Article 1 Subject matter and scope

1.   This Directive lays down rules concerning the transparency and comparability of fees charged to consumers on their payment accounts held within the Union, rules concerning the switching of payment accounts within a Member State and rules to facilitate cross-border payment account-opening for consumers.

2.   This Directive also defines a framework for the rules and conditions according to which Member States are required to guarantee a right for consumers to open and use payment accounts with basic features in the Union.

3.   Chapters II and III apply to payment service providers.

4.   Chapter IV applies to credit institutions.

Member States may decide to apply Chapter IV to payment service providers other than credit institutions.

5.   Member States may decide not to apply all or part of this Directive to the entities referred to in Article 2(5) of Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (17).

6.   This Directive applies to payment accounts through which consumers are able at least to:

Member States may decide to apply all or part of this Directive to payment accounts other than those referred to in the first subparagraph.

7.   The opening and use of a payment account with basic features pursuant to this Directive shall be in conformity with Directive 2005/60/EC.