Credit card fees and interest cost consumers well over $100 billion per year. There are many different types of credit card fees, including annual and monthly membership fees, late-payment fees, and fees for balance transfers, international transactions, cash advances, and more. Fortunately, you can avoid credit card fees if you know what you’re doing. You can find the key information you’ll need below.
This content is not provided or commissioned by any issuer, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by an issuer.
How Much Are Credit Card Fees?
Credit card fees can range from a few cents up to hundreds of dollars, depending on the card and the type of fee. The statistics pages below break down credit card user fees, credit card processing fees for businesses and more.
- Credit Card Fees
- Average Credit Card Processing Fees
- Credit Card Interchange Fees by Country
- How Much Americans Pay in Credit Card Interest and Fees
These FAQs help explain how little or how much credit cards can cost, depending in large part on their fees.
Yes, getting a credit card is free in most cases. Most credit cards do not charge annual or monthly fees, or have upfront costs like a deposit or activation fee, and there is no fee for getting a credit card when you avoid those potential charges. If you are looking to get a free credit card, your top priority should be cards with no annual fee because they can be absolutely free to own if managed responsibly.
...Yes, most credit cards are free if you pay your balance in full each billing cycle. Most credit cards don’t charge annual or monthly fees, and most offer a grace period until the monthly due date, during which interest won’t accrue if you always pay in full.
If you don’t pay the full balance due each billing period, you will have to pay extra. Virtually all credit cards will charge interest if you carry a...
It could cost as little as $0 to open a credit card, depending on the card you get. There are hundreds of no annual fee credit cards available, while there are others that charge from $24 to $550 and up.
There are also several other types of fees that credit cards charge, like processing or monthly fees. Many of them can be avoided if you’re careful and others may be worth paying if you get something worthwhile. For example,...
Getting your first credit card can cost as little as $0 if you get an unsecured starter credit card, which does not require a deposit and may not have an annual fee. Secured credit cards are also popular options for a first credit card and typically require a refundable deposit of $200 to $300, depending on the card.
Although obtaining and simply owning your first credit card doesn’t have to cost you a thing, using your credit card will...
The most expensive card is the Centurion® Card from American Express (also called the Amex “Black Card”), because it has an initiation fee of up to $10,000 and a $5,000 annual fee. You have to be invited to even apply for this card and you have to spend (and pay off) hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on Amex cards to get an invitation.
Some credit cards with high annual fees end up being worth it because of extra...
Three common costs of using a credit card are annual fees, interest charges and late payment fees. Understanding these costs and when they apply is important for managing your credit card properly.
3 Costs of Using a Credit Card
- Annual Fees: Some credit cards charge an annual fee for the privilege of using the card. This fee varies depending on the type of card and the benefits it offers. While not all credit cards...
A program fee for a credit card is a one-time charge that is typically assessed when you are approved, ostensibly to pay for the general benefits of being a cardholder. It is worth noting, though, that there are several credit cards on the market that don’t charge either a program fee or an annual fee.
Some Easy Credit Cards to Get With No Program Fee
If you don’t want to waste money...
Credit Card Annual Fees
Credit card annual fees range from $0 to $500+, according to WalletHub’s database of 1,500+ credit card offers. Even credit cards with high annual fees can be worthwhile in the right situation, as expensive cards often provide more rewards and extra perks. You can learn more about annual fees from the FAQs below.
A credit card annual fee is the minimum cost of keeping the account open for a year. It helps the issuer afford any rewards or promotional financing the card may offer as well as general account services, such as billing and customer support.
The average credit card annual fee is about $23.75, but many cards have no annual fee. A credit card’s annual fee typically is charged on the account anniversary or the month after it. It...
No, most credit cards do not have an annual fee. Only about 15% of credit cards charge annual fees, according to WalletHub’s database of more than 1,500 credit card offers, and even those few cards that do charge fees often make up for the cost with rewards and benefits. So, you shouldn’t rule out a card just because it has an annual fee.
Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
If...
Credit cards have annual fees to help cover the cost of rewards programs, benefits like travel insurance, and account services such as billing and customer support. Annual fees also help credit card companies profit more, especially on cards that people don’t use much. Similarly, in the case of credit cards for people with limited or bad credit, annual fees help credit card companies reduce the risk of lending to unproven borrowers.
Notable Credit Cards...
You can get your credit card annual fee waived by getting a credit card that waives the annual fee during the first year as a promotion, or one with no annual fee at all. Alternatively, you can call the issuer’s retention line, but it is not guaranteed that it will work. Beyond that, you’re unlikely to get your credit card’s annual fee waived unless you’re an active-duty member of the military.
Being well-informed about...
The difference between a credit card annual fee and a security deposit is that the former is a cost for maintaining the card account and accessing its perks. Meanwhile, a security deposit is a sum of money the cardholder typically provides when applying for a secured credit card.
The annual fee helps the issuer afford any rewards or promotional financing the card may offer as well as general account services, such as billing and customer support. The security...
The Chase Sapphire Reserve annual fee is $550. Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee is higher than the average annual fee among new credit card offers right now. It’s not the only fee you need to worry about with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, either.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Fees
- Annual Fee: $550
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
- Foreign Fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
To learn more, refer to WalletHub’s guide on credit card fees.
