DOLLAR TREE has an automatic surcharge that can add up if customers aren't paying attention to their limits.
The discount retailer allows shoppers to sign up for a Green Dot debit card.
Shoppers choose to open an account because benefits can include no monthly fees on qualifying direct deposits, cash back, overdraft protection, and free ATM withdrawal.
Keep in mind that consumers can use these to make purchases – but keep in mind that they aren't gift cards.
Some options customers can sign up for include the Green Dot Visa Debit Card, Cash Back Visa Debit Card, and GO2bank Visa Debit Card.
But regardless of which one you choose, keep in mind that there are a ton of fees that could add up that you need to be aware of.
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For example, cardholders are slapped with a $1 "reload fee" for every $75 that is reloaded.
OTHER FEES
Along with reload fees, there are other surcharges that you can be subject to using a Green Dot card.
Some cards including the GO2bank Visa and the Green Dot Visa require a minimum direct depot amount to avoid a monthly fee.
The automatic surcharges range from $5 to $7.95 per month respectively.
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To avoid this, you must receive a minimum of $500 in direct deposits from the previous monthly period on your Green Dot Visa account.
The amount is not specified for the GO2bank Visa card – but Green Dot said in its help center that the "$5.00 monthly fee is waived whenever you receive a payroll or government benefits direct depot in the previous monthly statement period."
Also, you could be subject to a $15 fee for each purchase you make that takes your account to a negative balance.
And there are also ATM fees that may apply, which are as follows.
- $3 for out-of-network withdrawals
- 50 cents for balance inquiries
- Any other fees that the ATM owner charges
But keep in mind, that you are allowed four free withdrawals per month as long as they are in the network.
You can find an ATM near you by logging into your Green Dot account or through its app.
And for those interested in signing up, Dollar Tree allows you to sign up in-store.
RESTOCKING SURCHARGES
Consumers will want to keep fees in mind that may come from their favorite local stores too.
For example, more than a dozen retailers including Wayfair and JC Penny charge a restocking or return fee for items that customers want to ship back.
They can range to as high as $10 or 20 percent of the purchase price.
You might be able to avoid them by signing up for a membership or a rewards program.
For example, DSW shoppers that are eligible for the VIP Gold or VIP Elite membership can return items for free online.
The VIP Elite allows a full year to make a free return, while VIP Gold members have a 90-day window to do so, according to DSW.
The memberships also come with other perks including exclusive deals from the company and double points days.
However, the VIP Gold and VIP Elite memberships require customers to spend at least $200 and $500 annually, respectively, to qualify for the benefits.
So these could be good if you are a frequent shopper.
But the easiest way to avoid a fee might be simply going back to a local brick-and-mortar store to return the item rather than shipping it back.
But be sure to check with your store's policy to understand your benefits as a customer.
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For more related stories, Delta has added an automatic surcharge that will charge customers $30 for every flight.
And Walmart and Target might charge fees due to bag bans.
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