When you suddenly notice that the balance in your bank account shows more spending than what you’ve actually spent, you’re not imagining things. Hidden fees are quietly siphoning away your hard-earned money every single month. Credit card companies, banks, hotels, and even airlines are all guilty of sneaking in extra charges, hoping you won’t notice.

So, before these fees continue draining your wallet month after month, let’s discuss these common culprits and how you can save yourself.

Bank Account Maintenance Fees

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You’re basically paying to access your own money. Some banks charge "maintenance fees" just for holding your money. These range from $5 to $25 monthly unless you meet sneaky requirements. To dodge them, pick a fee-free bank, keep the minimum balance, or set up direct deposit.

Overdraft Fees

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Swipe, decline, and—boom!—you’re hit with a $35 overdraft fee. Thankfully, new rules could cap these at $5. To avoid the hassle, set up alerts, track your balance, or opt out of overdraft protection because a small slip-up shouldn’t cost you a fancy dinner!

ATM Fees

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Using an out-of-network ATM can cost you twice—once from the ATM owner and again from your own bank. Fees typically range from $2.50 to $5 per withdrawal. Instead of handing over your money for nothing, stick to in-network ATMs or choose banks that reimburse these fees.

Early Termination Fees

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Canceling a contract early can also come with hefty penalties. Some providers charge hundreds to break a contract early. Before signing up, check the terms, and if you need to cancel, try negotiating with the company. Sometimes, a little persistence can save you big.

Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees

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Your vacation souvenirs may cost more than you think. Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% on international purchases. That’s an extra $30 on a $1,000 purchase! To avoid this unnecessary charge, use a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees.

Late Payment Fees

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Miss a payment deadline, and you’ll be hit with a late fee—sometimes as high as $40. Credit card companies and utility providers love profiting from procrastination. To avoid paying this, set up auto-pay or payment reminders. Why pay extra for being a little forgetful?

Inactivity Fees on Prepaid Cards

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Some prepaid cards punish you for not using them by deducting a small fee if your balance sits untouched for too long. It’s like a gym membership for your money—paying for something you’re not even using. Avoid this by regularly using the card or choosing one without inactivity fees.

Resort Fees

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Booking a hotel room at a great rate may also come with hidden fees. Many hotels tack on resort fees—typically $20 to $50 per night—for “extras” like Wi-Fi or gym access, even if you never use them. Always check for hidden fees before booking, and don’t be afraid to ask for them to be waived.

Airline Seat Selection Fees

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Airlines now charge for everything, including choosing a standard seat. Unless you want to sit in the dreaded middle seat, they’ll charge you anywhere from $10 to $50 to pick a seat to your liking. Fortunately, you can still select your seat at check-in or fly with airlines that don’t charge extra for seat assignments.

Subscription Auto-Renewal Fees

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The free trials aren’t so free after all. Many subscriptions auto-renew without warning and charge you for another month (or year) of a service you may not even use. Keep track of renewal dates and cancel unwanted subscriptions before they charge you.

Utility Paper Billing Fees

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Some utility companies charge you a fee—usually $1 to $5—just to mail a paper bill. While it seems small, it adds up over time. Switch to electronic billing to save money and avoid paying extra for something that should already be included. Bonus: It’s better

Cell Phone Activation Fees

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Your carrier might hit you with an activation fee if you’re switching to a new mobile plan. And this could be anything between $30 and $50. These charges are rarely necessary and often negotiable. Ask if they can be waived or look for promotions that eliminate activation fees.

Event Ticket Service Fees

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Ever bought concert or sports tickets online and wondered why the total price skyrocketed at checkout? That’s service fees, which can add 20% or more to your ticket price. Whenever possible, buy tickets directly from the venue to avoid these annoying charges.

Shipping and Handling Fees

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Online shopping can be a budget trap when unexpected shipping and handling fees appear at checkout. Some retailers inflate these costs beyond what’s reasonable. Make sure to check for free shipping options and use promo codes or bundle purchases to qualify for free shipping.