With bank fees increasing due to debit card swipe fees getting capped, it’s time to take these four easy steps to avoid bank fees.

1. Give your bank a call– I called my bank and requested my personal schedule of fees and deposit agreement. Didn’t get charged for this, thank goodness! It contains a list of all the bank fees I could end up paying if I’m not careful. Now I know that if I lose my card, I’ll have to pay $5 for a replacement. I could also get slapped with a $20 per hour fee for research I did not request on my accounts. Ignorance is not bliss. Sit down and read yours.
2. Move your money – Some fees can be avoided by maintaining a minimum balance in your checking or savings account. Make the appropriate money transfers. If you do decide to part ways with your bank, find out if you’ll get charged for closing your account first. In the end it may be cheaper to pay a termination fee than to stick around.
3. Consider other accounts – Like your bank, but not the fees? Opening another type of account can help you keep bank fees at bay. I recently transferred my regular checking account to an eBanking account because there are fewer rules to avoid fees.
4. Tie the loose ends – Work with your employer to set up your paycheck to deposit directly to your checking account. This may take some time so make sure to do it as soon as possible. Also make sure all your information is up to date. Some banks will begin charging a fee for address changes and beneficiary changes.

What steps are you taking to reduce bank fees on your personal finances?