If you've ever had the suspicion that your bank is overcharging you, you may be right! In fact, banks are making windfall profits off of unsuspecting consumers. And it's money you don't have to be losing.
According to Liz Pulliam Weston, personal finance writer for MSN Money, the banking industry collects more than $50 billion a year in various service charges, more than twice the total of a decade ago. Many banks charge too much for just about everything - from monthly account fees, to "per check" service, to stop payments, to overdraft protection. You might think these are just minor fees everyone has to endure, but more and more consumers are becoming dissatisfied by all the "nickel and dime" charges.
Here's what you can do to reduce or eliminate many of these costs:
•ü Ask your bank for a detailed description of each type of checking account they offer, and choose the right account for you.
•ü Get overdraft protection. The fees are generally lower than when you bounce a check.
•ü Consider using a debit card for your purchases. You don't have to worry about facing a big credit card bill at the end of the month. You do have to worry about not having enough cash left to cover your major expenses. But watch out for bank fees when you use your card.
•ü Shop for bank services the same way you would shop for anything else. As a general rule, smaller banks have lower (and fewer) fees. Check out the banks in your area that are owned locally, and make a switch. You'll be surprised how much money you can save on an annual basis from one bank to the next.
•ü Don't buy physical checks from your bank. There are trustworthy companies that print checks for significantly less money.
•ü Shop around for the best deal on savings accounts. Banks offer basic, low-interest savings accounts and higher interest money-market accounts. Look at what brokerage firms have to offer.
•ü If you're a senior, make sure you ask about special discounts or checking accounts with no fees.
•ü Sign up for direct deposit of your paycheck. That way, you know your money will be there when you need it.
•ü Use personal finance software such as Quicken or Money, which allows you to keep track of your finances and download your transactions. Some banks charge for the download, so look for one that doesn't.
•ü Join a credit union. They are member-owned and not-for-profit. The Credit Union National Association estimates the nation's 90 million credit union members save $8 billion a year thanks to better interest rates and reduced fees. Check with your employer, or go to www.joinacu.org and use the CU Matchup tool.
Remember, shop for your banking services the same way you shop for anything else - take your time, comparison shop, and get picky. Know what they're really charging. Read the fine print. Ask questions and expect straightforward answers. After all, it's YOUR money!
