Reversing a trend that began in the mid-1990s, big banks are imposing new fees on their least-profitable customers — those who want just a bare-bones checking account.

Those who can’t maintain fat balances, or who don’t use other services that would make them more lucrative to a bank, probably will need to cough up about $100 a year if they want to stay put.

But bank and credit union officials in Spokane say they have no immediate plans to eliminate free checking, even though pending Federal Reserve Bank regulations may force them to reconsider.

For details, read our coverage this weekend in Sunday Business.

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