15 most hated fees
Stand up to the pesky charges -- from checked-bag costs to retirement plan expenses -- that bug you the most.
13. Giving your cash away at the ATM
What it costs: $
What you're mad about: The cost of using an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank just keeps going up and up. You'll pay one charge to your own bank (average: $1.32) and another to the bank whose ATM you're using (average: $2.22). Big banks tend to charge more than smaller ones.
How to fight back: Some major banks, including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, have smartphone apps that help you locate ATMs on the go. Use them. Have an iPhone? Download the free ATM Hunter, which finds locations for thousands of banks. If you can't be bothered to go out of your way for the right machine, choose a checking account from an online bank that refunds ATM charges. Charles Schwab stands out: Unlike some other online banks, it doesn't impose a limit on how many fee-free transactions a month you can make.
NEXT: Coughing up to chat with a human being
What you're mad about: The cost of using an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank just keeps going up and up. You'll pay one charge to your own bank (average: $1.32) and another to the bank whose ATM you're using (average: $2.22). Big banks tend to charge more than smaller ones.
How to fight back: Some major banks, including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, have smartphone apps that help you locate ATMs on the go. Use them. Have an iPhone? Download the free ATM Hunter, which finds locations for thousands of banks. If you can't be bothered to go out of your way for the right machine, choose a checking account from an online bank that refunds ATM charges. Charles Schwab stands out: Unlike some other online banks, it doesn't impose a limit on how many fee-free transactions a month you can make.
NEXT: Coughing up to chat with a human being
Last updated June 11 2010: 3:40 PM ET
