What could be the reason you are being charged a maintenance fee?

Asked by: Miss Leatha Runolfsdottir  |  Last update: December 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (32 votes)

Also called a monthly service fee, banks charge this fee simply for the privilege of having the account. You're most likely to find one on a checking account or money market account, but some banks may also charge a monthly fee on a savings account if you don't meet certain balance or transfer requirements.

Why am I being charged a maintenance fee?

By charging maintenance fees from customers like us, they simply try to recover the cost of extra monitoring and supervision. That being said, there are certain Banks that take advantage of this situation and charge higher than normal amounts.

How do you avoid maintenance fee?

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 do I get rid of maintenance fees?

Some financial institutions will waive your checking account maintenance fee as long as you maintain the minimum daily balance. Switch to online banking. Many banks offer mobile banking apps that let you deposit checks, transfer funds, and pay bills with just your phone.

Why did I get charged a service fee?

A lot of places now charge a ``service fee'' for card purchases. Basically it's rounded up to cover the fees charged to the merchant for card processing.

Why Am I Being Charged? Understanding Account Maintenance Fees!

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How do I dispute a service fee?

Send a Dispute Letter to Your Card Company

Here are some reasons a charge might be incorrect: The date or amount of the charge is wrong. The charge is for goods or services that you didn't accept or that weren't delivered to you as agreed. You were charged more than once for something.

How do I get rid of my monthly service fee?

  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.

Can you get maintenance fees waived?

Many banks will waive your monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a certain daily balance or an average daily balance over the course of the month. Some checking accounts waive the charge if you make a minimum number of purchases with your debit card each month.

What determines maintenance fees?

The cost of maintenance fees varies depending on:
  • The type of amenities your building has;
  • The size and age of the property;
  • Whether there are multiple buildings in your complex;
  • The size of your building (low-rise, mid-rise or high-rise).

How do I avoid annual maintenance charges?

How to avoid or reduce AMC on your credit card?
  1. Choose a zero AMC card: Opt for cards with no annual maintenance charges.
  2. Meet spending criteria: Some cards waive AMCs if you spend a specific amount annually.
  3. Use promotional offers: Apply for cards that waive the first-year AMC as a promotional benefit.

What is an example of a maintenance fee?

Maintenance expenses are costs incurred when performing routine actions to keep an asset in its original condition. Examples of maintenance costs include simple electrical repairs, bulb replacement, paint touch-ups, pool cleaning, lawn care, etc.

Why are my maintenance fees so high?

It's important to consider that monthly maintenance fees can vary greatly from one location to another. In addition to the general upkeep of a property, higher monthly fees could be the result of services such as a concierge, clubhouse, increased security, covered parking, or an underground parking garage.

Why did citizens charge me a service charge?

To cover operating costs, banks may charge a monthly maintenance fee for the account for their services. The fee is also sometimes referred to as a monthly service charge and is automatically withdrawn from your account.

Can you negotiate maintenance fees?

Negotiation of maintenance, repair, and replacement obligations is essential in order to protect tenants. Tenants should consider the term of their lease, and the potential for repairs and replacements to major systems which could result in significant costs and burdensome obligations.

What's the average maintenance fee?

This means the average homeowner spends roughly $1,400 – $2,300 on regular maintenance per year, not including unexpected home repairs or replacements. But the cost can vary widely due to home size, amenities, and a number of other factors.

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

These unpaid annual maintenance fees can be sent to collection agencies and ruin credit reports. It's important to note that defaulting on your ownership will show up on your credit score, and these penalties can be very harmful in the long run.

Who pays the maintenance fees?

Under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) rules, maintenance fees are a recurring cost that owners must pay.

What qualifies as maintenance expense?

The term maintenance expense refers to any cost incurred by an individual or business to keep their assets in good working condition. These costs may be spent for the general maintenance of items like running anti-virus software on computer systems or they may be used for repairs such as fixing a car or machinery.

What is maintenance charges for?

Definition: In real estate, the residents or owners of the property in a specific area are charged for maintenance and operations of the commonly-owned property areas. This charge is called maintenance charge. Description: Generally maintenance charge is levied periodically.

Why am I charged a maintenance fee?

Also called a monthly service fee, banks charge this fee simply for the privilege of having the account. You're most likely to find one on a checking account or money market account, but some banks may also charge a monthly fee on a savings account if you don't meet certain balance or transfer requirements.

How can I avoid maintenance fees?

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.

How do I ask for a fee to be waived?

HIGHLIGHTS
  1. Clearly state your request for a fee waiver and why you need it.
  2. Highlight your financial hardships and why you cannot pay the fee.
  3. Provide supporting documents to demonstrate your financial need.
  4. Use a polite and professional tone in your email.

Why am I getting charged a service fee?

A service charge is a fee collected to pay for services related to the primary product or service being purchased. The charge is usually added at the time of the transaction. Many industries collect service charges, including restaurants, banking, and travel and tourism.

Why am I paying a service charge?

Service charges and fees help businesses manage the cost of service and often ensure that employees receive fair compensation for their work.

Why is letting money sit in your checking account a problem?

Keeping too much in your checking account could mean missing out on valuable interest and growth. About two months' worth of expenses is the most to keep in a checking account. High-yield savings accounts, CDs, and investment accounts are better for money long-term.