The American Express Platinum card annual fee is $695. American Express Platinum card’s $695 annual fee is higher than the average annual fee among new credit card offers right now. It’s not the only fee you need to worry about with The Platinum Card® from American Express, either.
American Express Platinum card Fees
- Annual Fee: $695
- Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min $10)
- Foreign Fee: 0%
- Max Late Fee: $40
To learn more, refer to WalletHub’s guide on credit card fees.
It is better to get a credit card with no annual fee because it can help you earn rewards and improve your credit without any extra cost. You can leave a credit card with no annual fee open indefinitely, making it easier to build a long credit history as well...
Yes, it is good to get a credit card with no annual fee because it can help you build credit at a low cost and save money with rewards or low-interest promotions. There’s no pressure to spend excessively to make up for a fee when there is none, and you can keep the account open indefinitely to build a long credit history. Many credit cards with no annual fee also offer secondary benefits such as...
No annual fee means you will not be charged every year for using your credit card. This means you’ll save anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars in annual fees, depending on the credit card.
What you should know about credit card annual fees:
- Annual fees are often tied to high-end rewards cards, travel rewards cards, business cards, in addition to cards for people with limited and bad credit. The annual fee helps the issuer recoup the...
No fee credit cards are worth it when they offer good rewards or a low APR, and when you can’t save more money with a card that charges a fee. All else being equal, not having to pay an annual fee is a clear benefit, but you may be able to outweigh the cost of a fee with rewards or perks that save you more in the long run.
The best approach is to...
The best credit card for fair credit with no annual fee is the Citi Double Cash® Card because it gives 2 - 5% cash back on purchases. The Citi Double Cash Card also has a $0 annual fee and an introductory balance transfer promotion.
...
No, the absence of an annual fee on a credit card doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no monthly fee, too. Annual fees and monthly fees are different types of fees that credit card issuers might charge on their credit cards. An annual fee is charged once a year, while monthly fees are recurring charges assessed monthly. Monthly fees are less common for traditional credit cards and are more typical with some secured credit cards.
If you are interested in...
If you want to steer clear of annual fees, the pages listed below showcase WalletHub’s editors’ picks for the best credit cards without annual fees on the market right now. They were selected from 1,500+ credit card offers.
Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
Credit Card Late Fees
People spend more than $10 billion on credit card late fees each year. Below, you can learn more about how late fees work and what you can do to avoid them.
A late payment fee is a charge imposed by a creditor or service provider when a payment is not made by the due date specified in the terms of the agreement. This fee is typically applied to credit card payments, loan payments, utility bills, rent, or any other financial obligation where timely payments are expected.
A credit card late payment fee is imposed by the credit card issuer when a cardholder fails to make...
Yes, it is often possible to negotiate late credit card fees with your credit card issuer. Just keep in mind that the outcome of the negotiation depends on a few things, like your relationship with the issuer, your creditworthiness and whether missing a payment was an isolated incident or not.
You should also note that while there may be certain regulations with regards to late fees, your credit card issuer is not obligated to forgive or lower the amount...
Yes, banks may waive late payment fees for your credit card, though it’s not guaranteed to happen. Whether a bank may be willing to forgive a late fee is contingent on your payment history, creditworthiness and the relationship with the bank. However, even with a stellar payment record and good credit, your appeal to getting the late fee waived can still be denied.
Tips on Getting a Late Payment Fee Waived by a Bank
- ...
Max late fee refers to the maximum amount that a creditor or lender can charge as a penalty for a late payment on an account. Late fees are charges imposed when a borrower fails to make a payment by the due date.
For example, if you have a credit card with a maximum late fee of $40, it means that if you fail to make your credit card payment on time, the late fee charged to...
The best credit card with no late fees is the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card. It offers 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, up to 1.25% back after 6 months of on-time payments, and 1.5% cash back after 12 consecutive months of paying on time. The Petal 2 Card has a $0 annual fee and requires limited credit for approval.
Best Credit Cards with No Late Fees in 2025
Generally, late fees can be steep. So, getting a credit card with no late fees might seem like a good idea. But it would be better to focus on paying your credit card bill on time...
Yes, Credit One does charge late fees when cardholders don’t make the minimum payment by the due date. The late fee for Credit One credit cards is $29, and it will increase to up to $39 for subsequent late payments within six months. After six months of consecutive payments since your last missed due date, the late fee will reset to $29. Thanks to the CARD Act of 2009, the Credit One late fee can never exceed the...
Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees apply to credit card purchases made while you’re physically out of the country as well as those made through foreign-based merchants while you’re in the U.S. The FAQs below will help you understand foreign fees better and avoid wasting money on international transactions.
To calculate a foreign transaction fee, simply multiply the percentage your credit card charges for the fee by the total of your international purchase. Foreign transaction fees are typically around 3% of each transaction, and that amount is added to your purchase. While 3% may not seem like a huge price to pay, these fees can add up over many transactions, whether you’re shopping on foreign soil or through a website based outside of the...
Yes, foreign transaction fees do apply to online purchases whenever the merchant is based outside the U.S. That goes both for debit cards and credit cards with foreign transaction fees. For example, if you buy something online from a merchant in the U.K. and pay with a card that has a foreign transaction fee, that fee will apply. Foreign transaction fees on credit cards can add as much as 2-4% onto each international purchase you...
