How to Avoid ATM and Bounced Check Fees

ATM fees and fees for bouncing checks have hit all time highs. Bounce a check and you could be paying $30 for the privilege. Forget to get cash before going out Saturday night, and it could cost you more than $2.50 to use another bank's ATM.

Both these fees are avoidable if you only plan ahead.

1. You can avoid bouncing checks by taking a few minutes to balance your checkbook every month as soon as your statement arrives.
2. Also remember to track the use of debit cards. They're often the cause of bounced checks.
3. As for ATM surcharges, these too can be avoided by planning ahead and using your own bank's ATM.
4. You should analyze all of your bank's fees while you're at it.
5. And one last thought while we're on the subject: by opting for an interest bearing checking account, paying roughly 0.3%, you're tying up a minimum balance of $2,500 or more that could be earning as much as 5% in a better account.

So be sure to take a look at everything.

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