Overdraft fees are a terrible thing to deal with, and one of the many downsides to being poor.

So, as someone who has worked in financial institutions, here are some general tips. https://twitter.com/the_razzlesnake/status/1298946798917242880

1) Credit unions over banks. Every. Single. Time.

There are a number of reasons for this, which I'll get in to another time. Long story short, they are generally more willing to work with members over issues.

2) Contact customer support (and be polite!)

If you get hit with a fee (especially if it is not a regular occurrence) reach out to customer support. Many institutions have policies where a rep can refund an overdraft fee without much issue.

When I worked for a credit union, we were pretty much allowed to refund one fee, no questions asked. Though, if it was more than one or if there was a history of reversals, we had to get further approval.

This is where being polite is key.

You don't have to ask for a supervisor right away. You'd be surprised at how much power a front-line rep has.

Sometimes they have to tell you no at first. But if you gently push, and empathize, and make your case like a calm, mature adult, you can often get what you want.

Now, if they can't grant you what you want, don't get mad! It's entirely possible that they don't have the authority to do the thing you're asking. Every company is different.

In that case, remain calm and ask to speak to a supervisor.

Not getting upset is key here. Trust me, call center reps get screamed at all day long. We mute our microphones and roll our eyes and become much less interested in helping you solve your problem when you get an attitude.

But back when I was a rep, I would bend over backwards for the people who talked to me like I was a human being. That goes double for supervisors, because they are almost always getting the screamers.

So contact customer service, and explain your situation. There are so many people experiencing a hard time right now. You may find your financial institution more willing than usual to forgive fees.

3) Do your homework.

Look at your bank statement to see if you're getting hit with hidden fees. They may be hiding in ways that you don't expect.

If you find yourself needing an ATM often, ask your institution if they have any partner institutions or fee forgiveness.

You know those ATMs at gas stations and drug stores that charge a fee to use them? My credit union reimburses those fees automatically.

Check your checking AND saving account for fees. I left my original bank because my entire savings was just slowly being eaten away by fees.

A lot of places hide behind criteria--you have to do 2 of 3 things to avoid fees, and sometimes you'll still get hit.

Learn the rules and make sure you're not getting screwed.

It also might not be a bad time to consider if this is the right institution for your needs.

A lot of us just start banking with whoever our parents used, and never research other options. Take stock of your needs (do you need access to a physical branch, ATMs, etc) and do some research.

See what's available to you.

There are so many options.