25 Hidden Fees Most People Are Surprised They Are Paying

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Are you fed up with constantly feeling like your money vanishes every month without knowing where it’s going?

Do you check your bank account and find a balance lower than expected?

This is not only annoying, but it also prevents you from saving money and reaching your financial goals.

Whether it’s convenience fees when buying concert tickets online or maintenance fees on our bank accounts, these extra costs slowly chip away at your hard-earned money.

Sneaky hidden fees appear everywhere, often without us even noticing we’re paying for them.

In this article, we’ll uncover 24 hidden fees that most people don’t even realize they are paying so you can take back control of your bank account and save some serious cash in the long run.

We have chosen these 24 hidden fees based on how often they occur and how they cost you unnecessary money each month.

By being aware of these fees, you can know where your money is going, which can help you save more money for the things that truly matter to you.

Let’s jump in and find out about these sneaky fees and how to avoid them.

1. Credit Cards

If you use credit cards, you probably realize how convenient they are, but they can have hidden fees that can add up quickly.

Some of the most common credit card fees include annual fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees. Luckily, there are so many options that you can find ones without annual fees or foreign transaction fees.

If you need a balance transfer, call your card company and ask them to waive or lower this fee. Many will if you ask.

2. Inactivity Fees

If you have a bank account you hardly touch, get ready; you may be charged fees for not using it.

Many banks began to charge inactivity fees, but luckily, many have removed them as they realized how annoying the fee was to customers. At the very least, check to see if your account charges this fee. If it does, see if another option avoids the fee.

If the account is one you rarely use, consider closing it.

3. ATM Fees

ATMs often charge withdrawal fees, especially if you use an ATM outside your bank’s network.

To avoid these fees, use only your bank’s ATMs and remember to always check the fine print before using an ATM to avoid unexpected charges.

One way around these fees is to have a checking account that reimburses the fees. Many now offer this feature. The only catch is the reimbursement amount is limited, so be sure to know what it is first.

4. Online Convenience Fees

While online shopping makes our lives much easier, it can also come with convenience fees.

Some websites have hidden fees for using convenient payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal, instead of their own payment system. Make sure to read the fine print to see if you will be charged a fee for paying with a credit card.

5. Hospitality Fees

If you travel often, you may have noticed unexpected hospitality fees at hotels or resorts.

They will tack resort fees, parking fees, and even additional charges for using the hotel’s amenities to your bill. Before you book, ask for a list of the fees they charge. Or, ask for a quote that includes all the fees so you are not shocked when you see your bill.

6. Airline Fees

Airline fees are a common annoyance for anyone who travels by plane.

Besides paying the ticket cost, you may be charged for checked baggage, which seat you select, and even for printing out your boarding passes!

7. Real Estate Fees

When you buy a home, the for-sale price differs from what you will pay.

You will likely encounter unexpected fees, usually hidden in closing costs.

Some of the commonly included fees are appraisal fees, title search fees, and various taxes. The good news is that many are negotiable, and many lenders will lower them simply by asking what the fees are.

8. Hotel Fees

When staying at a hotel, you may find your bill includes hidden fees and charges.

In addition to the base cost of your room, you may be charged for some of the hotel’s amenities, such as WiFi, parking, and use of the gym or pool.

9. Foreign Transactions

If you travel abroad or pay for something in a foreign currency, you may be surprised to see a foreign transaction fee on your credit card statement.

This is an additional charge that some credit card companies add for transactions made outside of the country where the card was issued.

Some cards do not have this fee, so it may be worth looking into a different card before your trip or making a purchase.

10. Property Taxes

If you are a first-time homeowner, you may not realize you have to pay property taxes annually. Many lenders will require escrow, which breaks the annual payment into a monthly amount and adds to your monthly mortgage payment.

Property taxes vary from state to state, and they can add up to thousands of dollars per year, so if you are not expecting this expense, it can come as a shock.

11. Banking Fees

It’s always important to keep track of your bank account balance and check your statement each month to make sure there are no unexpected fees.

If you don’t have a free checking account, you may have to pay some common banking fees, including ATM withdrawal, overdraft, and monthly maintenance fees.

12. Restaurant Fees

Dining out is a great way to end up paying hidden fees to the restaurant.

Service charges, corkage fees, peak hour fees, minimum spending charges, and automatic tips for large parties may be added to your bill.

13. Food Delivery Fees

If you order food deliveries, you may be unknowingly paying hidden fees.

These include delivery fees, service charges, and even minimum order requirements. All told, these fees can skyrocket the price of your order.

14. Paper Fees

If you decide to choose to receive mail statements in the mail from banks or other companies, you may find yourself paying additional paper fees.

These fees are for printing and even postage costs, which can add up over time.

15. Medical Fees

Your doctor’s office may charge you fees for certain services you are unaware of.

Some common charges include supply fees, late appointments, and facility fees for office maintenance.

16. Late Payment Fees

If you are a procrastinator or have a busy schedule that causes you to forget to pay your payments on time, you may find yourself paying late fees.

Consider signing up for automatic payment options to ensure you never miss a payment deadline.

17. Retirement Fees

If you have a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, are you aware that you may be paying account maintenance or investment fees?

These fees can eat away at your retirement savings over time, so it’s important to be aware of them.

Consider consulting a financial advisor for guidance on how to lower these fees.

18. Rental Car Company Fees

When traveling, you may need to rent a car. While the advertised price may seem affordable, be aware of additional fees you may be charged.

Some common extra charges rental car companies may add include insurance, gas fees, additional driver fees, and late return fees.

19. Internet Fees

When you sign up for internet service, you may also be signing up to pay hidden fees.

These could include installation fees, data caps, overage charges, equipment rental, and early termination fees.

Read the fine print before signing any contracts and ask about these hidden fees upfront to avoid surprises later on.

20. Car Dealership Fees

Buying a car can be an exciting experience, but in all the excitement, you may not take the time to read the fine print where the dealership hides fees you will end up paying.

Some common charges they include are documentation fees, dealer preparation fees, and advertising fees.

21. Transfer Fees

When transferring money between banks or accounts, you most likely will be charged a transfer fee.

Some banks may offer free transfers if you only transfer to another account at the same bank, but if you need to transfer funds to a different bank or through a third-party app, expect to pay a fee.

22. Payment App Fees

Payment apps have become very popular for convenience, but you might be surprised when they charge you fees for certain transactions.

Some of the common hidden fees you might have to pay are for using a credit card to make payments, or they may limit how much you can transfer in one transaction before incurring a fee.

23. Subscription Services Fees

If you enjoy entertainment with online streaming services, chances are you have several subscriptions.

But did you know that some services charge hidden fees, such as a fee for canceling your subscription early or for upgrading to a different plan?

24. Free Trial Fees

So, you decide to try one of the free trials many apps and services offer because it’s free?

What happens if you forget to cancel some free trials before the trial period ends?

You guessed it, hidden fees where you are automatically charged monthly after the trial ends unless you cancel.

25. Gym Fees

When you join a gym, you expect to pay monthly gym dues, but did you know that some gyms also charge initiation fees, annual maintenance fees, membership fees, and even cancellation fees?

Additionally, keep track of your membership renewal dates, as these fees often come with yearly renewals.

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