<h2 id="if-you-re-looking-for-ways-to-reduce-fees-associated-with-banking-services-explore-these-possibilities">If you're looking for ways to reduce fees associated with banking services, explore these possibilities.</h2><p>If there is one area of life where most people don't enjoy surprises, it is when you're paying bills. Whether you're looking online at your statement or receive it in the mail, it can be frustrating to see fees that are higher than you expected. It doesn't matter if it's an unexpected fee on your cable bill, your cell phone or your banking services – fees can certainly be frustrating.<br>While other businesses might not have ways to work around their fee structures, one benefit of the banking industry is that there are ways you can minimize or avoid banking fees.</p><p>To help you on your path to fee reduction, keep in mind the following common fees:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Monthly Service Charge</strong> – In today's era of banking, monthly service fees could be $25 or more. Many banks, including First Horizon Bank, offer ways to <a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/checking/checking-account-comparison">have the monthly service charge fee refunded</a> when certain criteria are met.</p></li><li><p><strong>Wire Fees</strong> – Wires are commonly used in real estate transactions or to send larger sums of money. Wires can range from $15 or more, but depending on your banking provider, these can be refunded.</p></li><li><p><strong>Overdraft Fees</strong> – Overdraft fees are one of the more frustrating fees that customers can encounter. Maybe your deposit didn't arrive on time and a check was cashed, causing you to be overdrawn, and now you have to pay $35 or more for that check clearing.</p></li></ul><p>The reality is that life can happen quickly. It doesn't matter if it is an unexpected car repair, a necessary trip out of town or a family member needing that wire done today – fees can happen quickly. The key to avoiding or lowering bank fees is to be prepared in advance, allowing you to keep living how you want to, without the anxiety of wasting money on fees. To help avoid service fees, prioritize balance monitoring through mobile and online banking, set up low-balance alerts, consider linking a savings account or line of credit to your checking account for automatic transfers, and use in-network ATMs.</p><h2 id="set-up-a-low-balance-alert-via-text-or-email-to-help-avoid-banking-fees">Set up a low-balance alert via text or email to help avoid banking fees</h2><p>Alerts can be delivered (from most mobile banking apps) via text or email and can help notify you of various scenarios with your accounts. One of the most helpful alerts that can usually be customized is the <a href="/personal/digital-banking/online-alerts-and-statements">low-balance alert</a>.</p><p>This alert can let you know when funds reach a certain level (such as $50, $100, etc.). This can serve as your cue to deposit or transfer funds into your account or cut back on spending until your balance reaches your desired level again. The low-balance alert is an essential tool for preventing an overdraft fee.</p><p>While the low-balance alert is the one discussed here, take the time to evaluate the other alerts that can help you. You can usually define alerts that include a check deducted for a specific amount from your checking, available balance, etc. Look at the alerts available to you within your banking app and define what will help you the most.</p><h2 id="link-bank-accounts-and-set-up-overdraft-protection">Link bank accounts and set up overdraft protection</h2><p>For many banking customers, it is common to have a checking and a savings account or even other accounts beyond that. Having more than just a checking account at a bank allows you to streamline your finances and budgetary skills to use each account for the best intended purpose. For example, a savings account can help you save for a “rainy day,” and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can allow you to use the equity in your home to pay for larger purchases.<br>If you have more than one account at the bank, consider linking them. At First Horizon Bank, you can link checking with your savings account or <a href="/personal/mortgage/home-equity-line-of-credit">Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)</a> with an Overdraft Services Agreement. Money is taken from the linked account to cover the overdraft and avoid the overdraft fee.</p><h2 id="how-a-first-horizon-bank-atm-can-help-you-avoid-costly-fees">How a First Horizon Bank ATM can help you avoid costly fees</h2><p>Even with the large acceptance of credit cards and Mobile Pay services such as Apple Pay® and Google Pay™, sometimes there's a need for having cash on hand. If you get to a location that is “cash only” and you don't have any cash on you, the fees for using the nearby ATM can really add up to the cost of $3-$5 each time you get cash.</p><p>As a First Horizon Bank client, you can use your First Horizon Bank debit card at First Horizon Bank ATMs in the U.S. to easily get cash without a transaction fee. For our clients with <a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/checking/smartview-checking">SmartView</a> and <a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/checking/totalview-checking">TotalView</a> checking accounts, surcharge fees from using non-First Horizon Bank ATMs within the U.S. are refunded.</p><h2 id="maintain-a-first-horizon-bank-savings-account-to-reduce-banking-fees">Maintain a First Horizon Bank savings account to reduce banking fees</h2><p>At First Horizon Bank, when you keep a minimum $250 daily balance all quarter with the First Horizon Bank <a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/savings-and-cds/traditional-savings">traditional savings account</a>, the $5 quarterly fee is refunded.</p><p>The key is to be aware of what fees could be charged to position your accounts for success by avoiding unnecessary expenses.</p><h2 id="talk-with-a-first-horizon-bank-financial-services-representative">Talk with a First Horizon Bank financial services representative</h2><p>We will gladly review your usage of the services offered and make suggestions tailored to meet your needs and lower your fees. Contact a Banking Relationship Manager today at your nearest <a href="/personal/support/contact-us">First Horizon Bank location</a> to find out more about how to reduce your fees and get the most from our financial services.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/checking/checking-account-comparison">Compare Checking Options</a>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="/personal/checking-and-savings/savings-and-cds/compare-rates">Compare Savings Options</a></p><p><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#000000;">Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC.</span></p>

How to Avoid or Lower Bank Maintenance Fees

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How to Avoid or Lower Bank Maintenance Fees