Most consumers face fees that cover the cost of providing services to you. Banks are no different.
Banking maintenance fees typically come as mandatory monthly payments, but they can differ in their standardized rates.
Read on to learn more about what a monthly maintenance fee encompasses, which banking instruments come with this fee, and to see a visual breakdown of average monthly fees according to the banking institution.
What is a monthly maintenance fee?
Banks charge customers a maintenance fee to cover the cost of working with you, whether that means opening new accounts, processing transactions, or providing their expertise on a specialized matter. In most cases, the predetermined amount is withdrawn from your bank account each month.
This fee is also known as a monthly service fee.
The guidelines surrounding this can vary, just like the actual cost of the fee. The fee may be mandatory, or there may be some measures you can take to avoid paying it if you meet certain qualifications.
The most common way to waive this cost is maintaining a certain account balance. Some banks offer to waive the fee if you make a minimum number of purchases with your card. Your ability to avoid the fee resets each month.
Depending on the type of account that you have, the rate may change. For example, rewards checking accounts will charge you a higher fee than a traditional checking account.
Remember, if you have multiple accounts open, you’ll probably face various banking fees. Be careful — these can add up quickly, especially if you have high-interest fees.
Which banking products have monthly maintenance fees?
All credit lenders and banks must inform their customers of any monthly fees before they sign up for an account. This information is in the fine print, so always take time to read it as the account holder. This applies to any credit card or debit card.
The majority of basic checking and savings accounts charge a monthly fee for usage, and some have transaction fees if you exceed a certain number of debit card purchases. This includes personal checking accounts and business-centered accounts as well.
A certification of deposit account, or CD, doesn’t usually charge a maintenance fee. This is a specialized savings account that locks away your money until a maturity date. During this time, you’ll earn a higher interest rate on those funds. These accounts are subject to penalties if you withdraw your money early.
What is the average monthly maintenance fee?
Monthly maintenance fees depend on the bank, but as of 2021, the average fee is approximately $15.50. Unfortunately, this number has reached an all-time high.
It’s always wise to do your research to stay abreast of what’s happening and save yourself as much money as you can.
The following table outlines the most prominent American banks and their subsequent maintenance fees. Note: these fees apply to their most basic accounts, as opposed to more specialized ones.
Some banks don’t charge a monthly maintenance fee at all. These are usually online banks. However, Alliant Chime, Credit Union, American Express, Capital One 360, Discover, First Republic Bank, HSBC Direct, SoFi, and USAA are just a few brick-and-mortar establishments that don’t charge an account fee either.
Point's contributions
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