It sounded so good on TV, free checking, free bill pay, free ATM, free this, free that. So when I needed a new checking account, that’s where I went. “Can we help you, sir?” “Yep,” I said, “I want me one of them free checking accounts.” I always talk that way when I’m excited, and who wouldn’t be excited at the prospect of getting a free checking account.
We sat at her desk, and she explained
all the options of the free checking accounts, and I’m thinking, hey, if they are free, give me the one with the most features and I shall be on my way.
“Now the account I recommend for you,” she said, “is this one. The sign up fee is only $100 and blah blah blah….” I’m not sure what she said after the $100 part.
“Excuse me?” She spoke as though to a child. “The sign up fee is only $100….” I lifted my hand and she stopped. “One hundred dollars?” “Yes, sir?” I wondered if I was having one of those blackout spells. “This free account costs $100?” “Yes, sir,” she repeated slowly. “Do you have any free accounts that don’t cost $100?” “Umm, no, sir.”
