
Everyone knows about credit card late fees and overdraft charges, but lurking just outside the spotlight are a set of financial penalties that can nuke a bank account in record time. They’re sneaky, they’re expensive, and they show up in places most people never think to check.
One wrong move, a missed deadline, or a rule hidden deep in the fine print can trigger them. The kicker? Many of these charges are avoidable—if you know they exist. Here’s a look at the kinds of penalties that can blindside even the most careful savers.