This is a different type of post – one that I have not done here before but have considered for quite some time – it is an opinion post. I will occasionally take a few moments and explain my view of a topic that is hot in the news, world, or perhaps something that is being discussed on Twitter / Facebook / Google+.

It is not my intention to offend anyone, persuade anyone, or change your mind – but more of an avenue for my to spill my thoughts and feelings.

Ok, pleasantries out of the way now – lets get onto the topic here: Personal View – BoA ATM/Visa Fee

So, Bank of America wants to charge its “customers” a $5 fee per month that they use their debit/visa card for purchases unless you maintain $20,000 in deposits or have a mortgage with them ( NY Times 9/30/2011 ). They are joining all the other banks that are doing this or talking about it as well – Chase, Wells Fargo, and others – and all this is because the government has imposed limits on fees charged to merchants. Since the government has decided to step in and “protect the merchant” from extra fees, those fees are being made up on the consumer now. Of course, the merchants are not lowering prices on their items, so we can see how well that all worked out for us now, eh? But I digress.

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