Chase Bank, like many large financial institutions, has a variety of fees associated with its checking, savings, and credit card accounts. These fees can chip away at your hard-earned money if you're not careful. But guess what? You have the power to stop them! With a little knowledge and a few strategic moves, you can navigate the banking landscape and keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.
Ready to take control of your finances and bid farewell to those pesky Chase Bank fees? Let's dive in!
A Comprehensive Guide to Stopping Chase Bank Fees
Step 1: Identify the Culprits - What Fees Are You Paying?
Before you can stop fees, you need to know which ones are affecting you. This might seem obvious, but many people don't fully examine their bank statements.
Your Mission: Grab your recent Chase bank statements (checking, savings, and credit card) – either physical copies or by logging into your online banking portal. Take a good, hard look. Circle or highlight every fee you see. Do you notice a pattern? Are they monthly service fees, ATM fees, overdraft fees, or something else?
Common Chase Bank Fees to Look Out For:
Monthly Service Fees (Checking & Savings): These are the most common and often the easiest to avoid.
Overdraft Fees: When you spend more money than you have in your account.
ATM Fees: Using an ATM outside of the Chase network.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Using your debit or credit card for purchases or withdrawals internationally.
Wire Transfer Fees: Sending or receiving money via wire transfer.
Late Payment Fees (Credit Cards): Missing your credit card payment due date.
Cash Advance Fees (Credit Cards): Using your credit card to get cash.
Balance Transfer Fees (Credit Cards): Transferring a balance from one credit card to another.
Step 2: Mastering Monthly Service Fees (The Easiest Win!)
Monthly service fees are often the most frustrating because they're a recurring drain on your funds. Luckily, Chase provides clear pathways to waive these.
Sub-heading: Understanding Chase Total Checking® Monthly Service Fee ($12, soon to be $15!)
As of August 24, 2025, the Chase Total Checking® monthly service fee will increase from $12 to $15. Don't let this new increase hit your wallet! Here's how to avoid it:
Option 1: Direct Deposits Galore!
Requirement: Have electronic deposits made into your account totaling $500 or more each statement period. These can be from your payroll, government benefits, or other third-party services.
Action: If you don't already, arrange for your paycheck, social security, or other regular income to be direct-deposited into your Chase Total Checking account. This is often the easiest and most common way to waive the fee.
Option 2: Maintain a Healthy Balance.
Requirement: Keep a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in your Chase Total Checking account.
Action: If you typically keep a decent amount in your checking, this is a straightforward way to avoid the fee. Be mindful of fluctuations, especially towards the end of a statement cycle.
Option 3: Linked Accounts for the Win!
Requirement: Have an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying personal deposits (like Chase savings accounts, CDs, or certain retirement accounts) or investments.
Action: If you have multiple accounts with Chase, linking them can help you meet this higher balance requirement. Consolidating your banking with Chase can sometimes pay off.
Sub-heading: Waiving the Chase Savings℠ Monthly Service Fee ($5)
Chase Savings℠ typically has a $5 monthly service fee. Here's how to make it $0:
Option 1: Maintain a Savings Balance.
Requirement: Keep a balance at the beginning of each day of $300 or more in your Chase Savings account.
Action: A relatively small balance can save you $60 a year. Make it a habit to ensure your savings account doesn't dip below this threshold.
Option 2: Automate Your Savings.
Requirement: Have $25 or more in total Autosave or other repeating automatic transfers from your personal Chase checking account to your Chase Savings account each statement period.
Action: Set up a recurring transfer! Even a small, consistent transfer can waive this fee and help you build your savings. It's a win-win!
Option 3: Linked Checking Account.
Requirement: Link your Chase Savings account to an eligible Chase checking account (like Chase Total Checking®, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, or Chase Private Client Checking).
Action: If you already have a qualifying Chase checking account, simply linking your savings account to it can waive the fee. Check with Chase to confirm eligibility.
Option 4: Age Matters.
Requirement: Be under age 18.
Action: This one is for the younger generation! If you're a minor, you're automatically exempt.
Step 3: Dodging Overdraft Fees – Your Safety Net Strategy
Overdraft fees are arguably the most frustrating fees, often incurred during unexpected expenses. Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee per item if your account is overdrawn by more than $50 at the end of the business day. However, Chase offers Chase Overdraft Assist℠ to help you avoid these.