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a debit or credit card that waives foreign fees when you're traveling abroad or making online purchases from international retailers. About 25% of credit card offers don't have foreign transaction fees, so there’s no reason to pay the extra charge.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees
- Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fee
- Understand that foreign fees can...
The difference between a foreign transaction fee and a currency conversion fee is that a foreign transaction fee is charged by a credit card issuer, while a currency conversion fee is charged by a card network or a merchant. Both apply to purchases made from merchants outside of the U.S.
If your card charges a foreign transaction fee, the card network’s currency conversion fee is likely rolled into that foreign transaction fee. For example, a 3%...
The major credit card foreign transaction fees range from 0% to 3% of each purchase processed internationally. The average credit card’s foreign fee is roughly 1.5%. Some credit card companies do not charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards, including Capital One, Discover and USAA. Other credit card companies charge foreign transaction fees on some, or even most, of their cards. But each of the 10 largest credit card issuers has at least...
The Mastercard foreign transaction fee is usually 0% or 3%, depending on which card you have and the bank or credit union that issued it. Generally, foreign transaction fees apply every time you make a purchase at a physical location in a foreign country or an online transaction through an internationally-based merchant. So, if you’re travelling a lot, make sure to get a Mastercard that doesn’t charge this fee.
Keep in mind that the Mastercard foreign transaction fee comes in two...
The Visa foreign transaction fee is usually either 0% or 3%, depending on which Visa credit card or debit card you have. The foreign transaction fee is typically 0% for most Visa travel rewards credit cards, which are built for spending all around the world. Also, some credit card companies, such as Capital One, don’t charge foreign fees on any of their cards. However, many other Visa cards come with foreign transaction fees of 1%, 2% or...
The Discover foreign transaction fee is 0% on all of its cards. This means you won’t be charged extra on transactions processed outside of the United States, whether it’s a purchase at a physical location in a foreign country, or an online transaction through an internationally-based merchant.
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s editors’ picks for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® foreign transaction fee is 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. This means Chase will add a 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars surcharge anytime you use the Chase Freedom Unlimited® outside of the United States. The fee also applies to online purchases made through an internationally-based merchant.
To learn more, refer to our guide on foreign transaction fees and our editors’ picks for the best credit cards without foreign fees.
No foreign transaction fee means that a credit card or debit card does not include a surcharge for international purchases. In other words, a consumer won’t be charged extra for using the card outside of the U.S. Foreign transaction fees are usually charged as a percentage of every transaction made abroad.
Key Things to Know About Foreign Transaction Fees
- When the fees apply: You owe a foreign transaction fee any time you buy something...
The best cash back credit card with no foreign transaction fee is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (see Rates & Fees), since it offers 1 - 8% cash back on purchases, plus a bonus $200 for spending $500 in the first 3 months. It also offers a $0 annual fee, and an initial APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fee
If you travel abroad frequently, you may be able to get a greater value from a travel rewards card than these...
The best student credit cards with no foreign transaction fee is the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see Rates & Fees) because it offers a $0 annual fee and 1 - 8% cash back on purchases. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card (see Rates & Fees) also accepts...
Your credit card will likely have a foreign transaction fee of around 3% if it is from Chase, PNC, Bank of America, Barclays or U.S. Bank, which charge foreign fees on most (but not all) of their cards. Your credit card will not have a foreign transaction fee if it is from Capital One, Discover, USAA, PenFed or HSBC.
Credit Card Issuers That Do Not Charge Foreign Transaction Fees
Yes, a no foreign transaction fee credit card is worth it getting if you plan to travel abroad or make purchases from merchants based in other countries. Cards with no foreign transaction fees can save you around 3% on every purchase processed outside of the U.S.
Besides, getting a credit card with no foreign fee doesn't have to cost you anything. Several cards with no foreign fee also have no annual fee and tend to have very...
Yes, foreign transaction fees could potentially be waived if you call your credit card company and ask for recently charged fees to be removed. Getting your foreign transaction fee waived is possible if you are willing to ask, especially if you have a good reason or you’re willing to take your business elsewhere.
A customer satisfaction survey conducted by WalletHub found that 77% of people who’ve asked a credit card company to either improve their account...
You can get a foreign transaction fee waived by calling your credit card’s customer service department, or by getting a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign fees. A no foreign transaction fee credit card does not charge extra for transactions made while traveling abroad or for online purchases from international merchants. The lack of a foreign transaction fee will save you up to 4% on those purchases.
Calling customer service is a good place to start. The small percentage...
One of the major banks that have the lowest foreign transaction fees is Capital One, as it has $0 foreign transaction fees on all its cards. Having a card with a low foreign transaction fee can save you a lot of money while traveling abroad or doing business online with a foreign merchant.
It’s important to remember, even banks that charge foreign transaction fees on some cards may not charge it on all their...
You got charged a foreign transaction fee because you either made a purchase at a physical location abroad or an online transaction through an internationally-based merchant.
