So you all are aware by today, I hope, on how the banks deem it necessary to start charging us for the use of THEIR debit cards to access OUR money in their banks. Remember, it was the banks that touted umpteen years ago how faster and convenient it was to use debit cards.
Today was an experiment to see just how prepared some stores are for GOING BACK TO ACCEPTING/PROCESSING checks regularly at the checkout.
I tested out Ace Hardware at Clark and Wellington. And by god, you thought they were going to have a melt down (the computer system AND the salesperson. Sadly, ACE is so far behind the times – they still use that antiquated system of having to make some phone call to have all the information verified before they can accept (pretty much in the late 80s/early 90s with American Express).
They didn’t have information readily available on the procedure – so after three phone calls, 15 minutes, a long ass-line and someone giving $4.00 for something they are buying in cash and leaving the store. I FINALLY got my check approved.
Oh. Did I mention this was for $14.67?
I refuse to pay banks their FU fee for debit card usage and I strong urge that you contact Dick Durbin and tell him “THANKS” as this is all his doing since he got passed the debit card swipe fee legislation. I urge you all to start writing checks to send a clear message to your banks!