6 Hidden Credit Card Fees To Avoid in 2025
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Written by
Dia Adams
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Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Reviewed by
Jasmin Baron
When it comes to credit cards, you may be familiar with interest and annual fees, but the real wallet-busters are often buried in the fine print, waiting for a moment of inattention.
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Fortunately, we’ve got the details on how to keep them from catching you off guard. Here’s your 2025 guide to the hidden credit card fees that can quietly drain your budget
1. Cash Advance Fees (and Interest That Starts Instantly)
Swiping your card at an ATM or using it for a quick money transfer might seem like a convenient fix, but it’s among the pricier moves you can make. Most issuers will hit you with a cash advance fee — usually 3% to 5% of the amount, with a minimum of around $10.
The real kicker? The second you take out that cash, interest starts piling up at a rate often much higher than your regular purchases. There’s no grace period, either; you’re paying from day one, and the average cash advance APR is now around 30%, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
If you ever find yourself tempted, remember that unless it’s a true emergency, there are likely better ways to get cash. Even a small advance can snowball into a much bigger bill if you’re not able to pay it off right away.
2. Foreign Transaction Fees
Thinking about a little retail therapy from an overseas website or planning a trip abroad? Unless your card specifically waives them, you’ll likely pay a fee of around 3% on every international transaction. What’s sneaky is that even online purchases from U.S. sites can trigger this fee if the merchant processes payments overseas.
So, before you book that flight or check out your cart, give your card’s terms a quick scan. Most travel credit cards — and even some no-annual-fee cards — waive foreign transaction fees, so it’s worth having one in your arsenal if you’re a frequent traveler or online shopper.
3. Balance Transfer Fees
Those 0% annual percentage rate (APR) balance transfer offers can be a financial lifeline, but the money isn’t free. Many cards charge 3% to 5% of the amount you move, or a flat fee — whichever is higher. On a $5,000 transfer, for instance, that’s up to $250 just for shifting your debt.
Before you jump, simply do the math. If the balance transfer fee outweighs the interest you’d save, it’s not worth it. Always set a reminder for when the intro rate ends, as well. Otherwise, you could end up paying more in the long run.
4. Over-Limit Fees
You’d think that maxing out your card would mean a declined transaction, but some issuers let purchases go through and charge you for the privilege. If the transaction goes through, you may be charged a fee for going even a dollar over your limit. Not only does this cost you money, but it can also ding your credit score by spiking your credit utilization ratio.
Keep an eye on your balance limit, as most card apps let you set alerts for when you’re getting close. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of hassle (and cash).
5. Paper Statement Fees
If you prefer your statements on paper, be prepared to pay for the privilege. More issuers are rolling out paper statement fees as they nudge customers toward digital statements. It sounds minor, but if you manage multiple cards, it can add up quickly over a year.
Switching to electronic statements isn’t just about saving trees — it’s about saving your own money and getting faster access to your account info.
6. Late Fees
Even when you know the rules, life can get in the way. A September 2023 Consumer Reports study estimated that one in five U.S. adults paid a credit card late fee in the previous year. Fees had been capped in the last administration, but that cap has since been lifted. Now, you could be on the hook if you forget to pay your bill on time.
Outsmarting Hidden Fees
The best way to beat these fees is to stay proactive:
- Read your card’s terms, even if it’s boring.
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment so you don’t accidentally trigger a late fee.
- Set up alerts for due dates, large purchases and low balances.
- Use the right card for the right job, especially when traveling or transferring balances.
- Go paperless to dodge unnecessary charges.
- Check your statements regularly for new or increased fees — issuers can change terms with just 45 days’ notice.
The Bottom Line
Credit cards aren’t evil, but they’re definitely engineered to profit from inattention. Stay curious, question every charge and don’t assume a “hidden” fee won’t find you. With a little vigilance, you can keep your money where it belongs — in your pocket.
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