Many people in Bangladesh open bank accounts without checking the fee structure. Later they are surprised by deductions like SMS fees, maintenance charges, ATM fees, or cheque book charges. The good news: most fees are avoidable if you understand how banks apply them.
Banks charge fees to cover operational costs, service delivery, and risk management. Some fees are fair, but many are avoidable if you choose the right account and maintain required balance.
Below are common categories of fees banks may apply.
| Charge Type | What it means | How to reduce / avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Account maintenance fee | Periodic fee to maintain the account (monthly/quarterly/yearly) | Maintain minimum balance or use salary/student accounts if available |
| Minimum balance penalty | Fee charged if your balance falls below required minimum | Keep buffer balance; choose an account with lower minimum balance |
| SMS alert fee | Monthly charge for transaction alerts and OTP | Ask for package details; some banks include it free with certain accounts |
| Debit/ATM card fee | Card issuance and annual renewal charge | Check annual fee; some banks waive for salary accounts |
| ATM withdrawal (other bank) | Fee when using another bank’s ATM network | Use your bank’s ATM or keep cash planning to reduce frequency |
| Cheque book fee | Charge for cheque book issuance (sometimes per leaf) | Request only when necessary; verify if first cheque book is free |
| Statement/solvency/certificate fee | Fees for statements, balance certificates, solvency certificates | Use e-statements; ask about free quota |
| Account closing fee | Fee for closing account within a short period | Avoid closing too early; confirm closing rules at account opening |
| Online banking/service fees | Charges for internet banking, app services, or transfers | Ask if online banking is free; choose accounts with free digital services |
Low fees are good, but don’t ignore service quality. A bank with slightly higher fees but better reliability and service might save you time and stress.
No. Charges differ by bank, account type, and service package. Always check the official schedule of charges.
It’s usually SMS alert fee, maintenance fee, or minimum balance penalty. Ask your bank for the deduction details.
Banks update charge schedules from time to time. They usually publish updates, but customers often miss them.
Use digital transfers when possible, avoid issuing cheques without sufficient balance, and request cheque book only when needed.