January 31, 2025

7 Ways to Help You Avoid a Monthly Maintenance Fee

7 Ways to Help You Avoid a Monthly Maintenance Fee@1.5x
You check your account, and there it is — that pesky monthly maintenance fee. It’s a small amount, but over time, it can add up to dozens each year. These fees can be frustrating, especially when trying to save or keep track of your finances and keep missing this cost.
What if there were ways to help you avoid that monthly maintenance fee? There are several ways to bypass these charges, from meeting minimum balance requirements to signing up for direct deposit. Let’s explore the most effective ways to avoid these charges and keep your account fee-free.

What is a monthly maintenance fee?

A monthly maintenance fee (sometimes called a monthly service fee) is a charge that banks deduct from your account — often automatically — to cover the cost of maintaining it. These fees are common with both checking and savings accounts, with the average checking account fee being just over $15. While they might seem like a minor expense, they can quickly add up over time if left unchecked.
Luckily, you don’t always have to pay this fee. Many banks allow you to avoid the monthly maintenance fee if you meet specific requirements. You might be able to skip the fee by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or making a specific number of transactions each month.
Take Chase Total Checking as an example — this account typically charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee. But you can easily avoid that fee if you have at least $500 in monthly direct deposits or maintain a minimum daily balance of $1500 or more. Additionally, online banks and credit unions often offer accounts with no monthly fees, which could be a better option for those looking to avoid bank charges altogether.

7 ways to help you avoid monthly maintenance fees

With a few strategic choices, you can take steps to manage your finances and explore ways to help reduce bank fees.
Here are seven strategies to help reduce or avoid these charges.

1. Choose a bank that doesn’t charge maintenance fees

Not all banks charge monthly maintenance fees. Many online banks and credit unions offer accounts without these costs, giving you a hassle-free way to save. For instance, banks like Ally Bank and Capital One 360 provide free checking accounts with no hidden fees. Some even reimburse out-of-network ATM fees.
Switching to a fee-free financial institution doesn’t just save you from monthly service fees — it can also help you avoid other charges like overdraft or foreign transaction fees. Take the time to research institutions that suit your needs. 

2. Maintain the minimum balance

Many banks waive monthly maintenance fees if you keep a specific amount in your account — known as the minimum balance requirement. For example, Bank of America waives the $12 monthly fee on its Advantage Plus Banking account if you maintain a daily balance of at least $1,500 or set up direct deposits totaling $250 or more each month.
To use this method, start by reviewing your bank’s rules for fee waivers. Setting up account alerts can help you track your balance and avoid dipping below the threshold. 
If maintaining a high balance is challenging, consider switching to a bank or credit union that doesn’t require one to avoid unnecessary charges.

3. Open your checking and savings account in the same bank

Bundling your checking and savings accounts at the same bank often comes with perks — one of the biggest being avoiding monthly service fees. Many banks will waive these fees if you link your accounts and maintain a combined minimum balance.
If you’re wondering what account fees you should avoid with savings accounts, the key is to keep an eye on maintenance fees, as well as transfer and overdraft charges. 

4. Choose mobile banking

Many online banks, neobanks, and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly service fees, which is a great perk compared to traditional banks. Since online banking operates without the need for physical branches, they can pass those savings on to you, often in the form of fee-free accounts.
Plus, mobile banking gives you more control over your money. You can check your balance, transfer funds, and set up alerts — all from your phone. 

5. Stay above the minimum credit card limit

Staying on top of your credit card payments and managing your balance responsibly can help you avoid unnecessary costs, including annual fees. Many credit cards charge an annual fee for the privilege of using the card, which can vary depending on the type of card and its benefits. 
By using your credit card wisely — making timely payments and staying within your credit limit — you can avoid overdraft fees and make sure the card's perks outweigh the cost.

6. Ask for fee forgiveness

If you’ve been hit with a monthly maintenance fee that you weren’t expecting, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bank and ask for fee forgiveness. Many banks are willing to waive the fee, especially if it’s your first time or you’ve had a good history with them.
Simply explain your situation — whether it was an oversight, a missed requirement, or a one-off issue — and request a fee waiver. Banks often value good customer relationships, and in some cases, they may agree to remove the charge. 

