Survey shows strong relationship between consumers and banks.

Consumers trust banks, avoid fees, make more than minimum payments on credit card loans, and choose debit cards for their speed and convenience, a survey by the American Bankers Association reveals.

"Consumers aren't given the credit they deserve," said Nessa Feddis, ABA senior federal counsel. "The survey shows that, contrary to popular opinion, consumers manage debt well, avoid fees and trust their banks."

The ABA-commissioned study of 1000 consumers, conducted July 23-24 by Ipsos Reid, examined consumer banking habits and opinions related to timely issues facing financial services customers.

What industry do you trust with your personal financial information? At a time when data security issues dominate the news headlines, the majority of consumers indicate that they trust banks more than other industries when it comes to their personal financial information. Forty-eight percent of consumers identified banks as the most trustworthy. Fourteen percent trust the stock brokerage and mutual funds industry the most, 12 percent trust the real estate industry, and 9 percent have the most confidence in the insurance industry. Retailers and online merchants garnered 2 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Thirteen percent said they trust no industry.

How much do you pay towards your credit card loans? According to survey results, rising credit card minimum payments will not create a hardship for the vast majority of credit card customers. Forty-two percent pay off their credit card balances in full each month. While one-third of consumers carry a balance on their credit cards, they pay more than the minimum amount. Six percent of customers on occasion make minimum payments. And just 4 percent pay only the minimum due each month.

What's your preferred payment method and why? Almost half of responding consumers choose plastic over paper for everyday purchases, with 31 percent choosing debit cards and 18 percent preferring credit cards. Thirty-seven percent of consumers choose cash more often, and 14 percent still use checks.

Forty-six percent of consumers say they use debit cards more often than checks for everyday purchases because they are faster and more convenient. Thirty-eight percent say they prefer to pay as they go using debit cards rather than credit cards.

How much do you spend on bank fees? Sixty-five percent of consumers spend $3 or less in monthly fees for banking services such as checking account maintenance and ATM access, which is consistent with the findings of previous ABA surveys conducted from 1998-2005.

The American Bankers Association, the largest banking trade association in the country, brings together all categories of banking institutions to best represent the interests of this rapidly changing industry. Its membership includes community, regional and money center banks and holding companies, as well as savings associations, trust companies and savings banks.