Why should those of us who manage our accounts properly be charged because other people who can't manage their finances may get their charges reduced? I used to bank with Lloyds but changed to Nationwide some years ago when Lloyds started charging if I went overdrawn, even if it was within my overdraft limit. At Nationwide I can go overdrawn and do not get charged (other than overdraft interest which is at a reasonable rate) as long as I stay within my agreed limit.

Stephen, Aylesbury, UK

These 'free' bank accounts make more than enough money for the banks already. Most people's salaries are deposited in the account at the end of the month and a balance is usually available until the end of the next month. Don't tell me that the banks just sit on this money and they don't use the funds to make themselves a profit. So, to avoid charges, do I ask for my salary to be paid in cash and keep it under the mattress??

Cathy, London,

Hee,hee,hee. Should the banks be allowed to rip us off by offering no charge current accounts ? Are you Oliver Pritchett in drag ?

Tom Benford, Kyoto, Japan

It would be a wholly oppressive and quite improper for the state to compel banks, by force, to charge for any given service that they would willingly provide for free. Such abuses of executive power should not be tolerated, and serious consideration should be given to whether the existence of the competition with its present powers is anywhere near justified, given the necessary presumption in favour of liberty.

Why on earth should those responsible people who, dilligently, maintain their accounts in good credit should be compelled by executive fiat to suffer additional charges in order that the state should compel financial institutions to protect those who are not inclined to maintain finances in good order from the cost of their own fiscal folly? People should never be protected from their own stupidity at any cost to the rational and well-ordered.

James E. Petts, Burnham, Slough, England

The OFT should go a little further and investigate all bank charges in the UK. We live on our boat (Honduras as the moment) and 2 years ago had to send some money to Trinidad to pay for our mooring fees whilst we were looking after my mother in the UK who had terminal cancer. No bank quoted less than 20 pounds to send about 500 pounds to Trinidad. The building society where I had my account didn't know how to do it at all despite having all the EBAN numbers. My husband's Danish bank did the whole thing with no fuss for 40 Kroner = about 4 pounds.

Jennifer, Honduras

Jennifer, La Cieba, Honduras

Im 20 years old, I live with my partner and between us we have 3 current accounts. I cannot believe that we would be charged for having these accounts as I am fully aware of the charges that will be made should we spend more money than we have.

Whats so wrong with charges? The bank warns you of the charge, tells you when you have been charged and may sometimes remove the charge if you explain your circumstances.

If people want to spend more money than they have then get a loan.

I like hidden charges, I dont know Im paying for it and therefore do not feel that I am being conned into paying for something else I dont want.

VC, Newcastle,

what a load of tosh!

alan, dublin, ireland

This review proves that the OFT is nothing more than an irrelevance.

Consistently, over a period of time, it has always managed to prove that it is on the side of 'big business' whenever a decision of 'might versus right' was needed.

A replacement organisation, whose aim is to look after the public interest, should be on the agenda of whichever party wins the next general election (and it won't be Labour).

Alan Leeke, Bewdley, Worcs

Why should people who do keep their accounts in the black be penalised because of those who do not?

sam, Portsmouth,

Dear Sir / Madam,

Banks are already getting a disguised benefit by their consistent reluctance to make payments be credited to the receiving account on the same day. That is the procedure on the continent and the UK banks are getting at least a couple of days interest by their deliberate unwillingness to act. If this continues I see no justification to end free banking.

Yours Faithfully,

David Mowle, Oswaldtwistle, England

All the OFT succeed in doing is passing on charges to customers who don't mess up their accounts.Removing the late payment charge on credit cards resulted in higher interest charges for diligent customers.
The OFT is a joke.

Michael J Rigby, Blackburn, England

Great. In over thirty years I have never had to pay a penny for my current account. Now in the name of 'fairness' I am going to be charged for something which has been free.

Charging for current accounts will in no way be compensated by a small reduction in charges for unathorised borrowing of their money and will create a net profit for the banks.

Ian, Ipswich, UK