Saving Money on Bank Fees
The average American household spends about $300 on bank fees annually. We’re being charged to use our own money, which seems pretty unfair. What if there were some simple ways to save on those fees? A few things that banks charge for are buying checks, overdrafts, and using ATMs that aren’t in their network. These are the three biggest fees that banks charge but they’re by no means the only fees. Here are some simple tips for saving money on bank fees.
Overdrafts
If you don’t know what an overdraft is, it’s where you essentially spending money you don’t have. This causes your account balance to go negative and the bank will charge you upwards of $35 for each transaction that causes your balance to dip below $0. To avoid this charge, many banks offer what’s called overdraft protection. Overdraft protection is usually tied to a stand-alone savings account. By keeping money in that savings account, when you drop below $0 in your checking account the bank will transfer the funds automatically to cover the purchases. As long as there’s money in the savings account you won’t find yourself with an overdraft fee.
Buying Checks
If you still use checks you aren’t alone. Many people still rely on them to pay their bills since it’s safer than sending cash in the mail and online payments aren’t always possible or wanted. Your bank probably offers checks, but most banks will charge you for a book of checks. Sometimes as much as $40! A good way to save on checks is to purchase them online. A great website that offers this is Checksunlimited.com. They have some pretty cool check themes available like Disney, Star Wars, Looney Tunes, and Superman!
Using Out of Network ATMs
If you use ATMs that are outside of your bank’s network then they can get you with a fee that’s usually around $5. If you use ATMs regularly that can add up pretty quickly. A great way to find out what ATMs you can use for free is to chat with your local banker or look at their web site. Additionally, if you look on the back of your bank card they’ll usually have a symbol such as “Co-Op”. If you find an ATM with the same symbol you can generally use this ATM for free. Check if your bank has an app for your smartphone as they often will locate ATMs close to your location using the GPS in your phone.
Saving money on bank fees will hopefully be a little easier for you now that you know these three great tips. The biggest money saver I think would be buying checks online. Since that is the most common bank fee and it’s used very regularly. Do you have any other tips for saving money on bank fees? If you do I’d love to swap ideas down in the comments! Thanks for stopping by!
Connie says
Great ideas for saving money on bank fees and charges. Will definitely be implementing some of these.
Mel says
What great tips to help consumers save money on bank fees. It’s great to learn some tips and tricks on how to save some cash where you can easily do so!
Bill S says
These are great tips for bank fees!!! It is crazy how fast fees can add up if you aren’t paying attention to them.
Diane Hoffmaster says
Great suggestions. I never use out of network ATMs unless I have no other choice. It is insane what they charge you for fees!
Audrey McClelland says
This such an awesome post. I actually changed my bank a while back because they got fee happy on me. I can’t go for that!
deanna says
I hate extra bank fees. Thanks for the post.
shelly peterson says
Thanks for sharing this great information in avoiding unwantebanking fees.
Sarah L says
I never use ATMs that charge a fee. I don’t have overdraft and if I don’t have enough money the transaction doesn’t go through.
Hannah C says
These are some great tips! Fortunately, as a Twinstar CU user, I don’t have to pay bank fees!