F FeeFriction

Bank Account Fee Leak Calculator

Translate monthly and episodic bank fees into an annual cash leak you can compare to yield or “free” account offers.

Not financial, tax, or lending advice. Confirm terms with your provider.

Annual fee leak

$355

Monthly equivalent

$30

Uses your fee schedule inputs. Waived fees (direct deposit minimums) should be entered as $0 when waived.

The quiet monthly bleed

Maintenance fees waived with direct deposit still count as real friction when the waiver fails.

ATM and overdraft fees often dwarf the advertised monthly fee.

How to use the number

Compare annual leak to interest earned on the same balances — negative carry is common.

If you send money abroad, add remittance markup separately; it is often larger than checking fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should waived fees be $0?

Yes, if you reliably meet waiver terms. Otherwise keep the fee.

Are overdraft fees still common?

Policies changed, but NSF/returned-item and related fees still appear — check your schedule.