5 most common junk fees and how to avoid them

The average American family loses $3,000 every year to hidden fees that increase the overall cost of products and services without adding value. Consumer adviser Clark Howard warns that these extra charges, often referred to as junk fees, are buried across everyday purchases ranging from banking to housing.

Many of these costs pop up on basic monthly transactions. For instance, banks and credit card companies frequently charge between 99 cents and $5 to print and mail monthly paper statements. Consumers can avoid these charges by logging into their account portals and choosing paperless options.

Housing costs present another area where hidden fees accumulate. About one in three Americans rent a home or apartment, where extra charges are increasingly common. Landlords often add fees for garbage disposal, internet or pay television, even if tenants do not plan to use those services. Howard advised renters to examine contracts thoroughly before signing. “Don’t just sign the lease based on what the rent is,” Howard said. “You want to read the lease and see what other junk is buried inside.”

Ticket purchases for concerts and sporting events also feature unexpected processing and handling charges. Shoppers can protect themselves from surprise charges by selecting “all-in” pricing filters before searching for tickets online.

Food delivery services also carry substantial extra costs. A study by Truth in Advertising revealed that service fees and price markups can add up to $12 more per order. Consumers can verify whether they face an upcharge by comparing the price listed on the delivery platform with the menu prices on the restaurant’s direct website or app.

Travelers face similar add-ons when booking flights, where checked baggage fees can significantly alter the total cost of a trip.

Unanticipated surcharges have become widespread across multiple industries, prompting frustration among buyers. A local consumer noted how pervasive the problem is. “It seems everywhere you turn there’s some sort of surcharge,” the consumer said.

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