Midsmartin wrote:Try living in a number of other countries and see what service levels and a desire for "free banking" looks like
I've no idea.. What does happen in other countries?
Foe thirty years, I've had a current account in France that is free. They had ISAs long before the UK but I withdrew everything about ten years ago. Probably 200 euros there now.
Italy used to charge about 10 euros a month. After the Financial Crisis, they introduced a yearly tax of 33 euros, even on savings accounts! This lasted about three years before they realised how silly it was. Bank charges are now a few euros per month.
Steve
PS A 'Believe it or not' fact: the ex-president Berlusconi wanted to be seen to be hard on money-laundering, and...those who simply want to keep their finances private. He forced the Swiss banks to implement a charge on non-resident accounts. Approx 48 euros per year! His mates and those who were hiding millions just laughed.
PPS In Italy, when you do a tax return, you are expected to declare every single bank account you have and all property owned. (Lots of italians have 2nd homes!) The fines for not doing this are extortionate.