How to Lower Bank Fees

If you have a banking account you more than likely know how quickly fees can add up if you are not careful. There are several ways you can lower the fees the bank charges to your account by following a few simple tips.

• Limit the amount of times you use the ATM. The fees associated with the usage can add up fast. If at all possible try to use an ATM machine associated with your banking institution to save on fees. Using a machine that is not in your network will normally charge you a fee in addition to the one charged by your bank.


• Search for a bank that offers free checking accounts. This is a great incentive many banks has started offering to their customers.


• Search for a bank that does not require you to have a minimum amount of money in your account. Some banks will charge you a fee if the balance in the account drops below the minimum.


• Consider opening a savings account because these types of accounts earn interest.


• Consider enrolling in online bill pay, which many banks are now offering to their customers at no charge. This will save you the expense of purchasing stamps.


• Sign up for overdraft protection, which will offset some of the fees if you an overdraft on your account. The bank will charge you a fee, but you will not get charged a fee by the institution where you wrote the check.


• Order your own checks instead of ordering them through your bank. There are several places you can order checks that will charge you a fraction of what the bank charges.