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How to Avoid Common Banking Fees and Save More Money

Lucas Bennet

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How to Avoid Common Banking Fees and Save More Money

Money management is essential for quality of life in today’s quick-moving world because it ensures the person has enough money to fall back on in difficult times. This is the best way to begin saving because most people are not conversant with banking charges that may accumulate over time. As more and more Credit One Bank mobile apps, City National Bank mobile apps, and others exemplify, mobile banking is a reality today. 

What are Some of the Bank Charges?

To avoid the standard fees on bank accounts, one needs to know what type of fees are usually charged by the bank. Moreover, it is worth understanding that the bank’s fees apply to many operations, which can take a toll on one’s wallet. Let’s break down the most common fees you might encounter:

1. Monthly Maintenance Fees

How to Avoid Common Banking Fees and Save More Money

Some banks debit a maintenance fee on accounts to keep them open, and it can be as low as a few dollars up to $15 and beyond. While this fee is usually avoidable, specific thresholds, such as minimum balance or direct deposit, can reverse it.

How to Avoid

Be sure not to use the account below the limit set by the bank to attract the fee.

If it has this facility, it should arrange for direct debits.

Returning to the specific recommendations, changing banks that charge monthly maintenance fees might be helpful.

2. ATM Withdrawal Fees

It is important to note that when you transact at other ATMs, you will incur charges between $2 and $5 for each transaction. Although it may not sound like much, the amount may build up, especially if frequent withdrawals are made from the account.

How to Avoid

Again, stick to the bank’s machines to avoid charges.

If you need to use another bank’s ATM, avoid making too frequent withdrawals, but make them larger ones.

3. Overdraft Fees

If you overdraw your account while buying goods and services or withdrawing, you are subject to an overdraft fee of $30$35 per transaction.

How to Avoid

However, you should frequently check your balance through mobile banking applications for overdrafts.

Label alerts on mobile apps that remind you it’s time to recharge whenever your balance goes low.

Be sure to link your checking account to a savings account so that it is automatically backed up when overdrawn.

 4. Insufficient Funds Fees

Like overdraft fees, this arises when insufficient funds are available for a transaction, but your bank does not have overdraft protection.

How to Avoid:

Make it a practice to ensure that your balance is always sufficient to cover any transaction.

Do not let this apply to you; opt out of overdraft protection if it is not what you seek.

How to Avoid Hidden Bank Fees?

Many of the standard hidden bank fees can be named; moreover, almost every bank has some. Some of these fees may not have been mentioned in the account agreement you signed or in the statement you receive every month, but they have a cash value, which is충적

 1. Paper Statement Fees

For a long time, some banks have charged a fee for mailing the statement instead of delivering an emailed one. This fee may apply, and when used over time, you use a lot of paper.

How to Avoid:

Do not incur these fees by switching to electronic statements. Nearly every bank offers an option to switch to paperless statements through its mobile app or website.

2. Foreign Transaction Fees

If you use a debit or credit card to make a purchase in another country, the merchants will charge you a foreign transaction fee of 13% of the goods you buy.

How to Avoid:

Choose a credit card with no foreign transaction fees when traveling overseas.

For convenience, use local currency for cash payments and avoid card purchases.

3. Inactivity Fees

Some banks also charge an inactivity fee, which means they close your account if you have not used it for a few years.

How to Avoid:

Otherwise, they will charge this fee; therefore, making occasional deposits or withdrawals is advisable.

Which Mobile Banking Apps Will Help With Money Handling

Mobile applications in banking have changed how people handle their financial services. Some buckets of easy expense tracking include alerting for slow balances and several banking fees that can be avoided. Here are some apps to consider:

1. Credit One Bank Mobile App

The Credit One Bank mobile app enables one to analyze credit cards and spending. Some of the options with this app are checking credit scores, paying bills, and receiving spending notifications.

How It Helps Save Money:

Be careful not to go overboard with expenses, as this will indebtedness your account and incur extra charges.

Monitor credit score changes so you do not get charged higher interest rates because of poor credit.

2. City National Bank Mobile App

In particular, City National Bank has an application designed for mobile banking, which is convenient because it allows easy control over money. This app lets you quickly check your balances, move money from one account to another, and pay your bills on your phone.

How It Helps Save Money:

Turn on automatic payments for all your utilities to avoid late fines.

Saved are the account alerts that ensure you remain updated on your account balance to avoid going into a negative balance and being charged an overdraft fee.

3. First Financial Bank Smartphone Application

The First Financial Bank mobile application will enable you to conduct account balance checks, Bill payments, and deposits. Some of the features that are available to make it easier to avoid fees and to remain on top of your budget include the following;

How It Helps Save Money:

Deposit checks using mobile check deposit so that you don’t spend cash to deposit checks physically.

Follow up accounts to see any account balance and look for signs of an account going into the negative.

4. Eastern Bank Mobile App

How to Avoid Common Banking Fees and Save More Money

Its mobile banking service offers all banking features and highly responsive customer support. It also has handy options for budgeting and managing a financial plan.

How It Helps Save Money:

Create alarms so that you do not spend more money than required, and you also reduce the frequent use of bank charges.

Mobile banking also enlists features of an integrated budget to track your expenditures.

Conclusion

It is, therefore, efficient to reduce or evade some of the general banking charges that affect our expenditure in one way or another. Just use your mobile banking apps and apply some mindfulness rules into practice: enjoy the benefits of being aware of your spending, setting concrete financial goals, and building a secure financial future. Whether it is the penalty charges for any overdraft, the use of the Credit One Bank mobile app to monitor spending, or the effort to exercise due diligence regarding buying something that is not essential, then every move one makes towards managing his or her money well in the future will go a long way in improving the quality of the saver’s life.

ALSO READ: 15 Money-Saving Hacks That Work

FAQs

1. Here are some standard hidden bank fees that people should be cautious of:  

These are some of the additional fees that are not easily seen; these include paper statement fees, foreign transaction fees, and inactivity fees. The following fees can be eradicated: receiving statements online, possessing no foreign transaction cards, and maintaining an active account.

2. How do I stop paying monthly maintenance fees?  

The bank may charge you hourly maintenance fees, but you must meet their standard minimum balance or have regular direct deposits into your account.

3. Is there any application in mobile banking that will enable me to avoid charges?  

Indeed, mobile applications by Credit One Bank, City National Bank, and First Financial Bank come with tools for conscious spending, individual notification settings, and protection against fees.

4. In what way can practicing Mindfulness benefit one in maintaining finances?  

Mindfulness assists in that way by promoting awareness, deliberate decision-making, and avoiding otherwise reckless spending. It creates awareness of your spending habits, hence improving your financial health.

5. What are the simple ways to practice Mindfulness?  

Here are some examples of easy exercises that can be accomplished: Mindful purchasing – paying with attention, weekly or monthly budgeting, and conscientious goal setting for future financial plans.

Author

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Lucas Bennet

Lucas Bennett is a seasoned finance writer with a deep understanding of the intricate world of money, banking, and wealth management. With years of experience in the finance industry, Lucas specializes in providing insightful analysis and practical advice on investments, funds, and capital management.

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