lots of scams and fraudulent uses associated with ATMs, not to mention possible fees if you use the wrong machine. So I simply put the ATM card away whenever I receive one. But then, never say never, I do understand if people live in an area or country where it's critical to use the ATMs.

Mine too
 

Mine as well. as long as I do the 5 debit no pin transactions or a dd of $500.00 or more a month, no fee will be charged.

Wow, this must be 20 some years ago bad memory...

I dont know how to get by for our travel aboard if there is no ATM.

Domestically I hardly use ATMs simply we are an almost cash-less family and determined to keep it that way.

However I dont know HOW to get foreign currency without being fleeced if there is no ATMs. :D

You actually mean DD > $500, right ?

Oops!
 

Probably a typo on the poster's part.

No I think he means < as the rule states that to get fees waived one must have a $500 DD or 5 debit card transactions.