Understand Chase Overdraft Assist℠:
You won't be charged an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day.
If you're overdrawn by more than $50, you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) on the next business day to make a deposit or transfer that brings your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less. If you do, the overdraft fee for that day's transactions will be waived.
Sub-heading: Proactive Steps to Avoid Overdrafts:
Set Up Account Alerts:
Action: Log into your Chase online banking or mobile app and set up alerts for low balances. You can get notifications via email, text message, or push notification when your balance falls below a certain amount (e.g., $100 or $200). This is your early warning system.
Link a Savings Account for Overdraft Protection:
Action: Enroll in Overdraft Protection. This service automatically transfers funds from a linked Chase savings account to cover an overdraft in your checking account. While some banks charge a small fee for this transfer, Chase's website indicates that Chase Overdraft Assist℠ helps to reduce or eliminate overdraft fees. This is a great safety net.
Opt Out of Debit Card Coverage for Overdrafts:
Action: You can choose to opt out of Chase's Debit Card Coverage. If you do, Chase will decline everyday debit card transactions that would overdraw your account, instead of paying them and potentially charging you a fee. While it might be inconvenient if a transaction is declined, it guarantees you won't incur an overdraft fee for that specific transaction.
Maintain a Buffer:
Action: Always keep a small cushion (e.g., $100-$200) in your checking account above your usual spending. This acts as a buffer for unexpected debits or miscalculations.
Step 4: Smart ATM Usage: Avoiding Those Pesky Fees
Using an out-of-network ATM can result in two fees: one from Chase and one from the ATM owner. This can quickly add up!
Chase's ATM Fees:
Domestic non-Chase ATM withdrawal: $3 per transaction.
International non-Chase ATM withdrawal: $5 per transaction.
Sub-heading: How to Always Find a Fee-Free ATM:
Utilize the Chase ATM Locator:
Action: The easiest way to avoid ATM fees is to use Chase-branded ATMs. Download the Chase Mobile app or use their website's ATM locator to find the nearest in-network ATM. Plan ahead when you know you'll need cash.
Get Cash Back at Retailers:
Action: Many grocery stores, drugstores, and other retailers offer "cash back" with a debit card purchase, often with no additional fee. When you're checking out, simply ask for cash back. This is an excellent alternative if a Chase ATM isn't nearby.
Consider Higher-Tier Accounts (If Applicable):
Action: If you have a Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking account, you may have ATM fee waivers. For example, Chase Premier Plus Checking customers get four ATM fees charged by Chase for non-Chase Bank ATMs waived per statement period, and Chase Sapphire Checking customers pay no fees for ATM use worldwide, including non-Chase ATMs. Review your account benefits if you have these accounts.
Step 5: Navigating Credit Card Fees (Beyond Just Payments!)
Credit cards offer convenience and rewards, but they also come with a potential minefield of fees.
Sub-heading: Avoiding Late Payment Fees:
Set Up Automatic Payments:
Action: This is the golden rule for credit cards. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due (or the full statement balance) on your Chase credit card. This ensures you never miss a payment and incur a late fee (typically between $25-$41).
Payment Reminders:
Action: Even with auto-pay, it's good practice to set up payment reminders via email or text through your Chase online account.
Pay Early:
Action: Don't wait until the last minute. Pay your bill a few days before the due date, especially if paying by mail, to account for processing time.
Sub-heading: Steering Clear of Cash Advance Fees:
Avoid Cash Advances Entirely:
Action: Simply put, don't use your credit card for cash advances. These transactions come with hefty fees (often 3-5% of the amount) and typically accrue interest immediately, without a grace period. Use your debit card for cash withdrawals instead.
Sub-heading: Minimizing Foreign Transaction Fees:
Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees:
Action: If you travel internationally frequently, consider applying for a Chase credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Many travel rewards cards from Chase (like certain Sapphire cards) offer this benefit. This can save you 3% on every international purchase.
Use Local Currency:
Action: When making purchases abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency if given the option. Letting the merchant convert to your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion) often results in a worse exchange rate.
Step 6: Other Niche Fees and How to Tackle Them
While less common, other fees can pop up.
