Several Australian banks have told the Prime Minister to do some research before he criticizes them for letting customers pay additional banking fees.

Kevin Rudd on Friday commented to the media today that banks are taking too much banking fees and charges from the customers in the past.

The comments raised by the prime minister follows a report released yesterday on Australian banks collecting almost 9 per cent to $12 billion in fees from customers last financial year.

The Australian Banker's Association immediately accused the prime minister on his criticisms.

Steven Muchenberg, the association chief executive, suggested that Mr. Rudd should study first before commenting on such issues.

Any commentary on the banking industry should be based on the facts and that's why we urge those who debate these issues to read a copy of the ABA's report Fees for Banking Services," he said in a statement.

"It provides a full analysis of the banking service fee revenue."

Mr. Muchenberg said that households pay an average of 13 cents a week in fees last year, which is only a one per cent increase.

"The increase in bank fee revenue was largely driven by all customers, households and businesses, completing more transactions with banks and buying more products and services, not by fee increases."

Still, Mr. Rudd disclosed that customers will benefit from the Labor's “new, tough, national credit laws” to challenge the banks.

He said that the government has a need to change the law due to lack of legal substance from their bank laws. The new law will take effect starting in July.

“(They) enable you out there as a member of the public to actually take action with a bank on the basis of unfair and exploitative fees and charges," the prime minister told Channel Seven.