When it comes to managing your money, your bank can be both a helpful ally and a sneaky source of unnecessary fees. Many bank customers don’t realize they’re paying extra charges every month for things they don’t need, or worse, things they didn’t even know existed.
The good news is that with a little awareness and some proactive steps, you can avoid them and save yourself some cash.
Here are five hidden fees you might be paying at your bank — and how to avoid them.
1. Monthly maintenance fees
Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee just for having an account. These fees typically range from $5 to $30 per month, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
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How to avoid maintenance fees:
- Switch to a no-fee account: Luckily there are plenty of great banks that offer accounts with no maintenance fees whatsoever. Check out our list of best high-yield savings accounts to find a fee-free account.
- Meet minimum balance requirements: Many banks waive maintenance fees if you maintain a certain balance. Know the requirement before opening an account and make sure you can always meet the minimum.
- Opt for online-only banks: Many online banks don’t charge monthly fees. Look for banks that don’t have physical branches but still offer competitive features, like high interest rates and no minimum balance requirements.
2. ATM fees
Using an ATM that’s out of your bank’s network can result in a hefty fee — both from your bank and from the ATM operator. These charges often range from $2 to $5 per transaction, and they can add up quickly if you’re frequently accessing cash from out-of-network machines.
How to avoid ATM fees:
- Use in-network ATMs: Check to see if your bank has a large network of ATMs in your area. Many banks offer fee-free access to thousands of machines across the country.
- Reimbursements from your bank: Some banks, especially online banks, will reimburse you for out-of-network ATM fees. If your bank doesn’t maintain its own ATMs, there’s a good chance it’ll reimburse any fees.
Hate losing money to ATM fees? Check out our list of banks with no ATM fees and keep more money in your account.
3. Overdraft fees
Banks typically allow users to overdraft their accounts, and then charge the customer — sometimes as much as $35 — for overdrafting. If you don’t keep an eye on your account balance, overdrafting could cost you hundreds of dollars.
How to avoid overdraft fees:
- Get an account with no overdraft fees: Plenty of banks these days don’t have overdraft fees, and our best checking accounts page is a great place to browse new accounts.
- Link to a savings account or credit line: Oftentimes banks allow you to link your checking account to a savings account or a line of credit for overdraft protection. This means the bank will cover the transaction using the linked account, preventing fees.
- Set up account alerts: Most banks offer text or email alerts when your balance is low, giving you a heads up to transfer money before you overdraft.
- Use a debit card with overdraft protection: Some banks allow you to use overdraft protection, meaning your transaction will be automatically declined at checkout if you don’t have sufficient funds. While this may be inconvenient, it can help you avoid fees.
4. Foreign transaction fees
If you travel abroad or make online purchases from international sellers, your bank may charge a fee for converting currencies. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction, which can add up if you’re making large or frequent international purchases.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees:
- Look for a travel-friendly bank: Many modern banks and credit unions offer debit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. This can save you a significant amount of money on travel expenses.
- Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: Some credit cards, particularly those designed for travel rewards, do not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Use a multi-currency account: Some online banks and fintech platforms offer accounts that allow you to hold multiple currencies, helping you avoid conversion fees.
5. Paper statement fees
In today’s digital world, receiving paper statements for your bank accounts is becoming increasingly rare — and costly. Banks often charge a monthly fee for paper statements, which can range from $1 to $5 per statement.
How to avoid paper statement fees:
- Go paperless: Opt to receive electronic statements. By choosing paperless billing, you can eliminate this unnecessary fee. Plus, it’s better for the environment!
- Set up automatic notifications: Most banks allow you to set up email or text alerts for when your statement is ready to be viewed online. You’ll never miss a thing, and you’ll avoid that extra fee.
Hidden fees are one of the easiest ways banks profit off of customers. But with a little bit of research and some proactive management, you can avoid these charges and keep more of your hard-earned money. Whether it’s choosing the right account, opting for fee-free ATM usage, or avoiding overdraft fees, taking action today can have a big impact on your finances in the long run. Stay informed, be proactive, and take control of your accounts to prevent banking fees.
