fee

A fee is a charge levied by a person or organization for the provision of a service, access to a facility, or permission to undertake an activity. It is distinct from the price of goods and from taxes; fees are typically tied to a specific service or regulatory entitlement, and may be fixed or variable, one-time or recurring. Fees are usually disclosed in contracts, terms of service, or pricing schedules.

Common types include service fees (processing fees, handling fees), admission or registration fees, licensing fees, regulatory or permit fees, membership or annual fees, usage or toll fees, and transaction or platform fees. In finance, professional fees can include management fees and performance fees; legal and contingency fees are other examples. Fees may also arise as penalties, such as late or cancellation fees.

Charging structures vary: some are flat amounts, others are percentage-based or tiered by value or usage. Transparency is a public-policy and consumer-protection concern; many jurisdictions require clear disclosure and prohibit hidden or deceptive fees. Regulation can also govern how and when fees are imposed by providers such as banks, utilities, or public agencies.

In public finance, user fees are intended to recover the direct costs of services and to guide consumption. In the private sector, fees influence pricing strategy, incentives, and welfare. Critics may view high or opaque fees as burdensome; consumers are advised to review fee schedules and seek itemized disclosures.