In recent months, a number of banks have plopped new fees on customers or are test-driving them in certain states, from Citibank’s new $20 monthly fee on checking accounts to Wells Fargo’s trial $3 debit fee in certain states.
The new fees are “strategically set,” often by consultants hired by banks, said John Ulzheimer, consumer education president for SmartCredit.com, in an email.
Banks want new fees to be high enough to significantly boost revenues, but not so high that customers are motivated to flee, he said.
An August survey by Bankrate.com found that fewer than 2 percent of banks were charging monthly or annual debit card fees. But overall, 60 percent more accounts carry fees and balance requirements than a year ago.
“Bank fees aren’t going away,” said Bankrate senior financial analyst Greg McBride in an email. “We’ll see continued declines in free checking accounts and debit rewards programs, in addition to monthly debit card fees.
But, he added, “Consumers are not hostage to these fees, and savvy consumers won’t stand for them.”
As consumers, we’ve all got choices. If you’re looking for options to avoid the new fees, here’s an overview:
• Talk to your bank: Ask the bank for how to avoid the fees, says Hardekopf. Some banks will waive fees if you maintain a higher balance or open an additional account, like savings. Some, like BofA, let you avoid fees if using your debit card only for ATM withdrawals, not for purchases.
• Switch to the 3 “C’s”: If you don’t want to get dinged on your debit card, one option is switching to cash, checks or credit cards.
Obviously, you won’t be handing over piles of $100 bills at Best Buy to pay for a new computer or TV. But opening your wallet and using the green stuff can have an added bonus: putting the brakes on spending.
“There was a study that said if you pay with cash, you will spend 12 to 18 percent less than if you shop with a credit card,” said Hardekopf.
Credit cards can be a good option, but only if you pay the balance – in full and on time – each month. If not, interest charges or late payment fees could easily outstrip a $5 monthly debit card fee.
• Look at online banks or credit unions: Credit unions, which are not-for-profits that don’t answer to shareholders, typically offer fewer or lower fees. Some require membership in an association or workplace. But many, like SAFE, Schools or Golden1, have virtually no membership requirement.
Credit unions are pouncing on the opportunity to entice new customers away from banks. Golden 1, for instance, has been running newspaper ads that urge “Say ‘No’ to Big Bank Fees!” It promises free checking accounts and debit cards with no monthly fees. Donna Bland, Golden1′s president and CEO, said there’s been an uptick in new account inquiries. SAFE Credit Union reports a 54 percent increase in online account applications in the last month.
“Consumers need to know they don’t need to pay for what they should get for free. They have options,” said Bland.
To find a credit union near you, go to: www.FindACreditUnion.com or www.ASmarterChoice.org , both sponsored by national credit union associations.
Online banks, like AllyBank or ING Direct, are another option. Since they don’t have brick-and-mortar branches, they also tend to offer lower fees and better interest rates.
And don’t overlook smaller, community banks that also might offer better rates and fewer fees.
• A note of caution: Before you bounce from your bank, be sure you’re not trading one bothersome fee for others somewhere else. One way to compare bank fees is at websites like www.Bankrate.com or a newer site, www.DepositAccounts.com .
Bankrate, for instance, lets you type in your city and ZIP code to compare rates for checking, savings and money market accounts. It lists local banks and their monthly fees, ATM charges, minimum balances, etc.
Marching out the door of your bank, no matter how satisfactory that may sound, needs to be done carefully so you don’t incur extra costs.
Consumers Union, the San Francisco-based watchdog group that recently asked Congress to investigate whether BofA’s $5 monthly fee is justified, warns consumers to not move too hastily when closing out an existing account.
Among its tips: If you open a second account at another bank or credit union, put in enough money to avoid charges for a low balance. See if it’s possible to make the transfer electronically.
Keep both accounts open for at least a month or one billing cycle, if not longer. Don’t close the first account until all your outstanding checks have cleared. If using direct deposit, contact your employer or others to reroute checks to the new account.
Once you’ve confirmed that your new direct deposit is working, switch your automatic online payments for car loans, utilities, Visa payments. Give it a full billing cycle, then close out your existing account.
Whether you bolt your bank, suck up the extra fees or find alternatives, the choice is yours.
“In fact, most consumers who complain about these new fees will likely pay them because of the time investment in moving their accounts,” said Ulzheimer. “(Consumers) convince themselves they can budget for the monthly cost, which is exactly what banks want you to do.”
Have a personal finance question? Call The Bee’s Claudia Buck at (916) 321-1968.
articles by Claudia Buck
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