Blame it on Europe, they are the ones trying to make the Banks split investment banking (the part that makes the money and pays the bonuses) from the retail banking (the bit that is done in branches and pays the staff as little as possible). The former funds the latter on the whole, so the branch customer would no longer be subsidised by the big investors who pay high charges on their portfolios and currency dealing.
Consequently this would leave the man on the street paying for the provision of cheque books and debit/credit cards, processing all the cheques paid in and out, direct debits and standing orders. Plus printing and postage on statements and aforementioned book and cards. Then of course pay or the staff to servie you and buildings to put them in, add on the insurance not only on property and staff but the cash held on the premises. Getting money delivered or removed from the branches by Security Companies. Maintenance of cash machines etc. I could go on and on but I have already, so really free banking has been a luxury.