A foreign transaction fee, or international transaction fee, is a 2-3% surcharge that the vast majority of credit cards tack onto transactions processed outside of the United States. The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to use a credit card that waives such fees.
Some of the...
One of the best ways to avoid foreign currency conversion fees is to use a credit card that charges no foreign transaction fees. You should also avoid dynamic currency conversions when traveling abroad, as they can be quite costly, even though they offer the convenience of seeing the transaction amount in your home currency immediately.
How to Avoid Foreign Currency Conversion Fees
- Use a No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Credit Card: Choose credit cards that don't charge foreign transaction fees....
For more information, consult our complete guide to foreign transaction fees. You can also check out our editors’ picks for the best no foreign transaction fee credit cards and the best credit cards for international travel.
Credit Card Cash Advance Fees
If you need to get cash from your credit line, you’re going to have to pay for it, and cash advance fees are a big part of that – along with a high APR that takes effect right away. You can learn more about credit card cash advance fees below.
A credit card cash advance fee is a fee charged for withdrawing cash from the credit line on a credit card, using an ATM withdrawal or a convenience check. Cash advance fees are a percentage of the amount withdrawn (usually 2%-5%), a flat fee (typically $10-$15), or whichever option is more expensive. The latter scenario is the most common. For example, if you take out a $250 cash advance with a credit card that has...
A cash advance fee is a charge imposed by a credit card issuer when a cardholder uses their credit card to get cash. When you withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card or get cash advances at a bank, the credit card company typically charges a fee for this service. The average cc cash advance fee is 3.97%.
The cash advance fee is usually a percentage of the amount of cash advanced, and it can...
A cash advance fee is usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn from a credit card, or a minimum flat fee of $5 to $10, whichever is greater. For example, a $500 cash advance on a credit card with a 3% fee will cost you an additional $15. Cash advance fees are added onto your withdrawal amount as soon as you complete the transaction. There may be ATM-owner fees, too.
In addition to the fees, interest...
To calculate a cash advance fee, start by consulting the credit card’s terms and conditions, to learn how much each cash transaction will cost you. Then, apply that fee to the amount of your transaction to learn how much you’ll have to pay for each cash withdrawal. In most cases, a credit card cash advance fee is a percentage of the transaction or a flat rate, whichever is higher. The exact amount depends on the credit card...
The cash advance rate is the interest rate that credit card issuers charge when cardholders use their credit cards to withdraw cash from an ATM, or obtain cash equivalent transactions. The cash advance fee is a charge imposed by a credit card issuer when a cardholder uses their credit card to get cash.
Basically, you only have to pay the fee once when you take out the cash advance, while the interest rate start...
The $10 cash advance fee was charged to your card because you made a transaction that was considered a cash advance. These transactions include withdrawing money from an ATM or using a credit card check. Even using your credit card to make transactions via third-party services like Western Union or PayPal can be considered cash advances.
When taking out a cash advance, credit cards typically charge a small percentage of the transaction as a fee, or a...
Yes, there is a fee for cash advance on credit cards, usually. Only a few credit cards don’t charge cash advance fees. Cash advances typically cost around 3.97% of the withdrawn amount. The cash advance fee is applied every time you use your credit card to get a cash advance.
How a Cash Advance Fee is Determined
- The first method is a flat rate fee that will be assessed no matter how much...
It's likely that your credit card charged you a cash advance fee because it was used to withdraw cash at an ATM. This type of fee is a percentage or a flat amount that your credit card company adds immediately to any transaction that is considered to be a cash advance. This can include withdrawing cash, sending money through a money-transfer service, like Western Union, or simply using a credit card check that your issuer may have...
The Visa cash advance fee is a charge that occurs whenever you withdraw cash from the credit line of your Visa card. This fee can be either a flat rate, typically around $5 to $10, or a small percentage of the transaction amount, usually between 3% and 5%. It's important to note that Visa itself is a payment network, not a credit card issuer. This means that the specific terms and conditions, including the cash advance fee, are set...
The Chase cash advance fee is Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. per transaction, whichever is higher. A cash advance fee is a fee charged when using a Chase credit card for cash withdrawals at an ATM, via direct deposit, with a cash advance check, or in person at participating locations.
Bear in mind that when you do a cash advance, you will incur other costs in addition to the Chase cash advance fee. There’s also an expensive cash...
To get a Capital One cash advance, use a Capital One credit card and a corresponding PIN at a participating ATM and withdraw the cash, up to the card’s available cash advance limit. If you do not have a PIN, contact Capital One customer service at the number on the back of your card to request one.
How to Get a Capital One Cash Advance at an ATM
- Call Capital One customer service...
For more information, check out our guide to credit card cash advances.
Credit Card Balance Transfer Fees
Transferring a balance from one credit card or loan to another credit card can get you a lower interest rate and save you money overall, but it usually comes with a fee. The average balance transfer fee is 3.19% of the amount transferred. You can learn more below.
A balance transfer fee is a charge imposed by a credit card issuer when a cardholder transfers an existing debt from one credit card to another. This fee is typically expressed as a percentage of the amount being transferred and is applied at the time of the transfer.
The purpose of the fee is to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the balance transfer. The typical balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount transferred, with...
