Your money is slipping away, and you might not even realize it.
Businesses have mastered the art of sneaking extra fees into everyday transactions, banking on the fact that most people won’t question a few extra dollars here and there. These charges are small enough to seem harmless but add up to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars a year. Whether it’s hidden service fees, sneaky subscription charges, or vague “convenience” costs, companies are quietly draining your wallet while making it seem normal.
The worst part? Many of these fees aren’t necessary at all. They’re designed to maximize corporate profits while keeping customers in the dark. But once you know what to look for, you can stop paying for things you don’t need. These 12 sneaky fees are everywhere, buried in fine print and auto-pay settings. Spotting them is the first step—getting rid of them is the next.
1. Banking fees quietly eat away at your savings.
Banks love charging fees for things that should be free. Monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and even paper statement fees can slowly chip away at your money without you realizing it. Some accounts even have “inactivity” fees if you don’t use them often enough.
The good news? Most of these fees are avoidable. Switching to a no-fee online bank, setting up direct deposits to meet minimum balance requirements, and using only in-network ATMs can help you keep more of your money, according to Elizabeth Gravier at CNBC. If your bank is charging you for basic services, it might be time to switch to one that doesn’t.
2. Resort fees make your hotel stay way more expensive.
You think you got a great deal on a hotel—until you check out and see an extra charge tacked onto your bill. Resort fees, also known as facility fees or destination fees, can add $30 to $50 per night to your stay, covering things like pool access, Wi-Fi, and gym use—whether you use them or not, as stated by Sally French at Nerd Wallet.
Unlike taxes, these fees aren’t always included in the price you see when booking, making your trip more expensive than expected. To avoid them, look for hotels that don’t charge resort fees, or call ahead and ask if they’ll waive them. Sometimes, politely challenging the fee at checkout can get it removed.
3. Service fees on concert tickets inflate the real price.
Buying tickets online always seems to come with a frustrating surprise—the dreaded service fee. Ticketing platforms add extra charges for processing, convenience, and even “delivery” of digital tickets, turning a $50 ticket into a $70 purchase before you even check out, as reported by Julia Glum at Money.
Avoiding these fees isn’t always easy, but there are ways around them. Buying tickets directly from the venue, opting for in-person purchases, or using fan-to-fan resale platforms can help cut down on unnecessary costs. Some events also offer “no-fee” presale promotions, so keep an eye out for those.
4. Subscriptions keep charging you long after you’ve stopped using them.
Monthly subscriptions for streaming services, apps, magazines, and even meal kits have a way of sticking around long after you stop using them. Companies count on people forgetting about these charges, raking in billions from subscriptions people no longer need.
Doing a quick audit of your bank and credit card statements can reveal hidden recurring charges. Cancel anything you don’t use, and consider setting a reminder to review your subscriptions every few months. Many banks now offer tools to track and cancel unused subscriptions with a single click.
5. Convenience fees punish you for paying a bill online.
You’d think that paying a bill online would be easier—and cheaper—for companies, but some businesses charge a “convenience fee” just for using a credit or debit card. These fees are common with utility companies, government services, and even some landlords.
To avoid them, see if there’s a way to pay through your bank’s bill pay system or set up automatic payments from your checking account. Many companies waive fees for direct bank transfers, saving you a few extra dollars each time.
6. Early termination fees trap you in contracts.
Internet providers, phone companies, and even some gyms love locking customers into long-term contracts with hefty early termination fees. If you decide to cancel before your contract is up, you could be on the hook for hundreds of dollars.
Before signing up for any service, check the cancellation policy. If you’re already locked in, some companies will waive fees if you move to an area they don’t serve or if you negotiate with customer service. In some cases, competitors will even pay your termination fee if you switch to their service.
7. Car rental agencies sneak in fees you don’t actually need.
Renting a car comes with all kinds of surprise charges—insurance add-ons, refueling fees, toll service fees, and even charges for using a debit card instead of a credit card. Some companies even try to charge you for “optional” extras you never agreed to.
Before renting, check your personal auto insurance and credit card benefits—many already cover rental car insurance. Declining extras like GPS, roadside assistance, and prepaid fuel can also help keep costs down. Always inspect the car and take photos before driving off to avoid surprise damage fees when you return it.
8. Airline fees turn a cheap ticket into a costly flight.
Budget airlines lure customers in with low fares, then nickel-and-dime them with fees for baggage, seat selection, carry-ons, and even printing a boarding pass. Some airlines charge extra for overhead bin space or priority boarding, making it impossible to travel without extra costs.
To keep costs down, read the fine print before booking and only fly with airlines that include basic amenities in the ticket price. Packing light, bringing your own snacks, and checking in online can also help you avoid unnecessary fees.
9. Credit card foreign transaction fees quietly drain your travel budget.
If you use your credit card while traveling abroad, you might be paying an extra 2-3% on every purchase without realizing it. Foreign transaction fees can add up fast, making international trips more expensive than expected.
To avoid them, use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. Many travel rewards cards offer this perk, making them a smarter choice for international purchases. Checking exchange rates ahead of time and withdrawing cash in larger amounts can also reduce extra banking fees.
10. Grocery delivery apps charge hidden fees beyond the tip.
Ordering groceries online might be convenient, but it comes with extra costs beyond the delivery fee. Many services mark up prices on individual items, charge service fees, and add small hidden surcharges that go unnoticed.
If you prefer grocery delivery, compare the total cost to in-store prices before placing an order. Some stores offer free pickup services as a way to avoid these fees while still skipping the checkout line.
11. Toll road fees can cost you extra if you’re not careful.
Driving on toll roads can be expensive, but rental car companies and some states make it even worse by charging processing fees if you don’t prepay or use their toll service. Even local drivers can get hit with surprise toll bills in areas that have removed cash payment options.
Before driving in a new area, check toll road policies and see if prepaying saves you money. If you’re renting a car, bring your own toll transponder or pay tolls manually to avoid extra charges.
12. Account maintenance fees on investment platforms quietly shrink your savings.
Some investment accounts charge maintenance fees, account inactivity fees, or even fees for speaking with a customer service representative. If you’re not paying attention, these charges can eat into your long-term savings without you realizing it.
Switching to a low-cost brokerage or robo-advisor can help eliminate unnecessary fees. Many platforms now offer commission-free trades and no annual account fees, so there’s no reason to pay extra for basic investment management.