patrick.net

ATMs save banks money because they don't have to hire human tellers.

Still ATMs are becoming a thing of the past. Most merchant exchanges are done electronically -- and yes, it's a same that the rent from this goes to the banks when the transaction costs are zero; this is in effect a sales tax that goes to private profit rather than providing government services. As for cash, you can make a withdraw when you pay electronically at the local supermarket. Let your supermarket be your ATM.

Patrick says

Literally the only crime we have in rural IL is ATM theft. I mean the whole machine at the bank at 3am. I'm usually awake. I figure they have insurance and the criminals have guns. Happens about once a year. I don't call. Stealing an ATM at 3am before it's refilled is retardation.

Shit on me all you want but I bank with Chase. Nearest one is 25 minutes away to get cash. My youngest had to pay for me to get into about 5 basketball games this season. I just don't carry cash. I'd rather just give a robber my wallet and phone and shut everything down in 10 minutes if they didn't take my car. I don't carry credit cards either except one hidden in my car. I'll give you everything, walk away and you'll get nothing. I have auto insurance. IF you found the credit card it would be shut down. Borrow a phone and call the wife.

I'm the worst guy to rob that puts you in jail and you didn't even get anything. I love being able to walk around with that confidence. Just act scared and walk away. 9 out of 10 people would not approach me to rob me anyway. I'm clean and shower daily and do the everyday stuff, but I'm unkempt. Longer hair. Shitty beard. I don't look like money 90% of the time. Tall so criminals would be more timid. Not wearing $500 in clothes. My winter jacket was $200, but looks like a $30-50 Walmart jacket. I have my legit snowboard jacket, that was $350. I rarely wear that.

I like looking poor. It's kind of fun. You get a feel for how real people are.

Fidelity has the solution.

Starting mid last year banks and credit unions have started changing FEES on low balances, checking accounts. overdraft fees. They have ramped it up watch out look at your accounts, blood suckers

beershrine says

Starting mid last year banks and credit unions have started changing FEES on low balances, checking accounts. overdraft fees. They have ramped it up watch out look at your accounts, blood suckers

Why should they lose money handling low balances for free? I use several banks and credit unions, and none have charged me any fees for checks, ATM use, or anything else. I do not overdraft but would expect a charge if I did. Also, most banks have no balance requirements if you use direct deposit. A widow could have her $1200/mo SS deposited to a Truist Bank checking account and use her debit card to pay bills and the ATM for cash and would pay no fees at all, even if her balance drops to under $100 at times.