The average balance transfer fee for credit cards is 3.19%. A balance transfer fee is a charge that a cardholder typically must pay when they transfer debt to a credit card. This charge is usually a small percentage of the transaction amount or a small fixed cost, whichever is higher. For large transfers, the percentage fee will almost always be higher, since the fixed cost is usually only $5 or $10.
According to WalletHub data, the...
No, not all credit cards have balance transfer fees. Although credit cards with no balance transfer fee are rare, one of the best options is the First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard®.
Best Credit Cards with No Balance Transfer Fee
Even when they charge a fee, balance transfer credit cards can save you hundreds of dollars on interest when they offer lengthy 0% APR periods. You can use WalletHub’s balance transfer calculator to figure out how much you might be able...
To calculate a balance transfer fee, multiply the balance being transferred by the transfer fee percentage listed in the credit card’s terms and conditions, then divide by 100. For example, if you transfer a $1,000 balance to a credit card with a 3% fee, the balance transfer fee would amount to $30 ($1,000*3/100=$30).
Balance transfer fees are usually 3% of the transferred amount. Of course, you could avoid this fee altogether by choosing a credit card with no balance transfer fees, though...
To get a credit card’s balance transfer fee waived, call the card’s issuer to ask for a fee waiver, and be prepared to negotiate. A WalletHub survey found that 7% of people who have asked for a balance transfer fee waiver received one. If this does not work, you can avoid needing to waive a balance transfer fee in the first place by getting a credit card that doesn’t charge one.
Unfortunately, there’s a...
To negotiate a balance transfer fee, call the credit card issuer’s customer service number before you apply for the card and make your case. People with a good, long-standing relationship with the issuer and a credit score that exceeds the card’s approval requirements will have the best chance of getting the fee waived.
Negotiating for a lowered or waived balance transfer fee may save you hundreds of dollars, but it’s more likely to be...
The credit card issuers that offer no balance transfer fee credit cards are Capital One, Navy Federal Credit Union, SunTrust, Arvest Bank and BBVA. Chase and American Express previously offered the best credit cards with no balance transfer fees, but those offers are no longer available.
The best no balance transfer fee credit card right now is the Navy Federal Credit Union Platinum Card because it’s a rare example of a card that has...
The best completely free balance transfer credit card is the CorTrust Bank CorPlatinum Credit Card because it doesn’t charge an annual fee or a transfer fee, and it offers an intro APR of 0% for 6 months. The card has a regular APR of 13.49% - 20.49% (V), which you’ll need to avoid to keep your transfer free. You can avoid the regular APR by paying off your entire balance during the intro period.
Keep in mind that it’s difficult to find a balance...
The best way to avoid balance transfer fees is to find and apply for a credit card that waives the fee entirely. Getting a credit card with no balance transfer fee that also offers a low balance transfer APR is actually the best overall way to reduce the cost of existing debt and pay off what you owe sooner.
Best Ways to Avoiding Balance Transfer Fees
- Find a low APR credit card...
No, balance transfer fees are not charged monthly. Balance transfer fees are one-time fees assessed when a cardholder transfers a balance to a credit card, and only when that card has a balance transfer fee in the first place. Not all cards have a balance transfer fee, but for those that do, you’ll only pay it more than once if you do multiple balance transfers.
In general, the balance transfer fee will add an...
A good balance transfer fee is typically 3% of the balance, or lower. Seeing as how the average credit card balance transfer fee right now is 3.19%, anything below that can be considered good, especially if the card has a 0% introductory rate on transfers, too. The best balance transfer fee is 0%, though not many credit cards have that feature.
It’s worth noting that even though there may be a fee to pay, moving your...
If you transferred $3,000 from another credit card, the fee to be paid would be $90. This is according to WalletHub’s guide on balance transfers, which states that most credit cards charge a 3% balance transfer fee. However, each credit card has its own fee structure, so it’s best to check your card agreement or contact your issuer directly to learn exactly how much you have to pay for transferring $3,000.
You can use WalletHub’s Balance Transfer Calculator to...
A 1% balance transfer fee is good when it’s paired with a 0% balance transfer APR. The average balance transfer fee is 3.19%, so a 1% fee will save you money compared to other options, provided that the interest rate for balance transfers is low as well.
Credit Cards With Balance Transfer Fees of 1% or Lower
Credit cards with no balance transfer fee and a 0% introductory APR are rare but worth considering, even though...
Yes, a 3% balance transfer fee is worth it as long as the card’s balance transfer APR saves you more money on interest charges. The combination of a 0% introductory APR and a 3% balance transfer fee is usually cheaper than allowing interest to accrue at your card’s regular APR.
For example, let’s say you have a current debt of $10,000 with an APR of 20%. If you transfer that debt to a card...
Yes, Wells Fargo does charge a balance transfer fee on some of its credit cards. The Wells Fargo balance transfer fee can be as high as 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5) or as low as 3% (min $5), depending on which Wells Fargo card you use when you complete a balance transfer.
Balance Transfer Fees on Popular Wells Fargo Credit Cards
- Wells Fargo Platinum card: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
- Wells Fargo Rewards® Card: 3% (min $5)
- Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
- Wells Fargo Cash Back College℠ Card: 3% (min $5)
There are currently very...
Additional Resources:
- What is a Balance Transfer Fee?
