Learn how to keep your money safe and avoid costly mistakes
Americans pay this much in overdraft fees every year. Don't be one of them.
Paid in overdraft fees annually
Most could be avoided with simple habits you'll learn today
One mistake can cost you $35 or more
Learn to avoid ALL avoidable fees
Simple daily habits = $0 in fees
Click each fee to see how it works and how to avoid it
What is this?
When you spend more than you have
Example: $5 in account, buy $10 coffee = $35 fee
Avoid: Check balance daily, keep $50-100 buffer
What is this?
Charged monthly unless you meet requirements
Example: Minimum $500 balance or direct deposit
Avoid: Choose banks with no monthly fees
What is this?
Using an ATM not owned by your bank
You pay BOTH your bank's fee AND the ATM owner's fee
Avoid: Use your bank's ATMs or get cash back at stores
What is this?
When a payment is declined for low balance
Similar to overdraft, but payment doesn't go through
Avoid: Same as overdraft - check balance daily!
Good news: Many banks now offer accounts with NO monthly fees and NO overdraft fees. You just need to know what to look for.
An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have in your account. Your balance goes negative, and the bank charges you a fee.
Grocery Store
Today
Overdraft Fee
Automatic
The trap: That $60 purchase just cost you $95 total. And if you don't fix it quickly, you might get charged another fee tomorrow.
Click each scenario to discover the mistake
Alex checked their bank app in the morning: $52 available. They bought coffee ($5), lunch ($12), and gas ($30). Later that day, their card was declined at dinner.
THE MISTAKE:
Alex forgot about a pending Netflix charge ($15) that hadn't shown up yet. Their real available balance was only $37, not $52.
Always account for pending charges!
Jordan needed $40 cash fast and used the nearest ATM. They withdrew the money and checked their balance later—$43.50 was taken out instead of $40.
THE MISTAKE:
Jordan used an out-of-network ATM. Their bank charged $2.50, and the ATM owner charged $1.
Use your bank's ATMs or get cash back at stores for free!
Sam had $15 in their account and forgot about an old Spotify subscription. The $10.99 charge went through, followed by a $35 overdraft fee when another charge tried to process.
THE MISTAKE:
Sam didn't track their recurring subscriptions and didn't have enough buffer money.
Review statements monthly to catch forgotten subscriptions!
Learn from others: These are common mistakes that happen every day. Once you know what to avoid, you'll never fall for these traps.
Your app shows $100, but you have $30 pending. Your real balance is $70. Always check "pending" before spending.
Gym, Netflix, Spotify—these charge automatically. Write them down or they'll surprise you when your balance is low.
30 seconds every morning could save you $35+ in fees. Make it a habit like checking your phone.
If you have $20, don't spend $20. Keep a buffer ($50-100) for unexpected charges or you'll overdraft.
Out-of-network ATMs charge $3-5 per withdrawal. Find your bank's ATMs or get cash back at stores for free.
Banks don't warn you before charging fees. It's YOUR job to track your money and avoid these situations.
These simple habits will protect your money and keep you in control
30 seconds every morning prevents $35+ fees
$50-100 cushion saves you from overdrafts
Get notified before problems happen
List all recurring charges so nothing surprises you
Don't just trust the "available" number
Or get cash back at stores (no fee)
Avoiding fees isn't complicated. Follow these habits and you'll NEVER pay an overdraft fee. It's that simple.
Answer all questions correctly to complete the lesson (You need 100%)