U.S. consumers facing junk fees, such as non-sufficient funds (NSF) charges on declined bank transactions, can file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) via their website or by calling 855-411-CFPB (2372). Companies typically respond within 15 days and close cases within 60 days, with a 98% timely response rate. The CFPB proposed a rule prohibiting NSF fees on real-time declined debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and some peer-to-peer payments at banks, credit unions, and certain P2P providers. The FTC proposed a Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees in 2023, targeting hidden fees in areas like ticketing and lodging. Both rules remain proposed; they do not create universal refund rights. Merchant refunds, credit card chargebacks, and subscription cancellations do not apply to these bank or service fees. Start by gathering transaction records and contacting your bank, then escalate to CFPB if needed.

Rules and Policies Controlling Junk Fees

The CFPB proposed a rule to stop NSF fees on transactions declined in real time, covering debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and some P2P payments. This targets banks, credit unions, and certain P2P companies. In 2023, CFPB supervisory actions returned $120 million in illegal overdraft and NSF fees to consumers.

The FTC's proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, published in the Federal Register in 2023, addresses hidden or deceptive fees, with examples in ticketing, lodging, and restaurants. Both proposals aim to prevent certain fees but are not finalized rules creating automatic refunds or bans. Check current status on official FTC and CFPB sites, as enforcement depends on finalization and agency actions like supervision.

What Does Not Control Junk Fees

Junk fees on bank accounts or deceptive service fees fall outside merchant refund policies, credit card billing disputes, or subscription cancellation terms. These remedies apply to purchases or recurring charges, not bank NSF fees or hidden service surcharges.

Proposed rules limit scope to specific practices and do not cover areas like credit card late fees. Company policies may vary, but agency proposals focus on prevention and oversight, not individual refunds.

How to File a Junk Fees Complaint

Gather evidence first: account statements showing the fee, transaction details, and any decline notices. Contact your bank or service provider directly to request a review or reversal, as CFPB expects consumers to try this step.

Submit to CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call 855-411-CFPB (2372) for financial products like bank accounts. Describe the fee, attach evidence, and note prior company contacts. Companies must typically acknowledge within 15 days and close within 60 days. After response, provide feedback within 60 days via CFPB survey. CFPB forwards complaints to the company for resolution; unresolved cases may lead to supervision.

Complaint Checklist

• Transaction date, amount, and decline confirmation
• Fee description from statement
• Prior company contact records (emails, call notes)
• Account details without full numbers

Limits apply: CFPB handles financial products/services only; non-financial disputes go elsewhere. Company responses do not guarantee refunds.

FAQ

What evidence do I need for a CFPB junk fee complaint?
Transaction records, account statements showing the fee tied to a declined action, and any decline notices.

Are junk fees automatically refunded under proposed rules?
No, the CFPB and FTC rules are proposed and focus on prevention; refunds depend on company response or CFPB enforcement actions.

Can I complain about restaurant or ticket surcharges as junk fees?
FTC proposal includes deceptive examples like these, but file with CFPB if financial or contact the company first.

What if my bank ignores the CFPB complaint?
Submit feedback 60 days after their response; CFPB may follow up through supervision.

Next, verify your fee fits proposed scopes via CFPB/FTC sites, gather evidence, and file promptly to start the process.