- 4 Mistakes to Avoid With No Balance Transfer Fee Cards
- Best Credit Cards With No Balance Transfer Fees
Credit Card Over-Limit Fees
Credit card over-limit fees have come down a lot thanks to the CARD Act, but you might still come across them. The FAQs below will tell you what you need to know.
An over-limit fee is a credit card fee charged when a cardholder spends more than the card’s credit limit. Legally, thanks to the Credit CARD Act of 2009, card issuers are not allowed to charge over-limit fees unless the cardholder has explicitly given the card issuer permission to process over-limit charges. That means you have to “opt in” before they can charge you an over-limit fee. If you opt out – or fail to take...
No, you can’t overdraft a credit card. The term “overdraft” actually applies more to bank accounts. Credit card issuers tend to use “over limit,” since you’re spending more than your credit limit. Whatever you call it, most credit cards don’t allow the practice. So, if you try to exceed your credit limit, your transaction will just be declined. And even if your card does allow it, you still have to opt-in to be able to...
If you go over your credit limit, your credit card company may add the over-limit amount to your minimum payment, lower your credit line, or even close the account if you’re exceeding the limit too often. Also, your credit score will drop if the balance is still over the limit when reported to the credit bureaus. That said, it’s more likely that the card’s issuer will simply decline any transaction that would result in the...
If you try to go over your credit card limit, Wells Fargo will most likely decline the transaction. However, it is possible that they may allow it to go through, but it is not guaranteed. Whether or not the transaction goes through depends in part on how you have managed the account and how long you’ve been with Wells Fargo.
There is no over-limit fee for Wells Fargo personal credit cards. In the case Wells Fargo allows an...
No, there isn’t any Bank of America credit card over-limit fee. Instead of a fee or high APR, customers who exceed their credit line will probably have their transactions declined.
Things to Know About Bank of America Over-Limit Transactions
- Whether an over-limit charge is declined or accepted is up to Bank of America. The issuer considers your account history and how far over the credit limit your balance would go when determining whether to accept or...
Credit One does not charge an over-limit fee when cardholders exceed their credit limit. Credit One will decline most over-limit transactions, and if a cardholder’s balance somehow goes above the approved credit limit, Credit One will not allow any further transactions on the account. To use the card again, the cardholder will have to make a payment to bring the account balance below the approved credit limit.
Furthermore, Credit One may declare an over-limit account...
You may also want to consult our guides on how credit limits are determined and how to increase your limit.
Credit Card Monthly Fees
Monthly fees are most common among unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit. It’s important to factor them into the total cost of using a card when comparing offers.
No, the absence of an annual fee on a credit card doesn’t necessarily mean that there is no monthly fee, too. Annual fees and monthly fees are different types of fees that credit card issuers might charge on their credit cards. An annual fee is charged once a year, while monthly fees are recurring charges assessed monthly. Monthly fees are less common for traditional credit cards and are more typical with some secured credit cards.
If you are interested in...
No, Credit One doesn’t charge a monthly fee on their credit cards at the moment. However, some Credit One credit cards, like the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit, bill their annual fees to your account in monthly installments.
It’s also worth noting that Credit One offers credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee, either. Some notable examples are the Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® with No Annual Fee and the Credit One Bank® Secured Card.
The monthly servicing fee for the Total Visa card is a recurring charge that is assessed to your account each month starting with the second year. The purpose of this fee is to cover the maintenance costs for the account. It's worth noting that the card also has an annual fee, and a one-time fee.
Total Visa Card Important Fees
- Monthly Fee: $0 intro 1st year, $6.25 - $10.25 after
- Annual Fee: $50 - $125 1st year, $48 after
- One-Time Fee: $95
...
No, Chase Freedom Unlimited does not have a monthly fee or an annual fee. There is no cost to own Chase Freedom Unlimited, as long as you avoid interest charges by paying for purchases in full by the due date each month. There are a couple other potential charges you’ll want to avoid, too.
Fees on Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Monthly fee: $0
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days (5%, min $5 after)
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Cash...
No, the Nordstrom Credit Card does not have a monthly fee or an annual fee. There is no cost to own the Nordstrom Credit Card. Just make sure to avoid interest charges by paying for purchases in full by the due date each month. The same applies to the Nordstrom Store Card, too.
Even though the card doesn’t charge a monthly fee, you’ll still have to make the minimum payment every month in order to keep your account in good...
Credit Card Application Fees
Some credit cards for people with damaged credit charge application-processing fees to sidestep rules about fees charged the first year an account is officially open. You can learn more about this practice from the FAQs below.
An application fee is a one-time fee charged by a financial institution when you submit an application for any kind of credit, regardless of whether you are approved or not. For example, a lender may charge you when you apply for a loan or a credit card. This fee is intended to cover the costs of processing the loan application, including credit checks and administrative tasks.
This fee is becoming increasingly rare, especially among...
A program fee for a credit card is a one-time charge that is typically assessed when you are approved, ostensibly to pay for the general benefits of being a cardholder. It is worth noting, though, that there are several credit cards on the market that don’t charge either a program fee or an annual fee.
Some Easy Credit Cards to Get With No Program Fee
If you don’t want to waste money...