Sub-heading: Wire Transfer Fees:
Incoming Wire Transfers:
Chase charges a $15 fee for incoming domestic and international wire transfers. This fee is often waived if the transfer is sent from another Chase account.
Action: If possible, ask the sender if they can use an alternative method or if they also bank with Chase.
Outgoing Wire Transfers:
Domestic: $35 (or $25 if done online/app).
International (USD): $40 (online/app).
International (foreign currency): $0 if $5,000 or more; $5 if less than $5,000 (online/app).
Action: If you absolutely need to send a wire, doing it online or through the mobile app is cheaper. For international transfers in foreign currency, sending a larger amount (over $5,000 USD equivalent) can waive the fee. Explore other money transfer services (like Zelle, Venmo, or Wise for international transfers) that might be cheaper or free if the recipient accepts them.
Sub-heading: Early Account Closing Fee (Non-Existent for Consumer Accounts!)
Good News: There is no early account closure fee for consumer checking or savings accounts with Chase. You can close your account at any time without penalty.
Action: If a Chase account isn't working for you and you can't avoid the fees, you can close it without worry.
Step 7: The Power of Communication: Call Chase!
Sometimes, a friendly conversation can work wonders, especially if you're a good customer.
Politely Request a Fee Waiver:
Action: If you incur a fee unexpectedly, especially for the first time or due to an unusual circumstance, call Chase customer service. Explain the situation calmly and politely ask if they would consider waiving the fee as a one-time courtesy. Be prepared to explain why the fee occurred and what steps you'll take to prevent it in the future. This often works for a first-time overdraft or late fee.
Review Account Options:
Action: If you're consistently paying monthly service fees, call Chase and discuss your account activity. They might be able to suggest a different account type that better suits your needs and fee-waiver eligibility.
By actively implementing these strategies, you'll be well on your way to a fee-free relationship with Chase Bank. It takes a little effort and attention, but the savings will be worth it!
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to Stop Chase Bank Fees)
How to avoid the Chase Total Checking monthly service fee?
You can avoid the $12 (soon to be $15) monthly service fee for Chase Total Checking by having direct deposits totaling $500 or more per statement period, maintaining a daily balance of $1,500 or more, or having an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more across linked Chase accounts.
How to stop Chase Savings account fees?
The $5 monthly service fee for Chase Savings can be avoided by maintaining a daily balance of $300 or more, having $25 or more in total monthly automatic transfers from a Chase checking account, linking it to an eligible Chase checking account, or being under 18 years old.
How to prevent overdraft fees with Chase?
Prevent overdraft fees by setting up low balance alerts, linking a Chase savings account for overdraft protection, opting out of debit card coverage for overdrafts (so transactions are declined instead of paid and charged a fee), and maintaining a buffer balance in your checking account.
How to avoid ATM fees when using Chase?
To avoid ATM fees, use Chase-branded ATMs, get cash back from retailers with a debit card purchase, or consider higher-tier Chase accounts like Sapphire Checking, which waives ATM fees worldwide.
How to ensure no foreign transaction fees with Chase cards?
To avoid the 3% foreign transaction fee on Chase credit and debit cards, use a Chase credit card that specifically offers no foreign transaction fees (common with travel rewards cards) when making international purchases. Always choose to pay in local currency when abroad.
How to eliminate credit card late payment fees from Chase?
Eliminate credit card late payment fees by setting up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due, utilizing payment reminders, and ensuring your payment is processed a few days before the due date.
How to prevent cash advance fees on a Chase credit card?
The simplest way to prevent cash advance fees is to never use your Chase credit card for cash advances. These transactions incur immediate fees and interest. Use your debit card for cash withdrawals instead.
How to reduce Chase wire transfer fees?
To reduce Chase wire transfer fees, send outgoing domestic wires online ($25 vs. $35 in-branch) and consider sending international wires in foreign currency online if the amount is $5,000 USD or more, as this can waive the fee.
How to get Chase to waive a one-time fee?
If you incur an unexpected fee (like an overdraft or late fee), politely call Chase customer service and explain the situation. They may offer a one-time courtesy waiver, especially if it's your first time or a rare occurrence.
How to close a Chase bank account without incurring fees?
You can close a consumer checking or savings account with Chase at any time without incurring an early account closure fee. You can do this online, by phone, in person at a branch, or by mail.
