Protecting Bank Cards from Hidden Fees and Unwanted Subscriptions
A senior associate professor at the Department of State and Municipal Finance of the Russian University of Economics named after GV Plekhanov, Mary Valishvili, discussed practical steps to shield consumers from hidden charges that banks and marketplaces may impose. This information was provided in an interview with Hit the primer [citation: Hit the primer]. The core message: taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of covert costs showing up on card statements.
First, Valishvili emphasized the importance of declining unnecessary services offered by banks and third-party platforms. In many cases, users sign up for extra features that come with ongoing fees, and these can accumulate quietly over time. The recommendation is to review every new service at the moment of activation and to cancel anything that does not deliver clear value. A careful audit of recurring charges is a straightforward way to prevent overpaying and to keep spending transparent [citation: Hit the primer].
Another key suggestion is to enable transaction notifications within the banking app. Real-time alerts for every purchase or payment create an immediate visibility into all activity on a card, making it easier to spot unauthorized or unexpected charges. If a transaction appears that the cardholder did not authorize, there is typically a quicker path to dispute it and recover funds. This practice supports greater control over card usage and reduces the window for fraudulent or mistaken charges [citation: Hit the primer].
Valishvili also touched on the importance of supervision over automatic cancellations of paid services. He recommended turning off any options that automatically renew or renew without explicit consent from the customer. In many markets, changes to subscription status and renewal rules are subject to consumer protection measures, and being explicit about renewal terms helps maintain a fair relationship between service providers and users [citation: Hit the primer].
The expert noted that a bill regulating automatic deletion of paid services has been introduced to the State Duma, with support from the Cabinet of Ministers. This legislative move aims to standardize how paid services are managed, reduce surprise charges, and strengthen consumer rights when dealing with subscriptions tied to financial products and online marketplaces [citation: Hit the primer].
In the broader context, consumers in Russia have been advised to stay vigilant about fraud risks associated with marketplaces and digital services. Changes to phone numbers, account re-enrollment, and new device sign-ins can trigger secondary charges or unauthorized services if security settings are not routinely reviewed. Keeping software up to date, using strong authentication, and regularly auditing active subscriptions are practical steps that empower users to maintain financial control and minimize unintended costs [citation: Hit the primer].
Overall, the guidance centers on awareness, proactive management, and clear communication between customers and service providers. By leveraging notification features, scrutinizing renewal terms, and understanding upcoming regulatory protections, individuals can safeguard themselves against hidden fees that might otherwise go unnoticed until they appear on a monthly bill [citation: Hit the primer].