It could cost as little as $0 to open a credit card, depending on the card you get. There are hundreds of no annual fee credit cards available, while there are others that charge from $24 to $550 and up.
There are also several other types of fees that credit cards charge, like processing or monthly fees. Many of them can be avoided if you’re careful and others may be worth paying if you get something worthwhile. For example,...
No, store cards do not have opening fees. You will not be charged for applying for the card or when you are approved. Store cards don’t charge annual fees either. However, if you fail to make the minimum payment on time, you will be charged a late payment fee. The downside of store cards is that they charge above average interest rates. To avoid the high interest, you should always pay your balance in full.
Another...
The best credit card with a $50 or lower processing fee is the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit. The card offers 0 - 1% cash back rewards and a $300 initial spending limit. Plus, it charges $75 intro 1st yr, $99 after annual fee and $0 processing fee.
Notable Credit Cards With No Processing Fee
You can also take a look at our editors’ latest picks for the best credit cards for bad credit. None of these cards charge you a processing fee. If you pay your monthly bills...
Yes, you do have to pay the program fee for First Premier Bank credit cards if you are applying for an unsecured card. The program fee on First Premier Bank unsecured credit cards is a one-time fee of $55 - $95, assessed after approval. The exact amount you will have to pay depends on your creditworthiness.
Key Things to Know about First Premier Bank Program Fees
- First Premier Bank charges a program fee of $55 - $95, but this only...
Yes, the Total Visa® Card has a one-time program fee of $95, which you have to pay to open and activate your account. The Total Visa card also includes a monthly fee and an annual fee, making it rather expensive. However, the card does accept people with bad credit, so it can still be an appealing option for some consumers.
The Total Visa® Card doesn’t require a deposit, but the annual fee, program fee, and all other associated fees...
Credit Card Fees and Taxes
You can read our guide on paying taxes with a credit card as well as the FAQs below to learn how credit cards come into play during tax season.
Credit card interest is not tax deductible unless the balance stems from business expenses, meaning interest on personal purchases cannot be deducted- a rule in place since 1986. But it still may come as a surprise to some people because interest on other types of debt, such as mortgages and student loans (up to $2,500 annually, subject to income limits) may be partially or fully deductible.
Here’s When Credit Card Interest is Tax Deductible:
...The best credit card to pay taxes with is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it offers 2% cash rewards on purchases and gives an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. Wells Fargo Active Cash also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening....
No, credit card rewards are not taxable in most cases. The IRS views credit card rewards the same way they view discounts, and discounts aren’t taxable. Rewards credit cards give points, cash back, or miles on purchases, which you can then redeem for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and travel expenses. Because of that, it’s like you’re getting a small discount every time you make a purchase.
Types of Rewards & Taxation
- ...
There are many ways to pay including online from your bank account, credit card, debit card, etc. You can even apply for an installment plan if having trouble paying your tax bill now. You can see these options and make payments here at the IRS website.
Yes, business credit card interest is tax deductible, but only when the interest is accrued on business expenses and only when you are liable for paying the interest. If the business credit card interest falls into these categories, then you are able to deduct it as a business expense at tax time. It’s worth noting that if you make business purchases on a personal credit card, you can deduct the interest on those business-related charges...
Yes, Visa credit cards may charge various fees, such as annual fees, cash advance fees and late payment fees. However, it's important to note that a card’s terms and fees are determined by the issuing bank, and not by the payment network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc).
To use a Visa credit card without incurring fees, consider applying for one that doesn't charge an annual or monthly fee. Additionally, avoid taking out cash advances and aim to pay the...
Additional Resources:
Credit Card Processing Fees
Credit card processing fees are an important consideration for any retail business that accepts payments from customers. In addition to our guides on how credit card transaction processing works and average processing fees, the FAQs below will help educate you on the subject.
Credit card processing fees most commonly refer to the price merchants have to pay to accept credit card payments. Credit card processing fees typically range between 2% and 3% of each transaction. Cardholders rarely have to pay processing fees for using credit cards, but there are certain vendors and service providers that impose them.
Processing fees may also refer to the administrative fees charged by issuers for processing credit card applications. These fees are...
It is legal to charge a credit card processing fee in 47 out of 50 states, if it’s a surcharge, and in all states if it’s a convenience fee. A surcharge is an added cost just for using a credit card, while a convenience fee is a charge for doing a transaction that’s unusual for the merchant (e.g. over the phone). You’ll usually have to pay convenience fees on things like taxes and tuition, too.
...Some of the cheapest credit card processing companies are Helcim, Square, and Stax. It’s worth noting, though, that credit card processing companies come with various pricing structures. So, the least expensive choice depends on your industry, sales volume and typical transaction size.
Some of The Cheapest Credit Card Processing Companies
- Helcim: Cheapest overall credit card processing.
- Square: For new and seasonal businesses.
- Stax: For high-volume businesses.
- Payment Depot...
The First PREMIER Bank Mastercard processing fee is $55 - $95, based on your creditworthiness. The card’s processing fee has to be paid in full within 85 days of your application approval. Once the issuer processes your payment, they will send you the card. It usually takes 7-10 business days to receive your card in the mail after that.
