It’s a new trend in banking that's affecting middle class America: the disappearance of the free checking account. Many of the big banks are getting rid of their totally free checking accounts as a reaction to new federal regulations. a recent report shows that more than half of all checking accounts are currently unprofitable. Sean Watt is a Region President with Home Federal Bank: “I think the main thing is that banks are trying to eliminate those dormant or unused accounts; off of their books, because there's a carrying cost- to carrying those accounts over time. Every month we have to send out a statement; those statements cost roughly $2.00 a month, and it costs the bank to carry those low balance unused accounts." Banks are required to disclose all of their potential fees to their customers, so consumers are encouraged to read the information to make sure they aren't hit with a surprise fee. Most banks also offer relationship pricing, which means you can be rewarded when you deepen your relationship with the bank.   Sean Watt with Home Federal was a guest on KBND’s Your Town” last week.