Bank Fees & Charges
Dispute unauthorized bank fees, overdraft charges, credit card fees, and unfair banking practices. File CFPB complaints and get free dispute letter templates.
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What is a bank fee dispute?
A bank fee dispute is a formal challenge to charges applied to your bank or credit card account that you believe are unauthorized, excessive, or applied in error. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and federal banking regulators provide oversight and complaint resolution.
Common bank fee disputes
Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, you have the right to dispute unauthorized electronic transactions within 60 days. The Fair Credit Billing Act protects credit card users. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized debit card transactions if reported promptly.
Steps to dispute bank fees
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1
Call your bank and request fee reversalthis often works for first-time disputes
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Send a formal written dispute letter
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File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint
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Contact your state banking regulator
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Consider the OCC (for national banks) or Federal Reserve (for state member banks)
Bank Fees & Charges in Massachusetts
Unexpected bank fees and charges can significantly impact your finances in Massachusetts. Whether you're facing excessive overdraft fees, undisclosed ATM charges, or unfair monthly maintenance fees, understanding your rights is crucial. Massachusetts consumers are protected by state-specific regulations designed to ensure transparency and fairness in banking practices. This guide empowers you to challenge unwarranted charges and navigate the financial landscape within the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 167 governs the supervision of banks, while MGL Chapter 106, Article 4, Section 4-401, addresses a bank's right to charge against a customer's account, including for overdrafts. A key protection is the "18-65" law, outlined in Regulatory Bulletin 2.1-106 (last updated October 7, 2022), which prohibits certain fees for accounts held by individuals aged 18-65, such as minimum balance charges or fees for initial check orders. While specific recent bills on "junk fees" are evolving, Massachusetts has been proactive in consumer protection, including prohibiting credit card surcharges as of April 2026.
To dispute bank fees in Massachusetts, your primary resource is the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB). You can file a complaint directly with the DOB Consumer Assistance Unit, which handles issues with state-chartered banks and credit unions. While there isn't a single federal agency for all bank fee disputes, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can be a federal alternative for broader financial product complaints. Additionally, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office Consumer Hotline, reachable at 617-727-8400, can provide guidance on general consumer protection matters.
The process for disputing bank fees in Massachusetts typically involves contacting your bank directly, documenting all communications, and if unresolved, filing a formal complaint with the Division of Banks. Most disputes are resolved within 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity and the bank's responsiveness. Always keep detailed records of statements, correspondence, and any evidence supporting your claim. Use the petition generator above to create a bank fee dispute letter in under two minutes.