How to Avoid Hidden Fees - (2024)

Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland

With the rising prices of gas and seemingly everything else, restaurants, travel companies, rideshares, and other businesses are tacking on new fees to the basic costs of their services. Businesses are feeling inflation impacts just as the rest of us are, and some are adding fees to help them survive. Consumers should be aware of what fees businesses are adding, so they can make informed decisions on where to spend their money.

These hidden fees might not be evident at first glance, so if you want to avoid paying them, or at the very least plan for them in your budget, there are a few things you should do. BBB recommends the following tips to help you spot fees and avoid them where possible.

How to protect yourself from hidden fees:

• Don’t believe the promoted price. More businesses are implementing “drip pricing,” where additional fees are added as you move through the buying process. But before you head to the store or click the checkout button, find out what fees, if any, will apply to your purchase. Be wary of low advertised prices because you may discover expensive cleaning fees, facility fees, administrative fees, fuel surcharges, kitchen appreciation fees, and more.
• Comparison shop with fees in mind. Fees make comparison shopping more of a challenge. Be ready to do a little research before you buy. Shop around, considering each business’s fees as you calculate the total cost of any purchase.
• Make a complaint. Consumer Reports found that 64% of consumers who complained about a hidden or unexpected fee successfully had the fee taken off a bill or refunded. If you get hit with a surprise charge as you check out, try speaking up tactfully and politely.

Watch your bills for cramming. Cramming is the illegal act of adding unauthorized service charges without your knowledge or approval.