Discover is taking on traditional banks by offering checking accounts with features that should be appealing to consumers.
Discover Cashback Checking will come with free checks and will not have monthly fees or a minimum balance requirement. In addition, customers will earn 10 cents for every check they write, online bill payment and purchase with a debit card. There are no Discover charges for withdrawals from over 400,000 ATM machines throughout the country.
The company's entry into the checking account market is a way for the credit card company to increase its base of deposits. Previously, Discover got into savings accounts as well as home loans and student loans.
The checking account program is initially being offered to a limited number of people by invitation only, but should expand nationally next year.