Aside from the activation fee, the card also charges both monthly and annual fees. The monthly fee is $0 - $8 1st yr, $6.25 - $10.4 after and...
The Victoria's Secret Credit Card does not have a processing fee. What’s more, is that the card also has no annual or monthly fee. The only fees that the card has are a late payment fee (up to $41) and a returned payment fee.
The late payment fee is applied when the cardholder fails to make the minimum payment by the due date. On the other hand, the returned payment fee is charged if a payment made...
For more, check out our Credit Card Processing Fees Survey.
Passing on Credit Card Fees to Customers
It’s common to hear about businesses passing on costs to customers. In some cases, credit card processing fees can be among those costs. You can learn more from our article about merchants charging extra for credit card payments, as well as from the FAQs below.
A credit card convenience fee is an extra amount of money a merchant charges for using a credit card in a transaction that’s unusual for them. That means, for example, giving your credit card information over the phone or buying something online (e.g., movie tickets) when paying in person is customary. Not all merchants will charge them, though. Plus, credit card convenience fees will never come as a surprise. A merchant must clearly inform you of...
Yes, gas stations do charge more for credit cards than cash payments in most cases. Credit card networks allow gas stations and other merchants to pass credit card processing fees to customers as a surcharge, though some gas stations will give a discount to encourage cash rather than charging more to use credit.
While the cost might be a bit higher, using a credit card can still help you save money on gas. A...
You can also check out our guide on credit card checkout fees.
Other Types of Credit Card Fees
Finally, we’ve compiled some miscellaneous questions that have come up about other types of credit card fees to complete your education.
A currency conversion fee is charged by your credit card’s payment network (like Visa or Mastercard) when a transaction in a foreign currency is converted into U.S. dollars. This fee is not the same as a foreign transaction fee, which is charged separately by your card issuer and often includes a markup on top of the network’s fee. While they’re sometimes bundled together, these are two distinct fees.
Many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee...
Credit card transaction fees are charges that merchants must pay to process customer payments made with a credit card. These merchant charges are commonly referred to as credit card processing fees, but this usually refers to a combination of different fees, including interchange fees, processing fees, and assessment fees – all of which are separate fees involved in processing a credit card transaction. They’re also informally referred to as swipe fees or merchant fees.
...
Secured credit card fees tend to be a lot lower than the fees charged by unsecured credit cards for people with bad credit. There are many secured credit cards with no annual fee and some with no foreign transaction fee, but most credit cards in general still charge fees for cash advances and late payments.
Secured credit cards also require a deposit to open, which is normally at least $200. The amount serves as the credit limit that you borrow...
A paper statement fee is a charge that some banks or financial institutions impose on customers who opt to receive physical (paper) statements by mail instead of electronic statements (e-statements). This fee is typically $2 per statement and covers the cost of printing, handling, and mailing the statement.
To avoid this fee, many institutions encourage customers to switch to paperless billing by providing account statements online through email or their customer portal. Reducing the...
A returned payment fee, sometimes also referred to as a returned check fee, is a charge made by a credit card issuer if you pay your bill with a check or electronic payment from an insufficiently-funded or closed account. The returned payment fee applies even if you incorrectly enter your payment information by accident, as the payment will not process.
A returned payment fee could typically be as low as $25 or as high as $40,...
The Chase returned payment fee is typically up to $40, but it can differ depending on the card. The fee may also vary based on how many times you’ve had payments returned or your minimum payment amount. You’ll be able to find your Chase credit card’s returned payment fee in your card’s terms and conditions document.
Generally, a returned payment fee is charged if you pay your bill with a check or electronic payment from an insufficiently funded...
This is a fee that you might get charged when you have not used your account for any transactions over an extended period of time (e.g. 90 days).
Inactivity fees are usually charged on a monthly basis (in addition to a standard monthly fee, if applicable) until you make a transaction.
Our Thoughts:
Most consumers need not concern themselves with inactivity fees as they typically use their credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards often...
You do not get charged extra if you don’t use your credit card. But if the card has an annual fee or any other regularly-occurring fees, those will be charged to your account even if you don’t use your credit card to make purchases. You cannot be charged an inactivity fee, however, because the Federal Reserve Board banned inactivity fees in 2010. And as long as your balance is $0, you won’t be charged interest.
...
For more information, you can also consult our junk fee statistics page.
Ask the Experts
WalletHub posed the following questions about credit card fees to a panel of experts. You can see who they are and what advice they had to share below. Just click “Read More” under an expert’s name and title to check out their comments.
- Do you have any tips for avoiding credit card fees?
- What advice do you have for someone who isn’t sure whether it makes sense to pay an annual fee to get a credit card with better perks?
- Which do you think people should watch out for more: credit card fees or interest charges?
Ask the Experts
Ph.D., Professor - Economics Department - Southern Connecticut State University
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Ph.D., Richard C. Kraemer Professorship in Finance and Professor – Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business
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Instructor, Management & Entrepreneurship, Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business
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Executive Director of Business Leadership & Professor of Practice-Purdue University-Mitch Daniels School of Business
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Adjunct Professor, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Law
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Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair of Finance, Director of the Center for Financial Literacy - Elon University
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WalletHub experts are widely quoted. Contact our media team to schedule an interview.