Hidden fees can sneak into everyday purchases like flights, hotel stays, and food delivery. Here's how to sidestep these charges and save money.

1. Airline Fees

• Common Fees: Seat selection, boarding passes, early boarding, and baggage.
• Avoidance Tips:
• Book directly with airlines for fee transparency.
• Use airline apps for digital boarding passes.
• Southwest allows free seat selection and two free checked bags.

2. Car Rental Fees

• Common Fees: Toll transponders (up to $9.99/day), admin fees for tolls.
• Avoidance Tips:
• Bring your own transponder (if state laws and compatibility allow).
• Opt into transponder fees upfront to avoid higher per-toll charges.

3. Hotel Fees

• Common Fees: Resort fees ($25/day) and destination fees (up to $50/day).
• Avoidance Tips:
• Call the hotel and request fee waivers or room rate adjustments.
• Book through travel agents for better deals.
• Negotiate before checking in.

4. Food Delivery Fees

• Common Fees: Service charges (5-20%), menu upcharges, card "swipe" fees (1.5-3%).
• Avoidance Tips:
• Pay with cash to avoid card fees.
• Call restaurants directly and pick up your food.

5. Banking Fees

• Common Fees: Account maintenance ($5-$35), ATM withdrawals ($4.73 avg.), overdraft and NSF fees ($19-$38).
• Avoidance Tips:
• Use banks with extensive ATM networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass.
• Choose low-fee accounts at credit unions or online banks.
• Switch to banks that have eliminated NSF or overdraft fees.

6. Payment App Fees

• Common Fees: Instant transfer fees (0.5-1.75%).
• Avoidance Tips:
• Opt for free standard transfers (1-3 business days).
• Use Zelle for immediate fee-free transfers.

7. Broadband and Cable Fees

• Common Fees: Broadcast TV, regional sports, modem rentals, admin fees.
• Avoidance Tips:
• Call providers and request fee waivers.
• Cut the cord—use streaming services or an over-the-air antenna.

Transparency Efforts: The FCC has proposed standardized fee labels for clarity.

Take Action Against Hidden Fees Today

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