Why This Jaw-Dropping Bank Move Is an Empty Threat

Recently, big banks like Bank of America , Wells Fargo , and JPMorgan Chase have gotten criticism for discussing potentially charging customers to keep deposits at their banks. Yet savers should realize that big banks are bluffing with a losing hand, as any suggestion of charging customers for deposits is an empty threat.

In the following video, Dan Caplinger, The Motley Fool's director of investment planning, examines why charging depositors to have bank accounts would backfire on the big banks. He notes that deposit rates are subject to supply and demand, and that even though B of A, Wells, and JPMorgan might not want excess deposits, other banks do -- and they're willing to pay for them. Pointing to higher rates from banks run by Sallie Mae and General Electric's GE Capital, Dan figures that as long as other banks are willing to pay for deposits, customers' best move will be to vote with their feet if larger banks try to charge them for the privilege of banking with them.