My credit union teller called me out on my spending habits and I actually listened

I was at my local credit union in Austin last month depositing a check and the teller asked if I wanted to see my monthly spending breakdown. I said sure thinking it would be boring. She pointed out I was paying $47 a month in ATM fees from using out of network machines all over town. I didn't even realize it added up that much because I just grabbed cash whenever I needed it. She showed me how to set up my debit card to only work at in-network ATMs and use my phone for payments everywhere else. Now I just plan ahead and hit the free ATMs near my apartment or work. Has anyone else had a bank employee give them a reality check on fees? What did you change?

2 comments

2 Comments

phoenix2917d ago

That's wild they actually flagged the ATM fees specifically lol. I feel like most tellers just smile and hand you your receipt. Did she show you anything else in that breakdown that caught you off guard besides the fees? I switched banks last year after mine hit me with a $35 overdraft fee for a $3 coffee and I was livid but never thought to ask them to walk through my spending like that.

thomas.tyler17d ago

Ngl I used to be one of those people who thought bank tellers were just there to hand you cash and move on. I remember seeing that $47 number and thinking "no way" because I always just grabbed $20 here and there without paying attention. Honestly that teller definitely changed my mind about the whole thing. I always figured fees were just part of using a bank but she broke down how much I was throwing away every year just for convenience. Now I actually use one of those budgeting apps on my phone to track my spending so I don't get surprised again. Tbh it felt embarrassing at first having someone point out my bad habits but I'm glad she did.