I just got back from my bank, a regional bank in the USA -- no plans to charge for debit cards I was told. Furthermore, I received a renewal debit card in the mail and the was no reference to monthly maintenance or fees other than replacement in the terms booklet enclosed.

I closed my deposit and demand (checking) accounts with the B of A years ago over a disagreement of bank "policy."

There are alternatives to the so called "money center banks." FYI, I read that CitiBank will not be charging these debit card fees.