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Overdraft fees hit a record

A study says banks pulled in $32 billion in overdraft charges in 2013 and fees are climbing.

If you’ve overdrawn your checking account lately, you may have noticed a jump in the penalty. A recent study from economic research firm Moebs Services says the median overdraft charge reached $30 last year—up from $29 the year before.

Banks say they’re trying to make up for lost revenue. Since 2010, customers have to opt in to overdraft plans, which let you buy that $4 latte even when you have just $2 in your account. That’s cut into the fees banks can collect. Moebs says people are also being more careful not to spend money they don’t have.

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