Switching a bank may be a good idea if fees or other inconveniences are getting out of control, but the process can be something of an ordeal. Tara Lynn Wagner filed the following report.

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"Contact your bank and say, ‘am I in the right accounts for the way I bank with you? Are there other accounts you have that might lower my fees? Or, can I not incur these new fees that are coming along?’ See if you can negotiate that out,” says Amanda Walker, senior project editor at Consumer Reports.

If that’s not possible, it's time to start comparison shopping. Look at rates, fees and online banking rules. Cast a wide net.

Walker also says to make sure the search includes small local banks and credit unions.

“Because over the years, they've tended to be more consumer-friendly, pay you more on your deposit accounts, charge you much less interest on your credit cards, and have much lower and fewer fees,” says Walker.

Once a replacement is chosen, open a new account and deposit enough money to avoid any fees. After that’s done, start the process of updating all direct deposits and automatic payments.

“So, your mortgage, your credit card, any loans you have,” says Walker. “It's not hard, it's not difficult. It just takes a little bit of time.”

In the meantime, she says to leave some money in the old account to make sure everything’s covered in the event of a forgotten outstanding check or payment.

This may sound like a headache, but since banks are eager to get business, they're more than happy to help navigate the process.

Many offer “Switch Kits,” which contain forms and checklists that provide guidance. They've even crafted the letter needed to close the old account, essentially handling the breakup. For closure, Walker says to get it in writing.

“That way, if there's any discrepancies later on, you get a little bill from your former institution, you can say, ‘no, here it is in writing from you,’” says Walker.