The matter of Bank service charges, or fees, is being attacked on the consumer fairness front in the UK. 

Although the real cost to banks of bounced payments and exceeded overdraft limits is only around £2.50, controversial charges of up to £39 can be levied on consumers.

Over the past few months, thousands of people have threatened their banks with legal action if they refuse to refund money taken in charges. But the banks have always succeeded in settling before claims could reach courts.

The Office of Fair Trading was due to rule on the matter last month, but delayed judgment until the end of the year to avoid making a “quick fix” that could disadvantage customers in the long run.

Source: NatWest is taken to court over bank fees | UK News | News | Telegraph

This in addition to the foray against ATM fees in Canada which was politically sparked.

Canada’s banks have come under fire for fees they charge for bank machine services, but many don’t want to eliminate the fees entirely and are looking at other ways to appease customers.

Source:  CTV