Photo: Bjarne Henning Kvaale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts.
Ways to save
Online banks and credit unions often have no monthly fee.
Some effort Good savingDeclined transactions instead of fees.
Easy Good savingBanks often refund a first or occasional fee.
Easy Small savingOr banks that refund ATM fees.
Easy Small savingStep by step
- List the fees you paid last year.
- Ask your bank to waive them.
- Compare free accounts.
What to say
Hi, I was charged a [fee] on [date]. I’ve been a customer for [X] years. Could you refund it?
When
Any time.
Watch out for
- Minimum balance requirements on “free” accounts.
Did it work? What readers report
Real results from people who tried these steps on their bank fees bill. "Worked" means they got a lower price; savings are per month, counting only people who saved something.
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Tried one of these? Tell us how it went
See results for every bill on what worked.
General information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Terms vary by provider and state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to lower my bank fees bill?
Turn off overdraft coverage. Declined transactions instead of fees.
When should I shop for bank fees?
Any time.
What worked for readers
Cut your Bank fees bill? Tell us what worked. The first good one goes right here.
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Questions from readers
Question about Bank fees? Ask it here.