When you put money in the bank, you expect your account to pay you—not the other way around. Unfortunately, most people end up paying as much as $20 a month to use their bank account as a result of banking fees that really add up. Here’s how to avoid bank fees.

Don’t pay for checks
Banks often charge an arm and a leg for checks, but you can order them anywhere, often for less than $10. Even better, you can shop around for banks with checking accounts providing a free box of checks annually. Better still, stop writing checks all together and pay your bills online.

Get overdraft protection
Overdraft fees of $20 or $30 can really add up if you’re not the greatest at balancing your checkbook. While it’s best to avoid overdrawing your account altogether, you can save money on these hefty fees by setting up overdraft protection. Usually it’s free to set up. Instead of charging a big fee every time you overdraw your account, you simply get charged interest on the negative balance until you repay it. Another (free) option is to link your checking account to a savings account so that if you overdraw one, funds in the other account can be used to cover the transaction.

Get cash back with purchases
Try to plan your cash needs ahead of time to avoid $2-$3 ATM fees which can add up quick. Get cash back with your debit card when you shop at the grocery store or Wal-Mart. If you shop weekly,

Read the small print
In banking, “free” rarely means free. Usually, an account is free as long as you maintain a minimum balance, use online bill paying, or have your paycheck directly deposited. If you fail to meet any of these criteria you’ll be assessed a fee. Always know the terms of your bank account, and don’t be afraid to shop around for a better deal if it’s out there.

This article is part of the series Banking 101.