I've never had a problem at the border at Detroit regarding my cash. I always have around 3K because I prefer to pay cash when I arrive at my winter digs. Re my debit card I never use it at retailers...last year hundreds of accounts were hacked in Arizona after a pay system was hacked. I checked with my debit card online for banks in the US that were recommended. I found one near my winter home where I use my card to draw cash for the weeks expenses. In other words I pay cash for everything leaving credit cards for emergencies.