Bank charges may be small, but they can actually accumulate over time. From overdraft penalties to account maintenance fees, these fees can chip away at your savings without realizing it. If you're also in loan repayment, interest and fines can make it even more difficult to keep up.
Fortunately, avoiding bank fees is easier than you think. There are a few clever tricks you can use to save yourself cash and lower the amount you spend on your loans as well.
Before you can steer clear of them, you should be aware of what charges to be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most prevalent:
Understanding what causes the costs is the key to avoiding bank fees.
Most banks allow you to create email or mobile alerts. When your balance falls near zero, you'll be reminded. This prevents you from paying overdraft charges because it reminds you to transfer money before you spend too much.
This easy feature can stop accidental charges and make you more mindful of your money.
Not all checking accounts are created equal. Some have many fees, and others are fee-free if you qualify with easy conditions. Here's what you're looking for:
Online banking tends to have fewer fees than brick-and-mortar banks. Shop around and select an account that suits your lifestyle.
When you keep track of where your money is going, you won't be as likely to spend too much. Keeping a budgeting app or even a notepad on hand keeps you on top of:
A bit of planning makes a big difference in staying out of bank fees.
Some banks offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit card. While this may seem helpful, it can lead to more fees if not managed carefully.
Instead of letting your account dip into the red or rely on backup funds, aim to always keep a cushion in your checking account.
Tip: Include a "buffer" amount, such as $50 or $100, that you pretend doesn't exist. That way, even if you forget a tiny charge, you won't enter overdraft territory.
Numerous banks charge you for paper statements. Cutting over to electronic statements can save you a few dollars a month. It's good for the planet, too!
You'll have faster access to your statements for monitoring spending or correcting mistakes, too.
Late payments on credit cards or loans not only hurt your credit score but also usually incur a payment penalty. That's money that could have been spent elsewhere.
There are some easy ways to prevent late fees:
Skip payment penalties to lower how much you spend on your loan throughout its life.
If your loan carries a high interest rate, you can refinance. That's just replacing your original loan with a new loan with improved terms.
For instance, if you're paying 12% interest on a personal loan and you shift to a loan at 7%, you could save hundreds—or thousands—over the long haul.
Refinancing is most effective if:
Always ensure you see the total cost, including any charges, before you refinance.
Yes, you heard that right. Banks are actually willing to waive a fee if you request one to do so, particularly if it's your first time.
If you've been slapped with a monthly fee or a one-time overdraft penalty, call the bank and nicely ask them to waive it. If you're a long-time customer with a good record, they might accommodate you.
This won't always be successful, but it can't hurt. A quick phone call might save you $35 or more.
Using ATMs outside your bank’s network often results in extra fees, sometimes from both your bank and the ATM owner.
To avoid this:
Avoiding ATM fees may seem minor, but saving $3 to $5 each time adds up over the year.
Paying the minimum on your loan means you'll pay more in interest in the long run. Even a tiny extra payment per month can have a big impact.
For instance, if you have a $10,000 loan with 8% interest, paying an extra $50 per month could save you hundreds of dollars in interest and reduce your term by months.
Saving on interest rate fees frees up funds for other purposes, such as your savings fund or long-term aspirations.
Others have several accounts in the same bank without knowing that each of these accounts could have monthly charges or minimum balance conditions.
If you're not regularly using a particular account, close it. Use one checking and one savings account that suit your needs and have minimal fees.
Streamlining your banking also makes it simpler to manage your finances.
Your bank statement is a report card on your spending. Review it each month to:
By checking your statements consistently, you'll be more likely to spot issues before they become large fees.
Other times, fees occur because you simply don't have the funds when they're due. An unexpected bill could compel you to draw money from an empty checking account or skip paying a loan.
That's where an emergency fund is useful. Having just a few hundred dollars in a savings account can assist you in:
Begin small—save $10 a week until you've developed a buffer.
Saving money can be easy. Most banks let you set up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings.
That means you won't be tempted to spend what you wanted to save. Even if it is only $20 a month, it adds up over time.
Saving on bank fees is about much more than simply saving money - it is about taking agency over your money. Whether it is saving a small fee by avoiding an overdraft or saving interest payments on your loan, these little steps matter.
When you know how your money is moving and where it is going, you can be proactive in avoiding bank fees and working toward your financial goals. When using these simple savings tips, you are creating a habit to help you safeguard your finances.
This content was created by AI