CHAPTER IV

ACCESS TO PAYMENT ACCOUNTS

Associated fees
Article 18
1
Member States shall ensure that the services referred to in Article 17 are offered by credit institutions free of charge or for a reasonable fee.
2
Member States shall ensure that the fees charged to the consumer for non-compliance with the consumer’s commitments laid down in the framework contract are reasonable.
3
Member States shall ensure that the reasonable fees referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 are established taking into account at least the following criteria:
a
national income levels;
b
average fees charged by credit institutions in the Member State concerned for services provided on payment accounts.
4
Without prejudice to the right referred to in Article 16(2) and the obligation contained in paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States may require credit institutions to implement various pricing schemes depending on the level of banking inclusion of the consumer, allowing for, in particular, more advantageous conditions for unbanked vulnerable consumers. In such cases, Member States shall ensure that consumers are provided with guidance, as well as adequate information, on the available options.