Bank fees are charges that financial institutions impose for various services and transactions. These fees can include monthly maintenance fees, ATM withdrawal fees, overdraft fees, and wire transfer fees. They are designed to cover the costs of providing banking services and can vary widely between different banks and account types. Customers can often avoid some bank fees by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposits, or using in-network ATMs. It's important for account holders to review their bank's fee schedule and understand the terms of their accounts to manage costs effectively and make informed financial decisions.