Being charged a hidden fee can be one of the most frustrating things to have to deal with in general. Some types of businesses are notorious for doing this. Below you’ll find some of the places that you should keep an eye on for hidden fees.
- 1. Transaction fees in foreign countries
One of the most notorious ways to get charged extra is when you are traveling abroad. If you aren’t careful, the credit card company will often charge between 1 and 3 percent. The way to go is to pay in cash or make sure your card doesn’t have these fees.
Checking into some hotels can also end with some hidden fees. These are often called “resort fees” and can run between $10-$30 per night, which can definitely add up for longer stays. Be sure to call the hotel in advance if you’re worried about getting hit with some of these fees. Also, avoid any of the mini-bars because there may be some additional fees there too. Hotels will often use any extra excuse to charge you.
Nearly anyone who gives you a set of keys may have additional costs. This might include the aforementioned hotel, rental car, apartment complex, or office space. Sometimes this fee might get waived but don’t expect it to be.
- 4. Online money transfers
There are obviously a number of ways to transfer money online, whether it is from one bank to another or through apps like Venmo or Paypal. Often times, these places will charge a percentage of the money you are sending so make sure to read into the fine print.
Airlines can be another place to charge hidden fees. This might include when you try to redeem points or purchase items on the plane or at the airport. The rules are also unique when you are overseas.
Make sure to always use an ATM you trust, ideally your own bank. Many people can get double charged if they use the wrong ATM, while if you’re not careful and overdraft this can also result in a fairly hefty fee. Not only that, the fee can be incurred multiple times based on each unique transaction.
