U.S. consumers waste billions of dollars each year on what are known as “junk fees” like resort fees, airline fees, and credit card late fees, just to name a few.
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There’s proposed legislation to get rid of them, but according to consumer advisor Clark Howard, you can take steps to avoid them right now.
Those fees can make a concert ticket or hotel room cost sometimes hundreds more than the advertised prices.
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“It’s horrible you think you’re paying one price and you turn around and you’re sometimes paying double what you expect to pay,” said consumer Doug Sleezer.
That’s exactly why Howard said you need to take your time and read before you click to purchase anything.
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Even the cheapest airline ticket you find could be the most expensive by the time you add luggage and seat fees.
One of the most frustrating junk fees may be attached to your bank account. Overdraft fees can be as high $37 per transaction.
Banks like Citi, Ally, Capitol One and Bank of America have all gotten rid of them.
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If your bank still offers overdraft protection, get rid of it, Howard said. Instead, sign up for text alerts when your funds are running low.
Fees associated with housing may be a little trickier to avoid.
“I ended up paying so many fees I almost just went to the last place I went because I was like at this point, I’ve almost paid a whole month of rent,” said Salih Mohammad.
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Data shows Americans spend more than a billion dollars each year on rental application fees.
“Anything that’s not going to be rolled over into the deposit or into the rent is just really frustrating and contributing to the disparity in housing and access to it,” said Shelby Lewis.
Before you plunk down the money make sure you want to live there.
Howard suggests sites like Apartments.com, Avail, Trulia, Zillow and Zumper. You may be able to fill out one application for multiple listings which could save you big time.
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