The Houston Chronicle has an article about how millions go bankless. They apparently prefer the check cashing places, money orders, etc. as they know the fees up front. I can't say that I blame them. My grandma tried to start a savings account with $100 and since it was below the minimum amount required (which they didn't point out) it got whittled away to nothing. We're part of a credit union where you only have to have $5 in a savings account. I keep track of all the transactions so I don't have to worry about overdraft fees, etc.