Fees

Fees are charges imposed by organizations for services, access, or processing tasks. They are distinct from taxes or penalties in that they are typically tied to a specific service or privilege and may be charged by governments, businesses, or nonprofit entities. Fees can be mandatory or optional, and their amounts may be fixed, tiered, or calculated based on usage, value, or risk.

Common categories include administrative or processing fees for applications or online transactions; service or facility fees for access or support; licensing, permit, or registration fees; late fees for overdue payments; membership or admission fees; and usage-based charges such as tolls or credit-card processing fees. Fees may be assessed once or recur regularly and can vary by customer segment, location, or service level.

Fee setting is often governed by policy, regulation, or commercial considerations. Transparency and disclosure are emphasized by consumer protection norms, with fee schedules, notice at the point of sale, and clear terms. Some fees are subject to caps, waivers, or refunds under specific conditions. The economic impact of fees includes affecting affordability, behavior, and access, and disputes over fees can prompt calls for greater clarity or reform. Examples include bank maintenance fees, airline baggage fees, and government license fees.