It doesn't come across as attacking. I am here to discuss and learn, not to force my views upon others. If I wanted to do that, I would have to seriously reconsider my career choice ;-)

I have been thinking this over, and it seems like you are right. The traditional system is a reasonable system. The bank acts as a safeguard for the costumer (unless the bank fails) and receives money for making the right calls. Yeah, I can agree that this is indeed a valid and sustainable business model and actually providing useful service.

But how about the power these banks have over people (even when we don't take fees, fines etc. into account). The whole financial lives of people are dependant on checking accounts they have with one bank. I am talking about the infrastructure. If I don't want to hand over some power over my own money or when banks don't want to accept me as their customer, I cannot participate in society. I cannot receive payments nor can I make them. That is also part of what worries me, not just fees and fines. It's the tremendous amount of power these banks hold.