Right now, with millions of families having a hard time managing their money, consumer experts warn that many banks are still hitting customers with sketchy credit card fees. These charges can add up to hundreds of dollars a year, even though there are valid legal reasons to fight back against them.
1. Absurdly high late fees
In 2025, the federal government tried to put an $8 cap on late fees, but that plan got held up by legal battles in Texas. Because of that, plenty of banks are still slapping people with penalties of $40 or more, even for missing a single due date.
However, a lot of banks will actually wipe this fee off your bill if you usually pay on time and simply call to ask for a refund.
2. Costs for getting or checking your statements
Many institutions charge up to $5 a month just to mail you a paper statement, and some even make you pay to look up old records online—a habit that money experts call abusive.
3. Charges just for paying your bill
Some banks demand fees as high as $10 just to process your payment, depending on if you pay over the phone or use specific electronic systems. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau labels these “junk fees” because they argue that a bank shouldn’t bill you extra just for letting you settle the debt you promised to pay.
4. Inflated fees for “foreign” buys
Some banks tack on an extra 3% to online orders if the store uses a payment processor outside the U.S. This happens even if you are paying in dollars from inside the United States, and over a year, these charges can easily pile up to hundreds of dollars.
5. Steep monthly “maintenance” charges
Cards designed to help rebuild credit frequently charge $10 or more every month, on top of the annual fee. While rules limit how much of your credit line can be eaten up by fees during the first year, some lenders spread these costs out over time to get around those limits.
6. The return of the over-limit fee
Even though the CARD Act of 2009 bans these charges unless you specifically say yes, some banks use tricky wording to get customers to sign up without realizing it. If you see a charge for going over your limit but didn’t clearly give your permission, the bank might be breaking federal laws designed to protect consumers.
7. Misleading “credit protection” charges
One of the most common—and confusing—charges is the “protection” or “security” fee. This costs a percentage of your monthly balance in exchange for a promise to help you out if you lose your job or become disabled. In reality, the rules to actually use this benefit are so tough that most people never get any real help from it.
FAQs
Can the bank really charge me $40 just for being late one time?
Yes, they can—for now. However, if you do usually pay on time, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Ask them nicely to take the fee off. Banks will often remove it just to keep their loyal (and generally on-time) customer.
I’m old-fashioned and prefer to get my bills mailed old-school. Do I have to pay for that?
Yes, many banks now charge up to $5 a month just to mail you a paper bill. If you have a computer or smartphone, switching to digital bills is a quick way to save that money. And let’s be honest… do you want to spend $60 a year getting your bills mailed to you on paper?
How do I stop fees for going over my credit limit?
The law says you must choose to allow these fees. If you didn’t say “yes” to them, the bank shouldn’t charge you. Call your bank and tell them you do not want to be allowed to go over your limit.