Fees have become an inevitable aspect of modern transactions. Processing fees, service charges, and unexpected additions pop up everywhere, leading many to question their fairness. Even if the individual amounts seem small, the continuous charges prompt reflections on how to keep more of that hard-earned cash. Here’s a rundown of common fees that can be avoided along with tips to navigate around them.

Concert Service Charges

Purchasing tickets for live events has increasingly come to include disheartening fees. When buying from platforms like StubHub, Ticketmaster, or SeatGeek, unexpected processing or commission fees can often raise the total cost significantly. Despite the prevalence of these charges, there are options for avoiding them. For instance, Ticketmaster has faced multiple class-action lawsuits due to a lack of transparency in its practices.

Tips for Avoidance: Consider visiting discount ticket websites such as TickPick or Goldstar, which often have lower fees. The most effective method remains buying tickets directly from the box office. While it may not be feasible for high-demand shows, this method completely sidesteps online fees.

Airbnb Charges

Alongside concert tickets, Airbnb has gained a negative reputation for its additional fees, which often seem exorbitant compared to the initial listing price. The consensus nowadays is that Airbnb’s service fees detract from its appeal. A memorable viral tweet illustrated this when a $99 per night listing ballooned to over $400 after applying various fees.

Avoidance Strategies: After finding a listing, looking for similar accommodations on different platforms may yield options without Airbnb’s added fees. Communicating directly with hosts can also help; they might agree to a deal that bypasses Airbnb if approached right. A possible approach is to book a single night via Airbnb but pay for additional nights directly.

Airline and Seat Selection Fees

Among the frustrating fees associated with air travel, the “seat selection” charge stands out as particularly infuriating. It’s perplexing to be charged extra for something that seems included in the overall ticket price. Many passengers may not realize that these fees can be avoided altogether.

Avoiding Tactics: Simply skip the seat selection screen during booking; airlines will assign a seat without charging extra. If seat preference remains crucial, consider politely requesting a specific seat from airport staff upon arrival. For further guidance, here’s a helpful resource.

ATM Withdrawal Charges

In urgent situations requiring cash, ATM fees are an unwelcome reality, often costing a few dollars to access one’s own funds, which can feel unreasonable.

Strategies for Avoidance: The best approach is to utilize ATMs associated with your bank to avoid additional fees. As an alternative, consider switching to a bank that reimburses these charges. Additionally, withdrawing cash during grocery purchases can help maintain a supply of cash without relying on ATMs.

Car Dealership Charges

Buying a vehicle often comes with an assortment of unexpected fees like advertising and delivery charges, generating a maze of added costs at the dealership.

How to Eliminate Fees: While it’s normal to see legitimate charges on a factory invoice, any additional fees outside this should be contested. A simple inquiry to the dealer regarding those charges might make them disappear, as it often prompts reconsideration.

Gym Membership Fees

Upon signing up for a gym, many encounter an initiation fee that seems excessive and unnecessary.

How to Avoid Fees: Just as with car dealerships, requesting the waiver of this fee can be effective. Highlighting hesitation about committing to a full membership may encourage the gym to eliminate the initiation cost to retain you.

Avoiding Credit Report Fees

Regularly checking a complimentary credit score from services like Credit Karma is advisable, but paying for a credit report is generally unnecessary and often a scam.

Cost-Free Access: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for complimentary access to your credit report. Alternately, some banking institutions offer free reports for their customers.

Overdraft Fees

While “overdraft protection” seems beneficial, it can lead to hefty fees when account balances dip below zero, sometimes charging over $50 for a minor mistake.

Avoidance Approaches: Instead of relying on overdraft protection, linking a savings account to a checking account provides a buffer against overdrafts. If that’s not an option, set up alerts for low balances to help prevent overdrawing.

Bank Statement Fees

Receiving paper bank statements often incurs an unnecessary monthly fee that adds up over time.

How to Avoid Them: Transitioning to paperless statements is an easy fix—just update your account preferences. This not only conserves resources but also saves money.

Shipping Costs for Online Purchases

Although supporting local businesses is commendable, the lure of one-day shipping from online retailers can sometimes outweigh that. This results in consumers purchasing more items just to qualify for free shipping, falling into the classic “spend to save” trap.

Tips for Minimizing Costs: Consolidating orders helps avoid multiple shipping charges. Always assess shipping costs among various retailers before finalizing your purchase, and take advantage of free shipping services like Amazon Prime or Walmart+. Choosing in-store pickup when available is also a cost-efficient option.