How Can You Avoid Bank Maintenance Fees?

Learn effective ways to avoid bank maintenance fees by choosing no-fee accounts or meeting balance and deposit requirements.

Published

Video transcript

Yes, you can avoid maintenance fees by choosing banks that offer no-fee checking accounts or by fulfilling certain conditions such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposits, or using online-only services. Some credit unions and smaller banks also provide fee-free account options. Reviewing your bank's terms and seeking out more favorable account types can help you avoid these charges.

Questions and answers

  1. What is a maintenance fee on a bank account?

    A maintenance fee is a recurring charge that banks apply to checking or savings accounts for account upkeep, usually monthly.

  2. How can I avoid bank maintenance fees?

    You can avoid fees by choosing no-fee checking accounts, maintaining the required minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using credit unions and online-only banks.

  3. Are there banks that do not charge maintenance fees?

    Yes, many banks and credit unions offer no-fee checking accounts with no maintenance fees if certain conditions are met or simply by account type.

  4. Do online-only banks charge maintenance fees?

    Most online-only banks typically do not charge maintenance fees, making them a popular choice for avoiding these charges.