Hit with an overdraft, returned item, monthly or ATM fee? Ask your bank to refund it. It often works, and it's free. You ask and send everything yourself; we never contact your bank.
Best first move
Call your bank and ask for a courtesy refund. Be polite, give the date and amount, and ask: “Can you refund this fee?” Many banks will, but they don't have to.
No? Ask in writing. Send a short letter or secure message with the fee, the date and why it should come back. Keep a copy.
Still no, and you think a rule was broken? File a free complaint with the CFPB. The CFPB sends it to your bank and you can track the answer.
What your bank fees cost you
Key facts: the four common fees
Overdraft fees
Debit card and ATM: your bank can't charge an overdraft fee on an ATM withdrawal or a one-time debit card purchase unless you opted in. (12 CFR 1005.17, CFPB)
Checks and automatic payments: a bank can charge an overdraft fee on these even if you never opted in. (CFPB)
Change your mind any time. Tell your bank you want out. That stops future debit and ATM overdraft fees; it doesn't undo old ones. (OCC HelpWithMyBank, CFPB)
Returned item (NSF) fees
No opt-in needed: if a check or automatic payment bounces, the bank can charge a fee for returning it unpaid, often about the same as an overdraft fee. (FDIC, CFPB)
The company you paid may charge its own returned payment fee too. (CFPB)
Same payment sent again? Each try can bring a new fee. The OCC warns national banks this can be unfair; the FDIC withdrew its own guidance on April 10, 2026. (OCC Bulletin 2023-12, FDIC)
Monthly fees
Every fee must be in writing: the bank must tell you the amount and when it applies before you open the account. (12 CFR 1030.4, FDIC)
Higher fee coming? The bank must mail or deliver notice at least 30 days before a change that hurts you. (12 CFR 1030.5)
Often avoidable: many banks waive the fee with direct deposit or a minimum balance. Ask what yours needs. (FDIC)
ATM fees
Two fees are possible: your bank and the ATM's owner can each charge you. (CFPB)
The ATM must warn you on screen or on paper, before you pay, and let you cancel. (12 CFR 1005.16)
Stay in network: use your bank's ATMs, and ask if it pays back other banks' ATM fees. (FDIC)
Good to know
No federal cap on overdraft fees today. The CFPB's rule capping big banks' overdraft fees at $5 never took effect: Congress voided it on May 9, 2025. (Public Law 119-10)
A refund is usually up to your bank. If it followed its disclosed terms, it doesn't have to refund the fee. If it broke a rule (for example, an overdraft fee on a debit card purchase you never opted in to), say so. (CFPB, 12 CFR 1005.17)
How many a day? Some banks set their own daily maximum. Check your bank's fee schedule. (CFPB)
Stop the next one: turn off debit card overdraft, link a savings account, and set a low balance alert. (CFPB)
What to say when you call
Have ready: the fee amount and date (from your statement or app), and your account number.
Say this:Hi, I'm calling about a [amount] fee charged on [date]. I've been a customer for [years] years and I'd like to ask for a courtesy refund of that fee. Can you do that today?
If they say no: ask politely for a supervisor, or ask them to refund half. Write down the date and the person's name.
If they say yes: ask when the refund will post, and check your account.
Your Pro fee refund kit
Pro fills in a fee refund request letter to your bank and the text for a CFPB complaint, with the right rule for your reason. A tracker adds up what you asked for and what came back. You send and file everything yourself; it all stays in your browser.
The bank fee refund kit is part of VaultRubric Pro. Cancel anytime before day 8 and you pay nothing.
7 days free, then $7/mo or $59/yr. Card required, $0 today. First charge on day 8. Cancel anytime before then: sign in, open your dashboard and click “Manage billing or cancel”.
Next step: open your latest statement, find each fee and its date, add them up in the fee calculator, then call your bank today and ask for a refund. Tired of fees? Compare no-fee checking accounts. A wrong charge instead of a fee? See refunds and disputes.
We never contact your bank, ask for a refund, or file a complaint for you, and nothing you type is sent to us. Rules can change and your account agreement may give you more; the official sources are the final word. General information, not legal advice. No bank pays to be on this page.
FAQ
Can I get an overdraft fee refunded?
Often, yes, if you ask. Call your bank and ask for a courtesy refund, then ask in writing. Banks don't have to refund a fee they charged under the account's terms, but many will, especially for a first or rare fee.
Can my bank charge an overdraft fee on a debit card purchase?
Only if you opted in to overdraft coverage for ATM and one-time debit card transactions (Regulation E, 12 CFR 1005.17). Checks and automatic payments can still bring an overdraft or returned item fee without an opt-in.
Where do I complain about a bank fee?
File a free complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. It sends your complaint to the bank, and you can track the answer.
How much have overdraft fees cost me?
Multiply the fee by how many times a month you pay it, then by the number of months. Example: $35 x 2 a month x 12 months = $840. Your statement also lists total overdraft fees for the month and the year to date.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.