It’s been three months after banks scrapped plans for debit-card fees. That move cost them millions, and now, it’s becoming clearer how they intend to recoup money lost in the Dodd-Frank financial reform law.
In the near future, prepare to be sold more products, offered new service packages, lose debit rewards and face more fees in general.
Bank of America Corporation and Wells Fargo reported losing nearly $800 million in swipe-fee revenue in the fourth quarter. They weren’t alone. Regional banks felt a deep impact as well.
So with debit-card fees off the table, how do banks plan to make up that loss? One way is by selling more products. Both Bank of America and Wells Fargo are talking about selling existing customers more products. Mid sized banks like Fifth Third Bank is reducing rewards, bundling products together and considering new fees. Regions Financial has launched fee-based products like prepaid cards and changed checking account requirements so that more carry fees.
Bank of America last month began testing a program called BankAmeriDeals that will give cash discounts to card users through deals based on their spending history. The bank also continues to test a new checking program in Arizona, Georgia and Massachusetts that involves different combinations of monthly fees, services and ways to avoid fees.

