What are common bank account fees?

Common bank account fees include monthly maintenance fees ($5–$25, often waivable), overdraft fees (historically $25–$35; CFPB rules have pushed many banks to reduce or eliminate them), ATM fees ($2–$5 out-of-network), wire transfer fees ($15–$45), and minimum balance fees. Many online banks charge none of these.

Bank account fees are disclosed in the account's fee schedule — typically available on the bank's website and required to be provided when you open an account under CFPB Regulation E guidance. If you haven't read your fee schedule recently, a search for '[your bank name] fee schedule' will pull it up.

Fee categories and typical ranges

Monthly maintenance fee: $5–$25 at traditional banks — often waivable by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or holding another account. Many online banks charge $0.
Overdraft fee: Historically $25–$35 per item at major banks. Significant regulatory pressure and consumer backlash has driven many large banks to reduce fees to $0–$5 or eliminate overdraft programs. Verify your bank's current policy.
Insufficient funds (NSF) fee: Charged when a transaction is returned unpaid — typically $25–$35. Distinct from overdraft coverage fees.
Out-of-network ATM fee: $2–$5 per transaction charged by your bank (the ATM operator may also charge a separate surcharge).
Wire transfer fee (outgoing domestic): $15–$30 at most banks. International wires typically run $35–$50.
Wire transfer fee (incoming): $0–$15 — often free at credit unions and online banks.
Minimum balance fee: Triggered when your balance falls below a threshold — typically $5–$15/month. Eliminating the minimum balance requirement (by switching account types) usually removes this.
Paper statement fee: $1–$5/month at banks that charge for paper statements; easily avoided by opting into e-statements.

Overdraft fee landscape in 2024–2025

Overdraft fees became a significant consumer protection focus. The CFPB finalized a rule in January 2025 capping overdraft fees at $5 for large banks (with some flexibility) — however, this rule faced legal challenges and its status may have changed. Independently of the rule, many major banks voluntarily reduced or eliminated overdraft fees in 2021–2024 in response to competitive pressure from fee-free online banks. Check the CFPB's overdraft fee resources for the current regulatory status.

How to avoid most bank fees

Set up direct deposit — waives monthly fees at most banks.
Opt out of overdraft coverage so transactions decline rather than trigger fees.
Use your bank's in-network ATMs or choose a bank with ATM fee reimbursement.
Switch to e-statements to avoid paper statement fees.
Consider online banks and credit unions — they consistently charge fewer fees than traditional banks.

Regulatory background

Under Regulation E, banks must provide consumers with opt-in/opt-out choices for debit card and ATM overdraft coverage — without opting in, transactions simply decline rather than trigger overdraft fees. — CFPB — Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers)
The CFPB finalized a rule in January 2025 that would cap overdraft fees at $5 for large financial institutions — its implementation status should be verified at cfpb.gov. — CFPB — Overdraft Fee Rule

Key takeaways

The four most common fees are maintenance ($5–$25), overdraft (historically $25–$35), out-of-network ATM ($2–$5), and wire transfer ($15–$50).
Most monthly fees are waivable — direct deposit or minimum balance thresholds typically eliminate them.
Opt out of overdraft coverage so transactions decline instead of triggering fees.
Online banks and credit unions typically charge far fewer fees than traditional banks.
The CFPB's overdraft fee rule is in flux — verify current status at cfpb.gov.

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