7. Use ATMs in your bank’s network

Using ATMs outside your bank’s network can incur costly fees — sometimes even $4 or more per transaction. To avoid these bank fees, make it a habit to use ATMs that are part of your bank’s network. Most banks offer a vast network of ATMs for free withdrawals, so sticking to them means you won’t have to worry about paying ATM fees.
If you frequently need cash, consider finding a network ATM near your regular routes or use your bank’s mobile app to locate one easily. Some banks also reimburse fees if you do end up using an out-of-network ATM, but it's always best to avoid the extra charges when you can. 

Other common bank fees and how you can avoid them

Banks can surprise you with additional fees that drain your account if you're not paying attention. Here are a few common ones you might encounter — and some simple ways to avoid them.

Excessive transaction fee

If you make too many withdrawals or transfers from your account, you could get hit with an excessive transaction fee. To avoid this, choose an account that fits your needs and allows unlimited monthly transactions. Look for a bank that allows more withdrawals without charging extra.

Overdraft fee

Overdraft fees can be steep, but setting up overdraft protection — linking your checking to a savings account or a credit line — can save you from these surprises. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your account balance using mobile banking so you’re never caught off guard. If you accidentally overdraw your account or make a payment without enough funds, you may also face returned check fees, which can add even more to your costs.
With EarnIn, you can set up Balance Shield1 to help avoid overdrafting your account. EarnIn can automatically alert you and transfer money from your earned wages when your balance falls below a level you set to help keep you from slipping into the negative. 

Insufficient funds fee

If you try to pay when your account balance is too low, you might face an insufficient funds fee (NSF), sometimes called a returned item fee. Try setting up balance alerts — notifications when you fall below a certain amount in the account — or linking a backup account to prevent this. That way, you can catch any low balances before they cause a problem.

Wire transfer fee

Sending money by wire can incur hefty fees, especially if it’s an international transfer. To avoid paying those wire transfer fees, consider using alternatives like Venmo, PayPal, or apps like Wise for international payments. They often have much lower fees and offer a more straightforward process.

Early account closing fee

Some banks charge a fee if you close your account too soon after opening it. If you’re planning on switching banks, make sure you know the terms — some require you to keep your account open for a minimum period before you can close it without penalty. 

Limit your maintenance fees with EarnIn

Help protecting your balance from high fees is here — with EarnIn.2 Our Balance Shield feature helps you stay in control by sending free, instant notifications if your account falls below a threshold you set.
Don’t let bank fees catch you off guard — get started with Balance Shield today and help protect your balance from unexpected fees and charges.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
1
 Balance Shield provides free alerts when your bank account balance drops below the threshold you set in your EarnIn account. You can also enable automatic transfers (up to $150/day — subject to your available earnings — with a limit of $750/pay period), if your bank account balance falls below your set threshold. You choose the speed of these automatic transfers. Standard speed is available at no cost and the transfer typically takes 1-2 business days. Lightning Speed is available for a fee [see LS Fee Table] and the transfer typically takes less than 30 minutes. You will also have the option to set a tip for automatic transfers. Tips are optional and can be $0; however, if you choose to set a tip, it will be applied to each automatic transfer. Whether you tip, how much, and how often you tip does not impact the quality and availability of services. You can cancel the alerts and/or transfers at any time in your EarnIn account settings. See the Cash Out User Agreement for more details. While Balance Shield can help you avoid overdrafts, it does not guarantee protection from third-party fees, and its effectiveness depends on your usage and bank activity.
2
 Balance Shield provides free alerts when your bank account balance drops below the threshold you set in your EarnIn account. You can also enable automatic transfers ($100/day -subject to your available earnings- with a limit of $750/pay period), if your bank account balance falls below your set  threshold. If your available earnings are insufficient to transfer the $100, the transfer will not be completed.You choose the speed of these automatic transfers. Standard speed is available at no cost and the transfer typically takes 1-2 business days. Lightning Speed is available for a fee [see Lightning Speed Fee Table] and the transfer typically takes less than 30 minutes. You will also have the option to set a tip for automatic transfers. Tips are optional and can be $0; however, if you choose to set a tip, it will be applied to each automatic transfer. Whether you tip, how much, and how often you tip does not impact the quality and availability of services. You can cancel the alerts and/or transfers at any time in your EarnIn account settings. See the Cash Out User Agreement  for more details. While Balance Shield can help you avoid overdrafts, it does not guarantee protection from third-party fees, and its effectiveness depends on your usage and bank activity.

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