Do you know all of your bank's fees? If you want to save money, you should pay attention to which services your bank really offers you. Warn consumer advocates.
What about your bank's fees ? For example, many consumers are unaware that some banks charge a fee for paying in-store with a debit or credit card . As reported, the online portal “Biallo” has determined that with contactless payments, up to 70 cents per transaction are charged at some banks * - and at many branch banks around 34 cents per transaction on average.
But that's not all: While withdrawing money from foreign terminals was often free in the past, customers should now withdraw at least 50 euros at once, according to a report on Welt.de. Or "pay a flat rate of ten euros a month if you only want to withdraw small amounts on a regular basis". Or they would need a minimum wage of 700 euros per month for their account to remain free.
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Report: Fees at some banks could increase from autumn 2020
From autumn 2020 , millions of private bank customers will also be presented with “new payment models ”, reports “Welt.de” - this also affects many online customers who, as is well known, do their banking themselves. Many bank customers could then face higher fees.
The twist on the fee screw has been causing trouble for a long time, quoted "Welt.de" Andrea Heyer, financial expert at the consumer center Saxony. Those affected should basically take a closer look at what their bank is announcing to them in the bill or new pricing models . Every letter from the bank should be read carefully in the near future.
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When banks change fees, consumers should know
According to the report, fee changes must be announced at least two months in advance. However, it could also be sufficient if they were made known on the bank statement or by email . If you do not object to the price change by the deadline, you have agreed to this.
Basically, banks and savings banks are entitled to raise prices, it says in the report on Welt.de. However, there are limits to the pricing . "A fee is always illegal if the financial institution fulfills a legal obligation such as changing exemption orders and standing orders," reports the portal. According to the report, services that a financial institution carries out in its own interest must also be free of charge. This means, for example, the appraisal of a property or the processing of consumer loans.
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Tip: Put banking behavior to the test and compare tariffs
The problem with the fees at some banks is not entirely new: Overall, the fees would increase, not only for the machines, Bayern2..de quoted the expert Sascha Straub from the consumer center Bavaria in a report in January 2020. That could lead to higher account management fees , Additional fees for transfers or other banking services.
How can consumers react if they are not satisfied with the conditions? It is worth asking the bank for cheaper account models , such a tip. Everyone should also think twice about whether it is more worthwhile for them, for example, to accept a higher account management fee - and no extra payments for each transaction. Or is a pure online bank without branches enough for you? Monthly fees can often be saved there - provided you do not need personal advice.
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A change of bank can also be worthwhile
Even a bank change may be worth, according to consumer advocates. A look at the website of the respective bank, where the account conditions are listed, can help. Consumers can also compare the tariffs with one another via a comparison portal. In the event of problems, the consumer advice centers can also help as contact persons. ( ahu) * merkur.de is part of the Ippen central network.
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Practical to keep track of things: A wallet (promotional link) with enough space for larger bills and a credit card pocket.
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