If you just need basic checking, bill pay, ATM access and a debit card, search for accounts that don't charge fees if you're below a minimum balance or fees of 25 cents or more for each check written.

FORBES: Banking

Banks generally give consumers a way to avoid these fees, but they may require a higher minimum balance or a broader banking relationship.

FORBES: This Week in Credit Card News

Regulators say holding back a small amount of customer cash would decrease the amount of capital that firms would have to hold in reserve and compare the idea to a minimum account balance required by banks.

WSJ: U.S. Sets Money-Market Plan

Encourage customers to build up a savings account towards the minimum balance requirement over a year and then refund the swipe fees paid during the year when the balance requirement is met (preferably into the savings account).

FORBES: Debit Fees: Bank Of America Made The Right Decision

Customers don't pay a fee and there is no minimum balance.

WSJ: Should You Bank at Your Brokerage?

Bluebird, first available through a pilot program last year, will have no minimum balance and avoid monthly, annual and overdraft fees.

FORBES: Red Light For Green Dot Investors On Wal-Mart, Amex Threat

The new bylaws, written with guidance from the Paris Bourse, require balance sheets that meet international accounting standards and list a minimum of 25% of the company's shares.

FORBES: Rebuilding a market

At the very minimum, the next commission president will need to be credible and skilful enough to restore a balance of power with the parliament.

ECONOMIST: Europe has to scratch its head