If you routinely keep enough money in your checking account to meet the minimum balance and avoid paying fees, then gaining interest on that money is an additional bonus. However, if you need to stretch your finances to meet the minimum balance, you may be better served by splitting the money in a savings account or CD, and a no-fee checking account. These special accounts normally do not carry any fees. Fees for Special Services Banks are starting to charge for more services. Again, there is a lot of variation between banks, so think carefully about how often you are likely to need such services.
Overdraft protection is a service that more and more banks are offering.
Be sure to carefully review the terms of the agreement before you sign. Many banks are actually offering short term loans as overdraft protection, which requires a credit check and charge interest on the money loaned to you by the bank to cover what would otherwise be a bounced check. This may be combined with an add-on fee for the use of the overdraft protection. This service may offer substantial savings over bounced check fees. Banks are now trying to encourage both individuals and businesses to use direct deposit services.