Hundreds March In Sacramento For 'Bank Transfer Day'

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Hundreds of Sacramento protesters joined with other demonstrations across the country to urge bank customers to switch their funds out of big banking companies and into community banks and credit unions.

After Bank of America, Chase and Wells Fargo announced plans to charge debit card fees next year, the backlash surged to life through social media and gained steam throughout the month of October.

Some reports indicate more than 650,000 people switched to credit unions last month, even though all three major banks withdrew their plans.

Many demonstrators said the backtracking didn't dampen their anger and wouldn't stop them from jumping to local businesses.

"I noticed just a few months back they started charging me ten dollars and I never received any notification that it would change from free checking," said Kelly Madsen. "I thought at this point I am going to consolidate all my accounts. I don't feel like I should have to pay for a checking account."

Golden One Credit Union brought in extra staff on Saturday to accommodate an anticipated flood of new customers.

The number of people who may have closed their big bank accounts wasn't immediately available Saturday, but the Credit Union national Association said credit unions have added nearly $4.5 billion in new savings accounts this year.