When most people think of Wal-Mart, many people think of household items or groceries. But for many people, Wal-Mart has become the place where they do all of their banking as well.
The retail giant has begun offering financial services like banking and bill paying, and these services are gaining traction among people who say that they are either fed-up with traditional banking fees, or are trying to be more financially responsible.
Shopper Darthea Hill says that she likes the convenience and ease of banking where she shops. But the main advantage, she says, is that “it’s cheap.”
Mary Dercher says that she uses Wal-Mart’s prepaid debit card, saying that it offers more flexibility than a traditional debit or credit card.
“iI’m on a fixed income, and towards the end of the month I run short and the debit card saves me money,” said Dercher.
Wal-Mart says that it’s only looking for ways to ease budget strains for their customers.
“In the last year, (I’ve) had some financial ups and downs,” said Hill, who says that she got tired of the banking industry’s fees. “I don’t have to worry about overdrafts, it’s all my own money. I can never overspend it, because of you don’t have enough, you can’t spend it.”
