Many people don’t realize that their bank can charge various fees, and these costs can add up over time. Understanding these hidden fees helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and save money.

One common hidden fee is the monthly maintenance fee. Some banks charge a fee just for having an account, unless you meet certain requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposits. If you don’t qualify, you might be paying this fee every month without realizing it.

Another sneaky fee is the ATM fee. When you use an ATM that’s outside your bank’s network, you’re often charged a fee, and the owner of the ATM might also charge you. This can happen even if you’re just withdrawing cash nearby. To avoid this, try to use ATMs belonging to your bank or plan your withdrawals to minimize fees.

Many banks also charge overdraft fees. If you spend more money than you have in your account, the bank might automatically cover the extra amount and charge you a fee—sometimes around $30 or more. This can happen if you forget about a pending transaction or don’t keep track of your balance. To prevent overdraft fees, consider linking your checking account to a savings account for overdraft protection or setting up low-balance alerts.

Some banks sneak in transaction fees for specific services, like stopping payments, wire transfers, or using certain features. These fees might not be obvious when you open your account, but they can appear on your monthly statement.

Finally, watch out for foreign transaction fees if you use your debit or credit card abroad or for international online shopping. These charges are usually a percentage of your purchase and can be quite costly if you travel or shop internationally often.

The best way to avoid these hidden fees is to read your bank’s fee schedule carefully, ask questions when opening an account, and regularly review your statements. Choosing a bank with no or low fees, or meeting account requirements to waive fees, can save you money in the long run. Being aware of these charges helps you make smarter financial decisions and keep more money in your pocket.