I am a new customer of Associa in the South. I was...

I am a new customer of Associa in the South. I was about to set up my monthly HOA payment on the company's website to have it direct-debited from my checking account. To my utter surprise, ***Associa wants to charge a $2.95/mo. fee for the privilege of dipping into my checking account*** to take their money.

This is the absolutely backwards! I allow many companies to direct debit (even my mortgages!) and the companies are usually thrilled. In fact, for my student loan, I even get a discount!

Why would I pay more for direct-debit? Sorry, but I'm going to process the payment old-fashioned way through bill pay and have it sent to a PO Box and have an employee have to handle it unless they reverse this decision to charge for direct-debit.