# 09 · Get bank fees waived (maintenance, overdraft, ATM, foreign transaction, late fees, interest)

**Use when:** your statement shows fees. One call or message often gets a recent fee refunded, especially if it's your first in a while. Then fix the cause so it doesn't come back.

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## A · Phone / chat script (2–5 minutes)

**You:** Hi, I'm looking at my account ending [LAST 4] and I see a [FEE TYPE] of [AMOUNT] on [DATE]. I've been a customer since [YEAR] and [this was a one-off / I didn't realize the balance dropped / I moved money as soon as I saw it]. Could you waive it as a courtesy?

**If yes:** Thank you. Can you confirm when it'll show on my account? And is there anything I can change so it doesn't happen again?

**If no:** I understand. Is there a supervisor who can review it? I'd like to stay with [BANK], but these fees are making me look at other accounts.

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## B · Written version (secure message in the banking app)

> Hello, on [DATE] I was charged a [FEE TYPE] of [AMOUNT] on my account ending [LAST 4]. I've been a customer since [YEAR] with a good history. Could you please refund this fee as a one-time courtesy? I've already [added funds / set up a low-balance alert / switched to paperless]. Thank you, [NAME].

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## C · Fix the cause (this is where the yearly savings are)

| Fee | Typical fix (check your bank's terms) |
|---|---|
| **Monthly maintenance** | Ask: "What do I need to do to get this fee waived every month?" (often a minimum balance, a direct deposit, or a student/senior account). Or ask to switch to a no-fee account. If they can't, move to a bank or credit union that doesn't charge one. |
| **Overdraft / NSF** | Ask to turn off overdraft coverage for debit-card purchases (the card is declined instead of charged a fee), set up a low-balance alert, or link a savings account. |
| **ATM fees** | Use your bank's ATM locator / its network. Get cash back at a store. Some accounts refund other banks' ATM fees: ask. |
| **Foreign transaction fees** | Ask for a refund of recent ones, then use a card with no foreign transaction fee when you travel or buy from foreign sites. When a terminal or ATM abroad asks "pay in your home currency?", choose the **local currency**: the "home currency" option (dynamic currency conversion) usually adds a markup. |
| **Credit card late fee** | Call right after paying: first-time late fees are often refunded on request. Set up autopay for at least the minimum. |
| **Credit card interest** | If you usually pay in full, ask: "Can you refund this month's interest as a one-time courtesy?" |
| **Italy · "canone conto" / "imposta di bollo"** | The account fee ("canone") is often avoidable with an online/zero-fee account. The *imposta di bollo* (€34.20/year on current accounts with average balance above €5,000) is a tax, not a bank fee; the bank can't waive it. |
| **UK · "non-sterling transaction fee"** | Many UK cards charge around 3% abroad; several app-based banks and travel cards don't. Compare before you travel. |

> The Italian *imposta di bollo* amount and threshold: check your bank's statement or the Agenzia delle Entrate. Rules can change.

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## Reality check
- One courtesy waiver per fee type per year is common. Don't expect every fee back.
- If the bank won't move, **switching** is the real fix. A no-fee account can save you a monthly fee every month for good.