New government-issued debit cards impose many fees, may raise privacy issues

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/new_government-issued_debit_cards_charge_hefty_fees_may_raise_privacy_issue/

New cards being issued to individuals—to pay transit fares, in Chicago, and for identification, in Oakland—will have an optional dual feature. Those who wish to can also use them as preloaded debit cards. However,  they impose lots of fees for what many might consider ordinary use. According to the articles, the cities are the first in the country to offer such preloaded debit cards, and may serve as models for similar programs elsewhere. In California, there is also a potential privacy issue, since the dual cards will be used as identification and hence contain personal information including the holder’s date of birth.