Avoiding monthly debit card charges

Dear Action Line: I'm mad as hell, and I'm not taking it anymore! Banks and restaurants convinced us to use debit cards, instead of checks or credit cards, and now are charging monthly fees to use our own money! How are such fees avoided? - M.W., Tulsa
"No one wants to pay a monthly fee to use his own money, and if your bank added debit card charges, here are some other options," said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com.
Ask bank to waive fees: Some banks agree to waive debit card fees when customers keep higher minimum balances on checking accounts, open savings accounts or move to online banking. Bank of America waives the debit card fee for premium accounts and for Wealth Management/Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust clients. Wells Fargo waives fees for customers maintaining high balances.
Use cash: There are no fees or interest payments with cash, and you might be able to use your debit card to get cash at network ATMs without fees. Cash can be inconvenient but can save you money. Consumers tend to spend less with cash because cash is the most transparent method of payment. Real pain and awareness of money spent comes when money is pulled from your wallet and handed to some merchant. There is no such pain with plastic cards or smartphone payments as they're "not real money."
Use credit cards: This is a good option but only if you pay off your balance every month. If you have a rewards card, you earn a little extra by using your credit card. Banks hope you choose this option as they make more money on credit card swipe fee transactions than on debit card monthly one-time fees. When you don't pay your minimum on time, they raise your interest rate, making money on your remaining balance.
Use checks: There is still no charge for check writing, and the bank keeps a check register of your account balance and spending.
Prepaid credit cards: Most prepaid cards have so many fees that a $5 monthly debit card fee is a bargain. But the American Express Prepaid card is a good option as it has no activation, transaction or monthly maintenance fees like other prepaids. Customers may make one free ATM withdrawal monthly and pay $2 for each subsequent ATM withdrawal. There is no charge for loading and reloading the card through checking or savings accounts. The AmEx prepaid also offers purchase and fraud protections.
ATM-only debit card: If you use your debit card just for getting cash from ATMs you avoid monthly debit fees when switching to ATM- only debit cards, but you won't be able to make everyday purchases with your debit card. Check with your bank on this.
Change banks: As only a few banks are charging fees for debit cards, it pays to shop around at smaller banks, online banks or credit unions. Investigate their restrictions and fees as they, too, will have fees you must compare to charges at your current bank.