Taking another step toward the elimination of checks, the Treasury Department today announced it is making tax refunds available via debit cards for individuals who don't have bank or credit union accounts.

Notwithstanding the exit by big banks, Arizona's largest credit union, the $2.8 billion Desert Schools Federal of Phoenix, remains in the industry mainstream where it comes to free checking services with 62% of its members in the mix.

Credit unions are likely to focus more on deepening relationships with existing members this year.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, announced today that she won't seek re-election in November 2012.