Hidden Fees and Junk Fees: What to Watch For

A price that looks good at first can grow by the time you reach checkout. Extra charges that show up late, or that are hard to understand, are often called junk fees. Here is how to spot them and what rules apply.

What drip pricing looks like

Drip pricing is when a business shows a low price first, then adds required fees one at a time as you move through checkout. By the last screen, the total is much higher than the price that caught your eye.

It works because by then you have spent time choosing seats, dates, or options, and it feels like too much trouble to start over. Knowing this trick makes it easier to stop and compare.

Common fee names

Fees can be fair when they are clear and shown up front. The problem is when they are required but hidden until the end, or when their names do not explain what they are for.

Resort or destination fees added to a hotel room rate.
Service fees on tickets, food delivery, or bookings.
Convenience or processing fees for paying online or by card.
Cleaning fees on vacation rentals.
Administrative or account fees with no clear purpose.

The FTC's rule on fees for tickets and lodging

The FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect on May 12, 2025. It covers two areas: tickets to live events, such as concerts, sports, and theater, and short-term lodging, such as hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. It also applies to resellers, booking sites, and travel agents that sell these.

Under the rule, when a covered business shows a price, it must show the total price, including mandatory fees it knows about, and that total must stand out more than other price information. Government taxes and shipping may be left out of the first total, but they must be clearly shown before you pay. The FTC has taken action under this rule.

The rule does not cover every industry. For other purchases, fees may still be limited by other federal and state laws, but the rules vary.

How to protect yourself

Before you commit, go all the way to the final payment screen and look at the true total. Then compare that number, not the starting price, with other options.

Take a screenshot of the advertised price and the final total.
Ask what a fee is for if the name is unclear.
Compare total prices across a few sellers.
For hotels, ask at booking whether there is a resort or other daily fee.

If you were charged a fee you did not expect

Contact the business first and ask for the fee to be removed or refunded. Keep your screenshots and receipts. If the business will not help, you may be able to dispute the charge with your card company, and you can report the problem to the FTC or your state attorney general.

Common questions

Are all hidden fees illegal?

No. Many fees are allowed if they are clearly disclosed. The FTC's fee rule requires upfront total prices for live-event tickets and short-term lodging. Other industries may be covered by different federal or state rules. If a fee seems deceptive, you can report it even if you are unsure whether a law was broken.

Does the FTC rule cover restaurants and food delivery?

The FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees covers live-event tickets and short-term lodging, such as hotels and vacation rentals. It does not cover restaurants or food delivery. Some states have their own pricing rules, so check with your state attorney general's consumer protection office.

What is the best way to compare prices with fees?

Go to the final checkout screen on each site before paying and write down the full total. Compare those totals, not the advertised starting prices. A lower starting price can end up costing more once required fees are added. Screenshots help if there is a problem later.

Official sources

General consumer information as of October 2026, not legal advice. Laws and company policies change; check the official sources for your situation.