Abstract:
Fringe banks, such as check cashers, payday lenders, and pawnshops, are alternatives for people who do not have checking accounts or who cannot get credit from mainstream lenders. In North Carolina there are over 1,200 check cashing outlets. However, users of these fringe banks pay high interest rates for their services. Stegman suggests steps that the General Assembly, mainstream banks, and regulators can take to protect consumers.