Independent banks see spike in business

[William769]

FORT MYERS -
The public outcry over extra charges to use debit cards caused larger banks to back-pedal. But smaller, local banks are benefiting from the PR mess.

At Florida Gulf Bank, customer traffic is up as they opened four times as many new accounts as compared to last year.

Bankers say people are moving bank accounts locally because they don't charge the monthly debit card fees.

"I think that people are finally realizing that the service you get at a community bank might be worth having to drive an extra mile to get to that office," said Beth Countryman, with Florida Gulf Bank.

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/15939741/independent-banks-see-spike-in-business

[Matariki]

1. That is only one of many reasons people are moving their money

I think the article is trying to downplay the strength and influence of OccupyWallSt.

[MedleyMisty]

2. It's about so much more than the debit fees

So much more.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

3. I'm starting my own small business and am exploring the options of where

to open my business account since my credit union doesn't offer that. I am looking at a few small, community banks to see who has the best deal. Definitely will not be going to the big banks (I closed my accounts with "Walk All Over Ya'" (now Wells Fargo) and cancelled my BoA credit card years ago).