Guide to monthly account maintenance fees at US banks and credit unions. How much they cost, who charges them, and how to get them waived.
Monthly Maintenance
$9.95median
$0.20 – $5,000.00·114 institutions
Dormant Account
$5.00median
$1.00 – $100.00·76 institutions
How 161 institutions price this fee. National median: $9.95
Monthly maintenance fees (also called monthly service charges) are recurring fees charged for maintaining a checking or savings account. They range from $4 to $25 per month and are typically waivable by meeting minimum balance requirements, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a certain number of transactions.
Large national banks are the most likely to charge monthly maintenance fees, often $12-$25 per month for basic checking. Community banks charge moderate fees. Credit unions are the least likely to charge monthly fees, and when they do, amounts are typically under $10. Online-only banks almost never charge monthly fees.
Set up direct deposit (most common waiver). Maintain a minimum daily or average balance. Link multiple accounts at the same bank. Enroll in paperless statements. Student and senior accounts often have automatic fee waivers. If none of these work, consider switching to a no-fee institution.