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In this article

• How to avoid statement fees
• Prevent late fees
• Avoid ATM fees
• Skip overdraft fees

Nobody likes surprise fees—especially when money is tight. We get it: paying extra for things like overdrafts, late payments, or paper statements can feel frustrating and even stressful. At United Federal Credit Union, we believe in transparency and helping our Members keep more of their hard-earned cash. That’s why we’re sharing practical, easy-to-follow tips to avoid fees. With a few simple steps in digital banking, you can stay in control, save money, and feel confident that your credit union has your back.

Take these tips to save money by avoiding fees.

Need cash but can’t get to a United ATM?

No worries, you’ve got options that won’t cost you extra. United is part of a Co-Op network with other credit unions, so you can hit up shared branches or ATMs without paying out-of-network fees.*

Just use United’s ATM & Branch Locator to find free ATMs and shared branches near you. Pro tip: look for the Co-Op logo when you’re out and about—that’s your ticket to fee-free access.

Find the nearest ATM that won’t charge United Members a fee

Skip overdraft fees

Nobody likes surprise fees. Set up overdraft protection transfers and keep your account covered. Here’s the deal: if a transaction goes through and you don't have enough money in your checking account to cover it, this feature automatically moves money from your linked savings or money market account to cover the difference.

To set up this automation, Members can visit their local branch and ask a Member Service Advisor to help them set up a ‘draw account.’

Avoid paper statement fees

United Members can save money and enhance security by switching from paper statements to eDocuments. By enrolling in eDocuments, you eliminate paper statement fees and receive your statements securely through digital banking.

Reducing paper statements also helps prevent fraud, as your statements skip the mailbox. To enroll, log in to United Digital Banking, navigate to Shortcuts, select eDocuments, and follow the prompts.

Enroll in eDocuments and save money now

Want to dodge credit card interest?

The easiest way to avoid paying interest on your credit card is to pay your balance in full every month. Set up automation and choose the 'pay in full' option before your due date—done and done.

Never stress about late fees again

Set up automatic payments for at least your credit card’s minimum amount and keep your account in good standing—no more “oops” moments. You can do this right in United Digital Banking. Got a card from another bank? No problem—just link it through United’s Bill Pay and set up your automation there. Easy, quick, and one less thing to worry about.

Sign up for Bill Pay by logging to your Digital Banking account and select ‘Pay Bills’ from the left-hand navigation menu.

Avoid credit card annual fees

Some credit cards charge annual fees to offset the cost of perks, like premium travel or rewards cards. These credit cards may offer customers airport lounge access but can cost card holders $95 to over $500 each year, a recurring cost just for access to the card’s benefits.

Avoid this fee by signing up for credit cards without an annual fee. None of United’s Visa credit cards charge an annual fee, which helps Members save money while enjoying features like balance transfer options and rewards programs.

Learn more about credit card terms and conditions - click here

Transfer a credit card balance without a fee

A balance transfer lets you move existing credit card debt from one card to another, typically to take advantage of a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory APR offer. This strategy helps reduce interest costs and consolidate multiple payments into one.

Most banks charge a balance transfer fee (usually 3–5% of the amount transferred), but United offers free balance transfers with the U First Visa Credit Card introductory rate. When Members open a new U First Visa Credit Card they enjoy 0% APR for the first 6 months on balance transfers then as low as 11.24% APR.** By avoiding the balance transfer fee, Members can potentially save hundreds of dollars.

Watch out for over-limit credit card fees

Going over your credit limit can hit you with an over-limit fee (usually $25–$35). Take note of your credit limit, keep your balance in check and don't go over. Staying under your limit reduces stress and saves money.

Get alerted before the fee

Avoid over-drafting your checking account by setting low-balance alerts in United Digital Banking. Get a heads-up when your account is running low so you can adjust before it’s too late. Pair alerts with budgeting tools to keep your spending on track—smart moves, zero surprises.

Set this up by going into United digital banking, click on ‘settings,’ and then ‘account alerts.’ Select the button for ‘new alert’ in the upper right corner and customize the alert, choosing to receive an email or text message when the account balance drops below a certain threshold.

What U Need to Know

Avoiding fees at United Federal Credit Union is all about smart moves and simple automation. From skipping paper statement fees with eDocuments to setting up Bill Pay, these tips help you save money.

Stay under your credit limit, pay your credit card in full, and use alerts to avoid overdrafts. Need cash? Hit up shared branches or Co-Op ATMs to avoid out-of-network charges. A few minor changes can save you serious cash and stress.