My German bank account with Dresdner is brilliant, here is what I get: No interest on the balance, fees if I don't print out from the branch or download at home my bank statements and having to pay for a debit card replacement if I lose it and an annual fee for a credit card.

So why do I still love them...

I can call my account manger or I can email him - no strange hoops to jump through or call centres. I get a prompt and decent response. If I do go overdrawn, no fees just a small negative interest rate. Branches everywhere. Online banking that makes all the UK offerings I see as ten years behind.
eg. I see all my bank accounts, investment accounts and mortgage balances. I can conduct international transfers and domestic transfers without visiting the branch (try doing an international transfer, just try it, without visiting your branch) I can move sums greater than 10k without ringing alarm bells, and all this without a daft calculator device for setting up new transferees and authorising payments.

The reason i believe that service is so good is that German banks fight hard for customers. Competition is intense between the quasi government backed Sparkasse and the listed (plc) banks such as Deutche and Commerz. Through in to the mix foreign rivals that do internet only and some with branch networks, and a functioning Post Bank and you have real competition.

So there you have it, we need more banks and possibly many more regional quasi government banks. Then we might also avoid gaffs where county councils deposit millions with Icelandic banks!

Don't let the banks near your money ijn the way of charges. They will only take it and give nothing or very little in return.
They have the use of a great deal of overnight money for which they pay nothing. In return we should expect free current accounts.
Its simple and it has worked well at Yorkshire Bank for years and years. If it aint broke don't fix it!!!

As most of us have a morgage, a car loan or some other sort of loan then banking is definitely not free. Interest i paid on all money we owe an on our creit cards. As most of us do not actually go into the bank then customer service that really matters is the service on the phone or online. I have a small amount of savings for emergencies only and dont save. Live for today that what i say because if you do bother saving you just get penalised for it, esp when you retire, get made redundant etc so why bother.