It is unclear whether the bank, which counts more than 55 million U.S. households as customers, will stick with its initial idea for a basic flat-fee checking account that doesn't offer a way to avoid paying a charge.

WSJ: Bank of America Weighs New Set of Fees

Bank of America, the largest bank in the U.S. based on the level of deposits, is testing a new fee structure for its checking account service which used to be free.

FORBES: Bank of America Could Nickel And Dime Its Way To $16

Banks are marketing either a program where overdraft transactions are covered for a fee or one that allows you to link a checking account to a savings account, line of credit or credit card so if you overdraw funds are transferred in as needed, says Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

WSJ: Say No to Overdraft Pitches

The cards will deduct the purchase from a customer's checking account, but skirt the interchange-fee network.

WSJ: Merchants Shred Costs of Payments by Plastic

That scenario is considered less likely than telling checking-account customers they will face a new fee unless they go online or take other steps outlined by the bank.

WSJ: Bank of America Weighs New Set of Fees

More good news for bank consumers: since the January 2011 Bank Fee Survey, average minimum balance requirements to avoid fees are lower, and average monthly checking account maintenance fees (for those who pay them) are also slightly lower.

FORBES: Free Checking Options Fewer, But Not Gone

The battle over debit-fee limits focused on retailers' claims that debit cards, which draw upon existing funds in a customer's checking account, are little different from checks and cash and, therefore, should be priced as cheaply.

WSJ: Banks Look to Replace Lost Debit-Card Fees