• Business Insider, Thursday, March 1, 2012 10:24 AM

Last year, Bank of America announced a $5 debit fee that was met with public outrage. The bank quickly dropped the fee after it realized it would probably be bad for business. But Bank of America is apparently testing new checking account fees that could hit customers who don't engage in online banking or maintain minimum balances.

Bank of America pilot programs in Arizona, Georgia and Massachusetts now are experimenting with charging $6 to $9 a month for an "Essentials" account. Other account options being tested in those states carry monthly charges of $9, $12, $15 and $25 but give customers opportunities to avoid the payments by maintaining minimum balances, using a credit card or taking a mortgage with Bank of America, according to a memo distributed to employees.

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