How to Avoid Annoying Fees

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1. The NOT charging fee

Certain credit card companies charge annual fees for those small spenders in order to inspire spending. Unless you charge $2,400 in one year, Citibank will charge you a $60 fee. If you do not use your card within twelve months, you will be charged $40 by US Bank. The fees have been blamed on the, "increasing costs of doing business."

If you are looking to avoid random fees, switch from a bank to a credit union. They generally charge fewer fees.

2. Paying to use frequent-flier miles

If you want to use your US Airways frequent-flier miles, you will have to pay a fee between $25 and $50. If you want to use your miles toward an upgrade, you could pay between $50-$500 if you fly with American, Continental or United.

In order to avoid such fees, try to always fly with the same airline. Accumulating miles is a lot easier when you fly with the same airline, and by flying at least 25,000 miles per year will upgrade you to gold or platinum status. Reaching that status will keep you from paying redemption fees. You can also use a credit card that allows you to earn miles.

3. Paying for baggage

We pay for our emotional baggage when we carry them over into new relationships, and now we have to pay for our actual baggage as well. Airlines now charge anywhere from $15-$45 per checked bag. Certain airlines will even begin charging for carry-on luggage.

To avoid these fees, try to fly with an airline that doesn't charge for checked luggage. If you can't, try to earn elite status on the airline you often use. Those who reach elite status are not expected to pay for their first checked bag. Avoid checking a bag by packing light. Make sure you are aware of carry-on guidelines.

4. Paying to switch cell carriers

If you sign a contract with a cell phone carrier and decide to part ways, you will be facing a fee of anywhere between $200-$350. The fee to switch carriers is probably more than you paid for your cell phone. In order to avoid the fee you will have to give a consumer complaint. If your attempt to talk your way out of the fee didn't work, stick it out as long as you can. The longer you wait to part ways, the less you will pay.

5. Paying that extra fee to use an ATM

These days, most of us don't carry cash around. So when a merchant accepts cash only, it can stop us in our tracks. Your only option is to use the ATM they have on location or nearby. Often times this ATM doesn't belong to your bank. If you have to use an ATM from a bank that is not your own, you have to pay a charge to your bank, as well as a charge to the bank who operates the ATM. Big banks will charge higher fees than smaller ones.

To avoid paying ATM fees, use your Internet phone to locate an ATM in the area that belongs to your bank. Think ahead and carry at least $20 cash on you at all times. Some checking accounts from online banks will actually refund ATM charges. Charles Schwab is an example of an online bank that will do so. It also doesn't limit the amount of fee waivers it gives per month.