Checking Is Free, but the Profits Are Hefty.

Focuses on U.S. banks that are aggressively promoting free checking accounts. How many who open these accounts often end up paying more in other charges; Ways in which banks make money from free-checking customers; Profits in the banking industry; Why some customers have cancelled their accounts; Example of Charter One, an Ohio bank that offers a free debit card; Fees that banks charge; Promotions by Commerce Bancorp and Washington Mutual in New York City.