Banks can be like silent pickpockets in your financial life, subtly chipping away at your hard-earned money with fees you might not even notice. Are you ready to catch these sneaky charges before they catch you off-guard?
#1. Monthly Maintenance Fees
Did you know your bank might be charging you just to keep your account open? Check your account details because this fee can often be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or have direct deposits.
#2. ATM Fees
Using an ATM outside your bank’s network can lead to charges that quickly accumulate. Always look for in-network ATMs or consider a bank that offers ATM fee rebates.
#3. Overdraft Fees
One of the steepest fees is the overdraft fee. Opt into alerts for low balances, and consider linking your savings account to cover any potential overdrafts without a penalty.
#4. Returned Deposit Fee
If you deposit a check that bounces, your bank might charge you. Always confirm the check issuer’s funds before depositing to avoid this trap.
#5. Wire Transfer Fees
Sending money via wire transfer? Fees for these can be hefty. Check for cheaper alternatives like ACH transfers or payment apps.
#6. Minimum Balance Fee
Some accounts charge you for not keeping a certain amount of money in your account. Keep track of your balance to avoid this unnecessary charge.
#7. Account Inactivity Fees
Not using your account regularly can cost you. Keep your account active by making small transactions periodically.
#8. Paper Statement Fees
Banks often charge for sending you a paper statement. Switch to online statements to cut this cost and help the environment.
#9. Lost Card Fee
Losing your debit or credit card might lead to a fee for a replacement. Keep a close eye on your cards to avoid this charge.
#10. Foreign Transaction Fees
Making purchases in foreign currencies can add a surcharge of 1% to 3% per transaction. Look for credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.
#11. Excess Activity Fee
Savings accounts have a limit on monthly transactions. Exceeding this can incur fees. Keep an eye on transaction counts to stay within limits.
#12. Check Ordering Fees
Ordering checks from your bank? Prices can be inflated. Shop around or ask your bank about free options.
#13. Early Account Closure Fees
Closing your bank account too soon after opening it can lead to a fee. Typically, banks charge this if you close within 90 to 180 days after opening.
#14. Credit Card Annual Fees
Some credit cards charge an annual fee. Always check if the benefits outweigh the costs, or consider a no-annual-fee card.
#15. Cash Deposit Fees
Surprisingly, some banks charge for depositing too much cash. Understand your bank’s policy to dodge this fee.
#16. Notary Services Fees
Need something notarized? Your bank might charge for this service, even though cheaper or free options might be available elsewhere.
#17. Money Order Fees
Buying money orders at a bank can come with fees. Check if cheaper options are available at your local post office or grocery store.
#18. Safe Deposit Box Fees
Renting a safe deposit box? Fees vary widely. Determine if you truly need one or if there are less expensive alternatives for your valuables.
#19. Investment Fees
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Banks may charge for managing your investments. Review these fees and consider low-cost investment platforms as alternatives.
#20. Stop Payment Fees
Issuing a stop payment on a check can be costly. Think ahead to avoid situations where you might need to stop a check.
#21. Credit Card Late Fees
Late payments on credit cards not only trigger fees but also hurt your credit score. Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a deadline.
Don’t Let Your Bank Sneak Up on You!
Your bank’s fine print can hide numerous fees that whittle away at your wallet. By staying vigilant and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself from these sneaky charges. Are you ready to take charge and stop these fees from silently draining your finances?
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The post The Banker’s Bag of Tricks: 21 Charges They Hope You Won’t Catch first appeared on Not Your Boss Babe.
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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