🚀 go-pugleaf

Today my wife and I each received a First Union CheckCard with a flyer
extolling its virtues as a check replacement. Closer inspection reveals the
following:

1. There is a $1.50 monthly fee after the first 6 months.

2. On activation, our existing ATM cards, which are free, cease to work.

3. Unlike a credit card, the CheckCard provides no credit nor any grace 
   period for payment.

4. Unlike a credit card, the issuer will not become involved in claims 
   against merchants. The valuable right to withhold payment for
   unsatisfactory goods does not apply.

5. Any merchant who accepts the card will also accept VISA.
 
6. To decline the card, the onus is on *you* to call an 800 number (and 
   navigate the resulting menus).


My advice to First Union customers tempted by this offer is (short of
changing their bank):

1. Decline.

2. Get a no-fee VISA card instead. They're common.

3. Send written notice to First Union telling them what your fee will be in
   future, to decline a service which you haven't requested and don't want.

--
John Tombs, Tampa FL   <jmt@pwgi.com> or <jt%cuppa@tscs.com> or <jt@cuppa.uucp>
 --         "Academia - they're nuts, aren't they?" - Clay Huntsman         --