How to stop paying overdraft and bank fees for good
Bank fees drain money from people who can least afford them — but almost all of them are avoidable once you know how banks charge them.
Key takeaways
- Turn off overdraft coverage so purchases decline instead of triggering fees.
- Switch to a free checking account with no monthly or minimum-balance fee.
- Call to ask for a fee to be waived — banks often do for good customers.
Overdraft, monthly maintenance, and other bank fees can cost hundreds of dollars a year, and they hit hardest when your balance is already low. The good news: nearly all of them are avoidable.
How to eliminate the most common fees:
- Overdraft fees: turn OFF overdraft 'coverage' so purchases are declined instead of triggering a fee, and set low-balance alerts
- Monthly maintenance fees: switch to a free checking account or meet the requirement (often direct deposit) that waives the fee
- Minimum-balance fees: choose an account with no minimum
- ATM fees: use your bank's in-network ATMs or get cash back at a store checkout
If you've been charged a fee, call and politely ask them to waive it — banks often reverse a fee for a customer in good standing, especially a first-time or occasional one.
The bigger move is choosing a bank or credit union that simply doesn't charge these fees. Many free checking accounts and most credit unions have no monthly fee and no overdraft trap. Switching once can end these charges permanently.
What this is
Why it matters
What you can do next
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How do I avoid overdraft fees?
Opt out of overdraft coverage so transactions that would overdraw are simply declined instead of processed with a fee. Set low-balance alerts, and consider an account that doesn't charge overdraft fees at all.
Can I get a bank fee refunded?
Often yes. Call and politely ask for a courtesy waiver, especially if it's your first or a rare fee and you're otherwise in good standing. Banks frequently reverse a fee to keep a customer.
Keep reading
How to negotiate almost any bill
Many bills are more flexible than they look — a polite, prepared phone call can lower medical, phone, internet, and other bills more often than you'd expect.
Read Banking basicsHow to stop paying ATM fees
ATM fees are small but add up fast — a few simple habits let you get your cash without the surcharge.
Read Banking basicsHow to find the best free checking account
A truly free checking account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft traps — and they're easier to find than you think.
Read Banking basicsHow to keep your money safe
Learn simple, practical steps to keep your bank account and money safe from fraud, theft, and scams.
ReadTest what you learned & earn points
Take a quick 3-question quiz on this article to earn MoneyFAQ points, build your streak, and unlock badges. Free account required.
Want answers personalized to your situation?
Tell us your #1 money goal and we'll tailor MoneyFAQ to you — free, takes 10 seconds.
When you're ready, here are some options
These are ads from partners — always optional. Looking is free and never affects your credit score. Reading the guide above is completely free either way.