How to Avoid ATM and Bounced Check Fees

According to a new study we just saw, banks charge more than $17.5 billion in overdraft fees every year. That's more than they loan, according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

It's also outrageous.

Many banking fees have hit all-time highs at a time when we need that money more than ever. ATM fees and fees for bouncing checks are among those. 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.

These are just two fees that are easily avoidable with a little advance planning.

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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