Legal ways not to pay fees and service fees
We are accompanied by additional fees all the time. Sometimes they are small, and we simply do not notice them, but sometimes the amount may exceed the threshold of several thousand dollars.
Fortunately, there are legal ways to get away from the extra cost of annoying fees. About them told Go Banking Rates.
1. Overdraft fees
Even if you withdraw a few cents more than the amount available on your account, you will pay a certain fee to your bank for using an overdraft facility, which is usually from $ 25 to $ 35.
How to avoid: be very vigilant when withdrawing cash, as well as constantly monitor the status of the account.
2. Fees when withdrawing money from an ATM of another bank
When withdrawing money from an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you may encounter a double commission - your bank and the one at whose ATM you withdraw cash.
How to avoid: use the ATMs of your bank, and also find out the location of nearby ATMs that allow you to withdraw cash without additional fees.
3. Minimum card balance
Many banks require customers to maintain a minimum monthly balance on their current accounts. If the amount does not match the stated amount, the bank is entitled to charge a fee.
How to avoid: specify a lower balance, thus you will get rid of constant stress and additional costs, or change the bank. For example, Capital One's 360 Checking owners pay no fees.
4. Early closing of an account
Many people also do not know that their bank may require an additional fee from them for early closing of the account (from 90 to 18 days). Sometimes this fee reaches $ 50, depending on the bank.
How to avoid: if you regret opening an account, you need to minimize your financial activity on it and wait until the end of the period when you can close it for free.
5. Additional copy of bank statement
If you want an additional copy of your bank statement, you may have to pay for it. Some banks may charge you a few dollars if you pick it up at a branch or ask the bank to send it to you. The cost can also be $ 25 per statement with a full package of documents.
How to avoid fees: make your own copies of each bank account you receive.
6. Paper reporting fees
Some banks charge additional fees to customers if they want to continue to receive paper reports.
How to avoid: Subscribe to electronic reports. You will not only save money, but also protect the environment, as well as have access to your 24 / 7 account.
7. Credit Card Rates
Credit cards, perhaps, charge the most money: annual fees, a fine for late payments and much more. Sometimes fees are small, but sometimes they go up to a few hundred dollars, depending on your balance and type of credit card.
How to avoid: always ask about fees and interest rates before applying for a card.
8. Card replacement
Losing a card is always a headache. But sorrow is added by the fact that you will most likely have to pay for a new card.
How to avoid: Watch carefully for the safety of the card and do not lose it.
9. The transfer fee
Transfer commissions range from $ 15 to $ 35, depending on the bank and direction. Charges for foreign transfers can easily pass the $ 50 mark.
How to avoid commission: use alternative methods of payment, such as PayPal, or write a paper check.
10. Charge for processing a check with insufficient amount
The bank penalizes the recipient of the check if there is not enough money in the account.
How to avoid a fine: make sure you have enough money in your account to pay. To do this, first contact the owner of the check and find out from him whether there is enough money in the account.
11. Withdrawal fee
Certificates of deposit (CD) accounts offer a higher interest rate than traditional savings accounts. However, if you withdraw money earlier than the stated date, you will have to pay a fine.
How to avoid a fine: Look best for bills where there are no early withdrawal fees.
12. Investment fees
You can make some money by investing in something, but fees will “eat up” some of the profits. As a rule, investors are charged around 1% each year.
How to avoid fees: look for a new adviser with lower rates.
13. Charges for return / change of air tickets
Cancellation or change of ticket at the last minute can be very expensive. For example, Delta Airlines may charge $ 200 if you want to change your ticket.
How to avoid fees: the sooner you pass the ticket, the less you pay for cancellation. When buying tickets, choose a company that does not charge fees for changing / canceling tickets.
14. Baggage fees
Many airlines charge for baggage, and many increase it for overweight baggage.
How to avoid fees: find a way to travel with a backpack on your back. For example, you can not take toiletries. This will significantly reduce the volume of your bag. All you need you can buy on arrival. But most importantly, find a company that does not charge for luggage.
15. Pay for Wi-Fi in the plane
Although a cross-continental trip can be a great opportunity to get a job, get ready to pay for Wi-Fi. American Airlines and Delta, for example, charge a full day Internet fee of $ 16.
