Many US bank accounts are free only if you follow some rules. Learn the rules once and you can pay $0.
Monthly maintenance fee: often a few dollars to about $15 a month. Banks usually waive it if you keep a minimum balance (a lowest amount in the account), set up direct deposit (your salary paid straight into the account), or are a student.
Out-of-network ATM fee: using another bank's ATM. You may pay two fees: one to the ATM owner and one to your bank.
Overdraft fee: you spend more than you have, and the bank pays it anyway and charges you. Some banks charge nothing, some charge about $10, and some still charge about $35 for each item.
NSF fee ("non-sufficient funds"): the bank refuses a payment because you do not have enough money. Many large banks have stopped this fee.
Wire fees: for sending or receiving a wire transfer (see the guide on bringing money from home).
Paper statement fee: some banks charge to mail statements. Choose e-statements.
You have $40. You buy groceries for $55. If overdraft is on, the bank pays the $15 extra and may charge a fee. Your balance becomes negative, and you must pay it back quickly.
By federal rule, a bank cannot charge an overdraft fee on ATM withdrawals and one-time debit card purchases unless you agreed to it ("opted in"). Checks and automatic bill payments can still overdraw.
Open your bank app and look for Overdraft settings or Overdraft protection.
Choose the option where the bank declines the purchase if you do not have enough money.
If you cannot find it, call the number on the back of your card and say: "Please opt me out of overdraft coverage."
Optional: link your savings account as a backup. The bank moves money from savings when checking is short. Ask if there is a fee.
Daily habits that keep fees at $0
Turn on low-balance alerts in the app, for example below $100.
Use only your own bank's ATMs, or get cash back when you pay at a grocery store.
Read the fee list ("fee schedule") once. Ask the bank which rule waives the monthly fee.
Call the bank and ask politely: "This is my first time. Can you refund this fee?" Banks often refund the first one.
Thinking a pending deposit is available. A check you deposited may take a few days to clear.
Forgetting an automatic payment, like a gym membership, that runs when your balance is low.