The new card is a miniature version of the Bank's Check & Cash Card and works the same as the original version, deducting money from the customer's checking account each time they make a purchase.

The Mini Check & Cash Card is three-quarters the size of the original debit card and fits easily on a key chain. The smaller card is a convenient and hassle-free way to ensure customers access to money, without having to carry a wallet or purse for every grocery store trip or unexpected stop.

"Today's consumer doesn't want to be tied to their wallet or purse," said Gregory P. Zink, senior vice president, Bankcard Services. "The Mini Check & Cash Card allows the user freedom and independence for those spur-of-the- moment purchases."

According to Visa USA, miniature debit or credit cards are more frequently used by consumers because of convenience. FirstMerit is the first Ohio bank to offer the pint-sized debit card to its customers.

"At FirstMerit, our purpose it to provide products and services that meet our customers' ever-changing needs," said Zink. "We know our customers are very busy and the Mini Check & Cash Card is one more way FirstMerit is helping to simplify their lives."