Junk Fees Are Affecting Consumers’ Life

Junk Fees Are Affecting Consumers’ Life

Junk fees are unexpected and often hidden charges that companies impose on consumers for services that cost them little or nothing to provide. These fees can include service charges for event tickets, resort fees at hotels, late payment fees for credit cards, airline family seating fees, termination fees for phone or internet services, document preparation fees for financial transactions, out-of-network ATM fees, checking account overdraft fees, restaurant living wage fees, and online convenience fees.

Junk fees can have a negative impact on consumers, as they can increase the overall cost of a product or service and lead to financial surprises. Many consumers are unaware of these fees until they have completed a transaction or received the product or service. However, there is growing awareness and support among consumers to address and regulate junk fees.

To minimize the impact of junk fees, consumers can take certain actions. It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of any product or service before making a purchase and question any fees that seem unreasonable or excessive. Choosing to do business with companies that charge fewer junk fees can also be a strategy. For example, some airlines like Alaska, American, and Frontier offer fee-free adjacent seats for children age 13 and older and the accompanying adult, making them a preferred choice for consumers concerned about junk fees.