El Paso Times: Fees for bouncing a check or withdrawing money from a foreign ATM are getting more expensive, according to a study conducted by Bankrate.com. "Punitive fees are costing consumers more and more money," said Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst with Bankrate. Bankrate.com studies fees charged by the nation's banks and thrifts twice a year. Credit unions are not included in the fee survey.
The national average for bounced check fees hit a new high during the fall survey, reaching $27.40, up from $27.04 in the spring. The average fee that ATM owners charge non-accountholders hit a new high of $1.64, up from $1.60 during the spring survey. Banks, on average, charge $1.25 for using an out-of-network ATM. The combined fees average $2.89 per transaction.
