Can you get maintenance fees removed?

Asked by: Aric Rosenbaum  |  Last update: August 10, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (63 votes)

Yes, bank maintenance fees can often be removed or waived by meeting minimum balance requirements, setting up direct deposits, switching to paperless statements, or simply asking the bank to waive the fee due to a long-standing relationship. Other strategies include using in-network ATMs and, if necessary, switching to a completely fee-free account.

What happens if I stop paying maintenance fees?

If you refuse to pay the maintenance fee, you could face a lawsuit, which may result in additional costs such as interest, attorney's fees, and court filing fees. Furthermore, your credit rating could suffer long-term damage.

Are monthly maintenance fees legal?

Banks and credit unions are allowed to charge you a monthly maintenance fee or service charge for having a savings, checking, or money market account. They must show you this fee when you open the account. The bank or credit union cannot charge you a fee that is higher than the amount you were told.

Can banks waive monthly fees?

Maintain a minimum balance. Some banks will waive monthly fees if you maintain a set balance in your account. Some banks require you don't go below a minimum daily balance, while others require an average monthly balance.

How to turn off maintenance fee TD bank?

To avoid TD Bank maintenance fees, you typically need to meet certain criteria like setting up direct deposits (e.g., $500+ for TD Complete Checking), maintaining a minimum daily balance in your checking or linked accounts (e.g., $500 for TD Complete), or linking accounts to hit a higher combined balance threshold (e.g., $5,000 for TD Complete). Age can also waive fees (e.g., 17-23 for TD Complete), and some accounts like TD Essential Banking have no fees for younger users. 

HOW TO TRADE THROUGH INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL AND ACTUALLY GET WHAT YOU WANT

45 related questions found

How do I ask my bank to waive a fee?

How to Ask For Bank Fee Waivers

  1. Contact your bank. Calling may be the most effective, because you'll talk directly to a human, but you could also try your bank's online chat or messaging service.
  2. Calmly explain the situation. ...
  3. Highlight your relationship with the bank. ...
  4. Be direct but respectful.

What is the $10,000 bank rule?

The "$10,000 bank rule" refers to federal laws requiring financial institutions and businesses to report large cash transactions (deposits, withdrawals, payments) of over $10,000 in currency to the government to combat money laundering and financial crimes. Banks file Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash activity over $10,000, while businesses file Form 8300 for similar payments, both sending info to FinCEN and the IRS to track illicit funds.

Why are banks allowed to charge maintenance fees?

Banks charge monthly maintenance fees and other fees to cover their overhead costs and make money.

What bank has no maintenance fee?

Fifth Third Bank's featured, most popular checking account. All the benefits of a checking account with no monthly service charge. That's right, a free checking account! Plus, get additional time to make a deposit and avoid overdraft fees!

Can maintenance charges be waived off?

Ans: Yes, it is legally binding to pay the maintenance charges. As the residents of the society are the users of these common areas and amenities. The residents must pay the charges according to the law.

Why am I being charged a maintenance fee?

Monthly maintenance fees

Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee, also called a monthly service fee, to maintain a checking or savings account. However, most banks may waive this fee if you meet specific criteria, such as: Maintaining a minimum balance.

What happens if I don't pay my maintenance fee?

Depending on the timeshare company, it may be written in your timeshare contract that the developer has the right to take legal action against owners who don't pay maintenance fees. If you fall behind on your timeshare loan or maintenance fees, foreclosure becomes a real risk.

What is the average monthly maintenance fee?

They cost an average of $5.47 per month for checking accounts that don't earn interest, according to a 2024 Bankrate checking account study. Pro Tip: Some banks will waive the monthly maintenance fee if you keep your account balance above a predetermined minimum.

Are maintenance fees negotiable?

In reality, these fees are typically set by the HOA and apply equally to all homeowners in the community. They're based on the association's budget, and the actual amount charged by the HOA is generally not negotiable on an individual basis. But there might be some flexibility on certain occasions.

Can you write off bank maintenance fees?

The IRS allows businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses incurred while operating a trade or business. Bank fees directly related to business activities typically qualify as deductible expenses. Common examples include: Monthly Maintenance Fees: Charges for maintaining business bank accounts.

What happens if I deposit $500,000 cash in the bank?

If you deposit cash exceeding the prescribed threshold (₹10 lakh in savings, ₹50 lakh in current account), the bank is obligated to report this under Rule 114E of the Income Tax Rules. Once reported: The transaction reflects in your AIS/Form 26AS.

What happens if I deposit $100,000 in my bank account?

A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. Your bank must report the deposit to the federal government. That's because the IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300 and a Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000.

How can you avoid a monthly maintenance fee?

You can avoid monthly bank fees by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a minimum balance, linking accounts, using your debit card enough, opting for online statements, or switching to an online bank or credit union that offers fee-free accounts, as many financial institutions provide waivers for meeting these common criteria.

Can you negotiate with a bank?

You can negotiate mortgage rates, especially if you have a strong credit profile and shop around. Your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio and down payment amount all affect how much leverage you have when negotiating with a lender.