MM's link was about debit cards & fees changes. The new rules put in place by the current Obama administration restricted fees and at the time the banks said flat out they would find a way to get the income back. It was a argument between retailers ( who did not like the % the banks charged ) and the banks covering cost plus profit. Congress sided with the retailers ( consumers got zip in the form of lower prices by the way ) so now the banks are doing what they said would happen.

Cards work pretty much anyplace from most banks, mine is BOP Visa, so not much diff in banks. Home loans / small business? Not yes but hell yes! Go with your local bank if you can, the man hanging out here steered me to a solid refi and it was a pleasure to work with the bank staff. If you think BOA is bad, the old WAMU made them look like angels!