20 Ridiculous Fees That Didn’t Exist When You Were Younger
From seat selection to digital tipping, today’s fees will make you wonder how we got here.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Fees have gotten out of control, and most of them didn’t even exist a couple decades ago. Companies have found clever ways to squeeze extra money from everyday situations. Here’s a roundup of 20 ridiculous modern fees that would’ve been unthinkable back in the day.
1. Airline Seat Selection Fee
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Once free with your ticket, now it costs just to sit next to your travel buddy. Even middle seats come with price tags.
2. Resort Fees
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You’d think the room price covers the pool and gym—nope. Hotels now tack on $20–$50 “resort fees” daily for amenities you may not even use.
3. Online Convenience Fees
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Paying online should save time and effort, right? Not anymore—many services charge extra just for the ease of using a website. Movie tickets, utility bills, and even school fees sneak in this surcharge.
4. Bottle Deposit Fees
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In some states, you pay a few extra cents per bottle or can. You might get it back if you return them all, but most don’t. It’s supposed to encourage recycling, but often feels like a penalty for buying drinks.
5. Digital Tipping Prompts
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Your barista turns the screen, and suddenly, you’re tipping 25% for a muffin. These digital prompts pressure you into tipping in places that never expected it before.
6. Paper Statement Fees
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Want your bill mailed instead of emailed? That’ll be a few bucks. Companies push digital to save money, then punish those who prefer paper.
7. Early Check-In Fees
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Got to the hotel a little early? Prepare to pay extra just to drop your bags and relax. It’s the same room, just earlier access.
8. Grocery Bag Fees
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Some cities charge per bag if you don’t bring your own. It’s marketed as eco-friendly, but it feels like another mini tax.
9. Admin Fees at Doctors’ Offices
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Beyond your copay, some clinics now bill “administrative fees” for paperwork or scheduling. It’s a charge just to exist in their system.
10. Mandatory Gratuity
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Some restaurants auto-add 18–20% to your bill, even for small parties. That tip isn’t always obvious until the check comes.
11. Streaming Service Price Hikes
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You signed up for $9.99, now you’re paying $18. They quietly raise prices every few months. Add a few services together, and you’re basically back to cable bills.
12. Water Bottle Charges at Events
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Want to stay hydrated? A tiny bottle will cost $5–$10 at concerts, theme parks, or stadiums. Because outside drinks are banned, you’re stuck paying.
13. “Service” Fees on Tickets
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Concert and event sites add vague “service” fees that sometimes cost more than the actual ticket. It’s not clear what you’re paying for—just that you have to.
14. ATM Fees (Even at Your Own Bank)
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Some banks charge you to withdraw your own money. Use an out-of-network ATM? That’s a double hit—your bank and theirs both want a cut.
15. Parking App Surcharges
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Many cities now require apps to pay for parking—but those apps often charge “transaction fees.” Even your meter money gets taxed.
16. Return Fees for Online Orders
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Changing your mind now costs you. Some stores deduct shipping or restocking fees from your refund.
17. Phone Unlocking Fees
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Want to switch carriers? That locked phone can cost you even though you fully paid for it.
18. Subscription Cancellation Fees
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Are you trying to cancel that “free trial?” Some services require you to call a number or pay a cancellation fee, while others bury the “cancel” button like a hidden treasure.
19. College Application Fees
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Back in the day, applying was free or cheap. Now, each school wants $50–$100 just to consider you.
20. “Environmental” Car Rental Fees
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Rent a car and you’ll see random charges like “tire disposal” or “environmental impact fee.” These mystery fees aren’t optional, and you have no clue where the money goes.