David Koch shares four top tips for managing your credit card.

New laws banning large merchants from charging “excessive” credit card surcharges came into force last week, meaning you will likely save a few dollars on those occasions when you book a flight or a concert ticket.

But there are a whole raft of sneaky credit card fees imposed by the banks, a Canstar analysis reveals. Here’s what to look out for.

1. THE ANNUAL FEE

Credit card providers charge us reasonably high interest rates on any outstanding balance we have on our credit card, and many of them also charge an annual fee for the privilege.

The credit card annual fee can range from $0 up to $700, with rewards cards tending to attract a higher annual fee. Across 197 credit cards on Canstar’s database, there are 36 that don’t charge an annual fee.

2. DOUBLE THE MONEY

In addition to charging you an annual fee, some card providers will also charge you another annual fee on any subsequent/supplementary card attached to your account. This is not as common, but you should ask the question.

3. CURRENCY CONVERSION

If you’re using your credit card overseas — or even buying something online in Australia that originates overseas — you can expect to pay a currency conversion fee of about three per cent. That’s a fee on top of whatever exchange rate is on offer at the time.

4. CASH ADVANCE FEE

Getting cash out at the ATM, if you use your credit card, can cost you up to five per cent of the amount withdrawn. Plus, interest on that cash advance starts accruing from day one.

And of course, you could also be charged another flat dollar fee if you use an ATM outside your own bank’s network.

According to the Reserve Bank, Australians make about $21 million worth of credit card cash advance withdrawals each month.

5. FOREIGN CASH ADVANCE

The above fee also holds true if you want to withdraw cash from your credit card while you’re overseas — plus the use of ATM fee.

6. OVER LIMIT FEE

Banks have to get your permission before allowing your credit card to go over its limit — but if you do allow this, be prepared that you might pay for it.

An analysis of Canstar’s database found at least 95 credit cards that charge fees of up to $40 if your credit card goes over its limit.

7. DISHONOUR FEE

If you pay your credit card by direct debit, and that payment is dishonoured, you may be hit with a dishonour fee on your credit card.

Canstar’s research found at least 115 credit cards that charge upwards of $2.50 per dishonour.

8. COUNTER FEE

Yes, you can be charged for paying your credit card bill. It’s not a common fee — there are only a small handful of institutions that charge it — but you could be looking at a $2 cost to pay your credit card bill in person, over the counter.

9. BPAY FEE

This is the fee charged for paying your credit card balance via BPay. While it is relatively modest, a small number of card providers will charge you up to 95 cents if you want to pay your credit card statement via BPay.

10. REPLACEMENT FEE

Don’t lose your credit card (or wear it out); getting a replacement could cost you up to $25. About one-third of the credit cards on Canstar’s database charge a replacement card fee.

THE VERDICT

If there’s any moral to the story, it’s probably that — unlike some of the surcharges that will now be limited — there are plenty of sneaky fees that could hit your hip pocket.

Thankfully, though, they are mostly avoidable by changing your card usage habits. To stay informed, read those boring terms and conditions that relate to your credit card, so you know what costs you might be up for.

Justine Davies is the editor-in-chief of comparison website Canstar.