Stop Wasting Money: 7 Things Low Income Americans Should Never Pay For

If you’re living on a low income, every dollar matters. But millions of people across the country are paying for things they could get for free—simply because they don’t know their rights or available options. This invisible burden costs families millions every single day, and companies quietly profit by charging for services that are free elsewhere.

Let’s fix that. Here’s what you should never be paying for—and how to avoid those hidden fees that drain your wallet.

Bank Fees and ATM Charges

If your bank charges you monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance fees, or ATM fees, you’re probably paying too much. Many online banks and credit unions offer no-fee accounts with no balance requirements. Some even provide early access to your direct deposit and refund ATM fees, even when you use out-of-network machines.

If you don’t use a bank and rely on check cashing stores, you could be losing $10 to $30 or more every payday. That adds up fast. Instead, consider opening a prepaid card or fee-free bank account that accepts direct deposit. Some grocery stores also cash payroll checks for lower fees than check cashing locations, so it’s worth checking around.

Credit Reports and Credit Scores

You’re legally entitled to free credit reports every year from all three major bureaus. Just visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get them. You don’t need to enter payment information, and you shouldn’t have to sign up for a free trial or subscription.

There are also free apps, like Credit Karma, that give you ongoing access to your credit score. Since lenders use a variety of scoring models anyway, paying for your credit score isn’t usually worth it.

Cell Phone and Internet Service

If you’re on programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you may qualify for free or deeply discounted phone and internet services through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. These programs can even provide a free smartphone, depending on the plan you choose.

To learn more about which options are available in your area, visit our guide to free phones and service.

College Tuition

College can be surprisingly affordable when you know where to look. Many community colleges and public universities offer free tuition to low income students through state-funded programs. Even elite schools like Harvard and Princeton offer full rides—including housing—for students whose families meet certain income criteria.

To access these opportunities, start by completing the FAFSA form. Pell Grants alone can provide nearly $7,000 a year that you don’t have to pay back. You can get free help filling out the FAFSA from college financial aid offices or nonprofit organizations. There’s no need to pay someone to do it for you.

Streaming Services

If you’re paying full price for Netflix or Hulu, you might be missing out on better options. Many public libraries now offer free access to streaming platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy. These services include movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more—all accessible with a library card.

You may also be eligible for streaming discounts through your EBT card or mobile provider. For example, Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership for EBT holders, and Walmart+ may include a discounted Paramount+ subscription. Check your benefits and memberships to see what’s already included.

Tax Filing

If your income is under $84,000, you should never pay to file your taxes. The IRS Free File program lets you file online at no cost using trusted software. You can also get in-person help through the VITA program, which connects you with trained volunteers for free tax prep.

Be careful—some tax companies try to upsell unnecessary services or hide their free options behind paywalls. Always start your return from the official IRS website to avoid those traps. And skip the refund loans if you can—those advances can come with fees that reduce your final refund amount.

Medicare Plan Help

When it’s time to choose a Medicare plan, the options can be overwhelming—and expensive if you choose the wrong one. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Chapter is a free service that helps you compare every Medicare plan available in your area. They’ll walk you through your options and help you find the best plan for your needs—without pushing plans that don’t serve you.

Relief Recap

If you’re low income, you should never be paying for basic services like checking accounts, credit reports, tax prep, or phone service. These are things you can access for free if you know where to look—and Low Income Relief is here to help you find them. Don’t let confusion or hidden fees steal your money.

Every dollar you save by avoiding these unnecessary costs is money that stays in your pocket—and that’s a big deal when you’re trying to make ends meet. We’ll keep uncovering ways to stretch your budget and unlock the free resources you deserve.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.

If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment depends on the renewal of those contracts. While Chapter maintains a comprehensive database of Medicare plans nationwide and assists in searching all options, Chapter has contracts with many, but not all, plans. Therefore, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Chapter recommends plans even if they are not directly offered through Chapter. For complete Medicare plan options, please visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-Medicare, or contact your local SHIP office.