How do you avoid bank service charges?

Asked by: Dr. Floyd McLaughlin  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)

Here are some proven tips:
  1. Utilize free checking and savings accounts. Many banks still offer them.
  2. Sign up for direct deposit. ...
  3. Keep a minimum balance. ...
  4. Keep multiple accounts at your bank. ...
  5. Use only your bank's ATMs. ...
  6. Don't spend more money than you have. ...
  7. Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts.

How can you avoid a service charge on your bank statement?

Monthly maintenance/service fee

How to avoid: To waive your monthly fee, you may have to open both a checking and a savings account at the same bank, maintain a minimum balance in your account or set up a monthly direct deposit.

Why is my bank charging me a service fee?

Financial institutions are for-profit businesses and need to make money to stay open. Monthly bank service charges contribute to this profit and can help cover day-to-day operating costs.

How do I avoid the bank monthly maintenance fee?

Thankfully, there are ways to avoid these costs.
  1. Sign up for direct deposit. ...
  2. Find a bank that doesn't charge monthly fees. ...
  3. Meet the minimum balance requirement. ...
  4. Open another account at the same bank. ...
  5. Take advantage of mobile banking. ...
  6. Meet the minimum debit card usage. ...
  7. Ask for fee forgiveness. ...
  8. Use ATMs in your bank's network.

How can I avoid bank transaction fees?

The most effective way of minimising fees is to avoid paper-based and over-the-counter transactions. If you are writing cheques to pay for regular payments, check to see if alternatives are available - these generally have lower fees: Direct Debit. BPAY.

How Can You Avoid Service Fees Charged By Banks

23 related questions found

How do you get around transaction fees?

They can avoid these fees by paying with cash or debit instead. The best way to implement a surcharge program is through Nadapayments. Nadapayments eliminates the interchange rate, providing you with a one-stop-shop to process debit and credit card payments.

How can you as a banking customer avoid paying fees?

Here are some proven tips:
  • Utilize free checking and savings accounts. Many banks still offer them.
  • Sign up for direct deposit. ...
  • Keep a minimum balance. ...
  • Keep multiple accounts at your bank. ...
  • Use only your bank's ATMs. ...
  • Don't spend more money than you have. ...
  • Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts.

Which bank doesn t charge monthly maintenance fee?

Standout benefits: Ally Bank offers no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. You can get your paycheck up to two days early when you set up direct deposit and Ally has spending buckets to help with budgeting.

Does US Bank have free checking for seniors?

$25 minimum deposit required to open a U.S. Bank consumer checking account. Members of the military (requires self-disclosure) and clients ages 24 and under and those 65 and over pay no monthly maintenance fee.

Which bank has the lowest bank charges?

FNB Easy PAYU account

The 2024 Solidarity Bank Charges Report, which compares the fees charged by South Africa's five largest banks, named FNB's Easy PAYU account the cheapest bank account for consumers with a low income and basic needs.

Are bank service fees legal?

Is this legal? Yes. Federal law allows banks to charge fees, including service fees.

How do I stop a bank charge?

Contact the bank to make a stop payment request: Follow your bank's policy to ensure you make the request prior to the date the payment is set to clear. 1 If your bank requires written notification, you may also need to provide that within 14 days of making a verbal request.

Why am I paying a service fee?

Their Purpose. The service charge is meant to cover the cost of service provided and may be used to supplement employee wages, cover operational costs, or be distributed among staff by the company.

Can you opt out of service charge?

There are only limited circumstances in which you can withhold payment of your service charges without breaching the terms of your lease. These are to do with the way the landlord has issued your service charge demand.

How much money should you keep in your checking account?

The General Rule of Thumb: 2-3 Months of Living Expenses

The idea is to have enough to cover your bills and expenses but not so much that you're losing out on potential interest.

Can you block charges on your bank account?

What can I do? Write directly to the vendor/merchant to request no further debits to your checking account. You should provide the bank with a copy of the letter and inform the bank that these charges are no longer authorized. Keep a copy of the letter for your records.

How to not pay monthly maintenance fee U.S. Bank?

Pay $6.95 or $0 monthly maintenance fees if you meet any of these requirements.
  1. Average account balance of $1,500 or greater. ...
  2. Have an open, qualifying, U.S. Bank consumer credit card. ...
  3. Combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000+

Is there free banking for over 60s?

Many banks have no-fee banking options for retirees. Banks might waive fees on a standard checking account or offer a free checking account that's specifically tailored for seniors.

Is there a bank account with no monthly fees?

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!

What bank is the best to bank with?

Overview of the Best Banks
  • Capital One: Best checking account from a national brand.
  • Chase: Best for a large branch network.
  • Axos Bank: Best for a variety of online account options.
  • Discover®: Best for doing all of your banking in one place.
  • Ally: Best for saving and investing.

Which bank has zero maintenance charges?

Even among the Category A Banks, IDFC FIRST Bank is the only Bank that charges ZERO FEES on ALL SERVICES in savings accounts, on all account variants, urban or rural, irrespective of AMB, whether Rs. 5000 (offered in Rural India), Rs 10,000 or Rs. 25,000.

What is the 9.99 service charge for Citizens bank?

One Deposit Checking and Savings from Citizens

Otherwise, there is a $9.99 fee for One Deposit Checking and $4.99 fee for One Deposit Savings. Citizens offers other ways to waive maintenance fees.

What happens if I withdraw all my money from my bank account?

Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like. It is, after all, your money. Here's the catch: If you withdraw $10,000 or more, it will trigger federal reporting requirements.