Findings from new research by consumer organisation Which? suggest banks could face a possible customer exodus if fees for current accounts were introduced.

Eight out of 10 (79%) of the 1,022 people surveyed said they would consider switching to another provider if their bank introduced annual or monthly current account fees.

Furthermore, seven out of ten believe it would be unfair for banks to charge any additional fees for a current account at the current levels of service they offer.

If banks were to introduce fees for current accounts, nine out of ten people think the government should intervene to ensure they are not excessive.

Which? personal finance campaigner Doug Taylor says:

“This is a clear shot across the bows for the banks – consumers don’t want to be charged for their current account and will vote with their feet if their bank introduces a monthly or annual fee.

“Banks shouldn’t need to be forced to treat their customers fairly. Although our research shows that customers would support Government intervention to make sure banks don’t overcharge for current accounts, we would be very disappointed if it came to that.

“Banks only have themselves to blame for the damage that the overdraft charges saga has done to their reputation. Which? urges the banking sector to put its customers first.”

The research follows claims by some current account providers that they will have to start charging monthly or yearly fees if the courts rule that unauthorised overdraft charges are unfair.

Earlier this year the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and 7 UK banks and a building society started a court case to decide on the legality of unauthorised overdraft charges.

The High Court case is being called a "test case" because the decision will clarify the law in this area and is likely to apply to all current and new claims against current account providers about unauthorised overdraft charges.

Banks believe the fees customers pay for unarranged overdrafts are fair and clear.

The OFT believes the charges – which are typically around £30 - are unfair and it is now seeking legal clarification.