Question re: bank cards

[achtung_circus]

I received a new bank card in the mail. Included with the card was a handout advising me that effective October 2004 it is possible to use the card at retailers in the United States using the NYCE network.

I've been using my bank/ABM card in Canada at retailers for 10 years, since the INTERAC debit card had its national roll out in 1994. I used it for ABM machines before then but the convenience of using a card at a retailer rocks.

On several trips to the States I have had trouble using my card as a debit card, even at national motel chains, albeit in tiny places.

So I guess my question is this:
How popular is debit card purchasing in the US? I mean using the ABM card to directly debit my bank account rather than a store or major credit card.
I've heard that Canada is one of the most ardent devotees of the concept but don't have a lot of personal anecdotes to back this up.
How long have you been using your card this way?

[catzies]

1. Long time

http://www.nilsonreport.com/issues/2004/818.htm