Bank Fees at Record Levels

It may not surprise you to hear that bank fees continue to rise. Bankrate.com recently completed their annual study on bank fees, and the results don't look good. Given the damage from the ongoing mortgage crisis, I wouldn't get too optimistic about next year either. The Consumerist notes that

"Fees are designed to take advantage of your inattention".

and they provide a few tips on reducing bank fees:

• Watch minimum balance, ATM, and inactivity fees
• Don't pay overdraft charges (consider Overdraft Lines of Credit)
• Don't 'play the float' (see How Check Float Works)

Further reading:

• Bankrate Study on Bank Fees