As more free checking accounts come into the banking marketplace, particularly among noninterest accounts, the average monthly service fee has fallen. In the most recent survey, the average fee fell from $3.39 to a new low of $3.34.

The average fee has fallen nearly 38 percent in the past six years. This figure is diluted somewhat by the fact that prior to fall 2003, the monthly service fee gathered included any additional fee for the return of canceled checks or image statements.

ALSO: Search Bankrate for the best checking account rates

-- Posted: Dec. 8, 2004