> I disagree that this means "giving someone else access to all your money". It means giving someone the information that is required to withdraw money directl

> I disagree that this means "giving someone else access to all your money". It means giving someone the information that is required to withdraw money directly from your account. Yes, they're only supposed to withdraw the amount you specifically authorized for that transaction, but the fact remains that you have given them direct access to your account. The same risk exists when you write a check. Mitigating that risk by having a financial intermediary involved is, as I said, a genuine service. If you personally don't value that service, then of course you would not use it. But others do value it. > all instances of fraud I had on my debit cards have been resolved painlessly. That's fine, but I have known plenty of people who did not have the same painless experience.