The average bounced-check fee, aka nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee, rebounded after dipping slightly in the spring, hitting a new record high of $25.81 for both interest-bearing and noninterest accounts.

This is nearly 20 percent higher than the average of $21.57 in fall 1998.

The average had dipped from the previous record of $25.80 established in fall 2003 to $25.63 in spring 2004, but established a new high in the latest survey.

ALSO: Search Bankrate for the best checking account rates

-- Posted: Dec. 8, 2004