Nine in every 10 current accounts on the market charge set fees, either for account management or for using an overdraft, according to an industry website.
Of the 80 options available, 72 charge set fees for account management or overdraft usage, according to Moneyfacts.co.uk.
It said those paying a regular management fee may find themselves shelling out around £147 a year on average.
Moneyfacts said customers who do not pay a regular management fee are not necessarily better off - and may find themselves being hit when they slip into the red.
More than half of current accounts without a regular fee (58 per cent) charge an authorised overdraft usage fee and two-thirds will charge an unauthorised usage fee.
Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said the way providers charge customers for going overdrawn has been leaning towards set usage fees rather than interest.
"It's clear to see why consumers should question whether they can acquire a 'free' bank account these days, with free banking becoming a bit of a myth. The reason for this is that most current accounts charge fees for using their services, acquiring benefits, or when you look to borrow."
