Consumer borrowing ticks up

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204257504577151182063854006.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

Suze Orman's new card - not such a good deal

But once again, there is little reason for consumers to go through all
this hassle, say consumer advocates. There are plenty of debit cards
that are free and easy to use. For example, you'd likely be better off
by opening a checking account with a credit union and getting a debit
card issued, says John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at
SmartCredit.com, a credit-monitoring site. Orman says her prepaid card
can be used an alternative by consumers who aren't happy with their
bank.

And consumers who opt for a prepaid card could be better served with
an alternative option. For someone who receives a monthly paycheck of
at least $2,000 and uses the ATM at least once a week, the Green Dot
Gold Prepaid Visa card comes out to $0 a month, according to a study
by CardHub.com.

http://blogs.smartmoney.com/advice/2012/01/09/sizing-up-suze-ormans-new-prepaid-card/

Just got charged $90 by Bank of America

I am feeling quite frustrated by Bank of America right now.  They charged me $90 just to tell me what my payoff balance was on my mortgage.  These little fees add up, and they are so frustrating.  Shouldn't it be free to tell me, in writing, how much I owe?  Why can't I just get an email telling me how much I owe, without having to pay a bunch of money?  What a rip off.

So, I'll be looking for a new bank.