bank customers

Will a monthly debit card fee soon be the norm? Bank of America said Thursday that it plans to start charging a $5 monthly fee when customers make debit card purchases.

The fee will be rolled out starting early next year.

ATM fees were not originally passed on to bank customers, but banks have transformed convenience fees into big business.

Here's a look at how the ATM machines and networks have become sophisticated money makers for banks and how you can avoid contributing your hard-earned money to this $2 billion per year segment of the banking industry.

For the first time more Americans (25%) prefer to do their banking online compared to any other method, according to a new survey by the American Bankers Association.

"This marks a watershed change," said Nessa Feddis, ABA senior counsel and retail banking expert.