How to avoid Wi-Fi fees: Use free Wi-Fi at the airport or book a flight with the airline with free Wi-Fi on board.
16. Pet fee
If we want our pets to travel with the same amenities as we, airlines will not allow us to save. Depending on the carrier, travel fees for pets can be more than $ 100.
How to avoid: Can I leave my pet at home with a family member or from a friend for a while? Look at the options of hotels for animals, if you have no one to leave.
17. WiFi in a hotel room
Connecting to Wi-Fi in your room is considered a luxury - even in an expensive hotel. Depending on where you stay, you could spend an extra $15 or so per day for in-room network access.
How to avoid fees: Explore hotel chains and compare their prices on the Internet.
18. Tourist tax
Tourist tax will still have to pay, even if you do not use all the services of the hotel. For example, gym, internet, etc.
How to avoid: When choosing hotels, call and find out if the resort charges fees and how much.
19. Tip
What was once optional, now, as a rule, has become the norm. Depending on where you live, tips may become mandatory.
How to avoid: Before choosing a hotel, find out if it includes a tip in the cost of services. This will help you not to pay twice.
20. Transport fees
Buying from an online store is very convenient, but in the end, shopping can be very expensive if you have to pay shipping costs, which often exceed $ 20.
How to avoid fees: Sometimes you can get free shipping for a certain period or if you buy products for a certain amount.
21. Medical collections
Visiting a doctor or hospital can be expensive, even if you have insurance. But the “facility fee” can make this process even more expensive. These fees are used to cover hospitalization, lab tests, x-rays and more.
How to avoid: Before contacting the medical center, double check whether your insurance covers their services.
22. Early termination of the contract with the mobile operator
If you decide to prematurely terminate your contract with the cellular operator you are using, you may have to pay a fine that ranges from $ 150 to $ 300 or more, depending on your carrier.
How to avoid: before you sign a contract, find out the conditions for early
termination
23. Upgrade or activation fee
You may have to pay an "Upgrade Fee" if you buy a new mobile device to replace your old device, or pay for activation. Verizon, for example, charges $ 30 for an upgrade. AT&T costs $ 20 to activate and upgrade the board if the device was purchased in installments.
How to avoid fees: Contact your phone manufacturer and inquire about additional charges before you buy a device.
24. College fees
It's no secret that going to college isn't cheap, but prospective university students should keep in mind that they'll be paying for their education before they even set foot on campus. Stanford, Columbia, and Yale charge an application fee of $80 to $90, for example.
How to avoid college fees: only apply to enrollment in those colleges that really interest you.
25. Fees for study abroad
Studying abroad can be a valuable experience, but it is also a costly decision. According to ExchangeStudentWorld.com, the cost of a one-year exchange usually ranges between $ 9-10 thousand.
How to avoid fees: Pay attention to alternative financing methods. Look for groups that are sponsored by local students, and don’t forget to look into the “scholarships” section that can help ease financial costs.
26. Exam Fees
To take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), you must pay a fee of $205. If you register after the specified period, pay an additional $25, change the testing location - another $50.
How to avoid fees: reduce the price for the exam will not work. It should be understood that this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to paying for graduate school. Students who are serious about continuing their studies should start saving in advance.
27. Fees in fraternities and women's societies
For many, joining a fraternity or women's society is part of college. But before you enter one of them, remember that the board is not cheap there. Depending on the organization, you can pay several thousand dollars.
How to avoid fees: ask yourself whether it is worth the requested money.
28. Homeowners Fees
Residents of cottage settlements, condominiums, etc., as a rule, belong to the Association of Homeowners (NOA) and are required to pay from $ 200 to $ 400 per month. The more exclusive the community, the higher the fee.
How to avoid fees: When buying a house in the HOA community, find out what the monthly fees are. It is also recommended that you apply for an HOA statement for the past few years to see how they increased the fee.
29. Mortgage fees
There is nothing worse than investing in buying a new home and, in addition, having a bunch of “unnecessary fees”.
How to avoid: You must understand all the estimated costs of obtaining a mortgage loan.
30. Fees for transporting an unaccompanied child
Even the most calm and obedient child will not exempt you from fees for his support during the flight without parents. Bypass American and United if you don’t want to pay $ 150.
How to avoid fees: Before booking, check which companies charge the lowest service fees.
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