1. Paying to Use Your Bank’s Own ATM
It used to be pretty normal to stop by your own bank’s ATM and grab cash without thinking twice. Now, many banks are tacking on fees just for using their machines—something that was typically free a decade ago. Chase, for example, charges $3 to $5 for out-of-network withdrawals, and even your own bank may hit you with “maintenance” or “convenience” charges. These fees feel especially absurd when you’re accessing your own money.
The rise of digital banking and fewer physical branches has let banks offload costs onto customers. Plus, many traditional banks have leaned on fees to offset low interest earnings in recent years. The ATM fee shift is part of a bigger trend where banks generate billions from nickel-and-diming. And consumers who aren’t watching closely often don’t realize until the fee has already hit.
2. Resort Fees at Non-Resort Hotels
Ten years ago, a hotel room price was the price—you paid it, you slept, you checked out. Now, you can book a plain old Marriott downtown and get slapped with a “resort fee” even if there’s no pool, spa, or golf course. These fees, often $25 to $50 a night, are tacked on at the end of the booking process and cover vague perks like Wi-Fi or fitness room access. It’s a sneaky way for hotels to advertise lower rates and make up the difference later.
Travelers are increasingly frustrated by these surprise charges, which can easily add hundreds to a multi-night stay. Consumer advocacy groups have called them deceptive, and some states have even started cracking down. But many hotels persist, because the fees generate huge profits with minimal backlash. They’ve essentially made honesty optional in hotel pricing.
3. Fees for Paper Billing
Remember when companies used to send you bills for free, just part of doing business? Now, many utilities, telecom providers, and credit card issuers charge $2 to $5 per bill just to send you a piece of paper. It’s their way of “encouraging” you to go paperless, but it’s really about pushing the costs back onto you. In some cases, if you don’t notice the fine print, you can get charged monthly without realizing it.
Ten years ago, this would’ve been considered ridiculous—billing was a cost of service, not a luxury. The justification often hinges on sustainability, but the financial motive is clear. Companies are saving money on postage and printing while profiting off those who still need paper for accessibility or preference. And if you’re a senior citizen or don’t have reliable internet? Tough luck.
4. Airline Seat Selection Fees
Once upon a time, buying a plane ticket meant you could pick a seat for free—window, aisle, whatever was available. Now, even budget airlines charge $15 to $100 just to pick where you sit, including for families who want to sit together. If you don’t pay, you risk being split up or stuck in a middle seat between strangers. It’s a big shift from the days when courtesy and comfort were part of the fare.
Airlines call it “unbundling”—charging separately for things that used to be included. It lets them advertise lower base fares while raking in extras once you’re locked in. The result? A more confusing, frustrating, and expensive flying experience that leaves travelers feeling scammed.
5. Early Access Fees for Concert Tickets
Ticketmaster and other platforms now regularly offer “early access” sales or “fan club presales” that cost extra—but that didn’t used to be the norm. In the past, being early and lucky was enough to snag a good seat. Today, it often means paying $50 to $100 more just for a chance to get a ticket before bots and scalpers. And that’s before the insane service fees.
The rise of dynamic pricing, “platinum” ticket tiers, and access fees has turned live music into a luxury event. Regular fans feel squeezed out, while ticketing companies rake in profits on both ends. These early access fees aren’t about rewarding loyalty—they’re just a paywall. And fans are starting to catch on.
6. Grocery Delivery Service Fees
A decade ago, if your local grocery store delivered, it was often free with a minimum order or tied to special promotions. Now, nearly every online grocery service—from Instacart to Walmart+—charges delivery fees on top of inflated item prices. You might pay $6.95 per delivery, plus a service fee, plus tip. And even “free” delivery subscriptions often have hidden costs.
The pandemic turbocharged demand for grocery delivery, and companies saw the chance to cash in. But now that margins are tight and inflation is biting, they’re passing costs back to customers. Fees pile up fast, especially if you rely on delivery often. What was once a helpful convenience is now a premium service.
7. Customer Service by Phone
Believe it or not, some companies now charge you to speak to a real human on the phone. Airlines, budget financial services, and even government contractors have introduced fees for “live agent support” that can range from $5 to $25. Ten years ago, phone help was standard—it was part of running a business. Now it’s treated like a VIP benefit.
These fees are often buried in the terms of low-cost services or subscription tiers. Companies argue it’s to streamline operations, but really, it saves them money and discourages costly support calls. It’s frustrating for consumers, especially when dealing with time-sensitive or complex issues. Digital self-service has replaced empathy—and now, it costs extra to get it back.
8. Fast Passes at Amusement Parks
Once a perk for special guests or a limited upcharge, fast pass systems have morphed into pay-to-play essentials. Ten years ago, Disney’s FastPass was free—you just planned well and reserved in advance. Now, parks like Disneyland and Universal charge $20 to $100+ per person per day for similar privileges. Without paying, you could spend most of your day in line.
Theme parks realized that monetizing impatience was a goldmine. What was once a clever crowd-management tool is now a tiered experience: pay more, wait less. It’s created a two-class system inside the park, where only some families can afford to skip lines. And unfortunately, more parks are adopting the model every year.
This post 8 Ridiculous Fees Americans Pay Now That Used to Be Free Just a Decade Ago was first published on American Charm.
