Does that mean domestic bank transfers between accounts aren't free in the US? I suppose that would explain why cheques are still in use.
I've never paid for a bank transfer within Europe, even when the transfer crosses national borders. I've always just assumed that to be one of the basic ideas of a banking system.
Here in my Western European country, national transfers done over the Internet are paid, unless both accounts belong to the same bank; they cost around .5€-1€. They're free at the ATM, though; it's clearly a convenience fee, not a cost.
Further examples: I have a bank account in Germany and UK and neither charge me for bank transfers. I haven't even heard of a bank account that charges for transfers in Germany.
I've never paid for a bank transfer within Europe, even when the transfer crosses national borders. I've always just assumed that to be one of the basic ideas of a banking system.