Bank account fees soar 42 percent in 5 years

The price of a standard checking account increased by an average of 42 percent in five years, consumers association Consumentenbond found after comparing eight Dutch banks' account fees from this year and 2017. The price for the cheapest payment package with one debit card increased by an average of 51 percent. A joint account with two cards became 32 percent more expensive on average.

Triodos Bank increased its bank account fees the most. A basic account for one person cost 28.20 euros in 2017 and 60 euros in 2021 - an increase of 113 percent. The annual price for Rabobank's DirectPakket increased by 73 percent from 15.60 euros to 27 euros. And ING's OranjePaket with one card increased 62 percent to 28.20 euros. 

Knab is the only bank that didn't raise its fees in the past five years, though its annual fees are pretty high at 60 euros. The bank does, however, give customers two credit cards and an extra debit card for free, something other banks charge for.

The rate increases also increased customers' dissatisfaction with their banks, Consumentenbond found after surveying 12,000 panel members. ABN Amro, ING, and Rabobank customers are most dissatisfied with the costs they pay and the services they get in return. About a third of these banks' customers gave their fees a failing grade.