Hidden fees can quietly add up on your monthly bills, leading to unnecessary expenses that are often overlooked. By identifying and addressing these charges, you can save yourself from paying more than necessary. This list investigates various common hidden fees that many people unknowingly pay each month, along with tips on how to avoid them and keep more money in your pocket.
Activation Fees
Some service providers will charge an activation fee when you sign up for a new service. But this is less common than we think and can be avoided if you look for an alternative service provider. You must have a good look at your contract before paying for a new service.
Inactivity Fees
According to Investopedia, the average monthly bank inactivity fee runs between £7.50 and £15. If your account isn’t active, check that you’re not being charged an inactivity fee. Don’t hesitate to cancel the service if necessary.
Early Termination Fees
If you terminate your contract before its end date, you could end up paying an early termination fee. These termination fees are expensive. You can avoid them by making sure you know the duration of the contract and calculating the cost of paying until the end or terminating the contract early.
Free Trial Subscriptions
According to User Pilot, the average free trial conversion rate for opt-in trials is 18.20%. If you sign up for a free trial, don’t forget the date that it ends and cancel the service with enough time so that you don’t end up paying a penalty or for the first month’s quota.
Late Payment Fees
When you pay for a service late, some companies will charge a late payment fee. To avoid this, you must know the date the payment is due and pay on time. You can also choose a service that won’t penalize you for paying late.
Roaming Fees
Most SIM card providers will charge you for roaming when you use your mobile data outside of the UK. You must know how much roaming is and find out how to turn off your roaming to avoid being hit by an expensive bill at the end of the month.
Excess Use Fees
Some companies will charge you a standard fee for their services, as long as you use them within a certain limit. When you go over this limit, many will charge you an excess use tariff. You must know the limits of your service plan to avoid these charges.
Upgrade Fees
When you upgrade your plan, some service providers will charge you an upgrade fee. These fees can be expensive. Before upgrading your plan, check the terms of your contract and see if upgrade fees apply. If they do, it might be best to choose a new service provider.
Maintenance Fees
Some service providers will charge a maintenance fee to your account automatically every month or year. This fee is the cost of keeping the account open. Before signing a contract, make sure you’re aware of any maintenance fees, and if possible, choose a service provider that doesn’t charge for maintenance.
Call Fees
Most businesses have charge-free numbers you can call when you have a query about your service, but some don’t. Check the fine print of your contract to ensure you won’t have to pay when you need to call your provider with an inquiry.
International Transaction Fees
Some companies will charge you a different rate for their services if you pay them with your card while on holiday in another country. These fees can be expensive. To avoid paying international transaction fees, only pay for your services while you’re in your home country.
Payment Processing Fees
Many companies will charge payment processing fees if you pay for your services using methods such as a credit card or a direct bank transfer. Ensure you check the processing fees in your contract so you can choose a payment method that won’t incur more costs.
Service Fees
Some companies list non-descript “service” fees among their fees, and too many people don’t question them. If your provider is charging you a service fee but you aren’t sure what for, don’t hesitate to contact them and find out what it is and whether you should be paying for it.
Equipment Rental Fees
Some service providers, such as internet providers, will charge an equipment rental fee. This fee is for the price of the equipment installed in your home. Not all providers, however, charge for this, and it’s best to look for a provider that won’t.
Paper Statement Fees
According to Business Insider, paper statement fees may range from £0 to £3.80 at most financial institutions. Yes, some companies will bill you extra for sending paper statements to your home. You can cut this cost by keeping track of your account online and canceling your paper statements.
Credit Costs
The CBNC says that the average person has £69,000 in debt. This debt is made worse by credit costs. Stay on top of your payments, pay as much outstanding debt as you can, and minimize your debts to avoid paying for expensive credit costs each month.
Incorrect Late Fees
Doxo states that each year, consumers pay over £7.6 billion in late fees. But from time to time, service chargers get it wrong and incorrectly charge customers late fees. You must keep an eye on your late fee charges to avoid paying a fee that doesn’t correspond to you. Always save your proof of payment.
Overdraft Fees
The figures from Statistica say that the average overdraft fee is just over £20. Your service provider will charge you this fee if you try to pay for a service without sufficient funds. You can avoid this charge by always ensuring you have enough money in your account before paying.