Bank Fees Likely to Increase This Year

You might not think you have a lot in common with the largest banks. But in some ways you do, which is part of the reason why individual checking account holders and debit card users can expect to see their bank fees increase this year.

First, some history. Over the last couple of years, as the savings account interest rates at many leading banks have moved into the not-at-all-appealing category of slim-to-none, a new sort of bank account made headway: the high-interest rate checking account. These accounts, offered by smaller community banks and credit unions, were distinctly different.