Many products that companies used to give away for free are now charged without any hesitation. And while it is true that, on occasions, the charge is more symbolic, such as $1 or $2 dollars, it all adds up anyway, and could imply a significant impact on your budget.
1. Air for tires
Previously, all gas service stations had a free air pump. Today, there are places where they charge you $2 to fill your tires.
Fortunately, there are still places that give free air and you can find them on the FreeAirPump.com website.
It should be noted that drivers in California and Connecticut are entitled to to use the air for free by state law, as reported in Money Talks News.
2. ATMs
Up to 1996, the largest ATM networks, Cirrus and PLUS, prohibited banks from charging surcharges for transactions made within the network. Once that restriction was lifted, everyone started imposing their ATM fees.
At 2021, customers paid an average of $4.1996 when withdrawing money from an ATM, according to Bankrate.
3. Grocery bags
Grocery bags are still free in much of the country, but residents of some areas now have to pay a few cents if they want to take their groceries home in a bag from the store.
For example, California has banned single-use plastic bags and retailers must charge at least $0.25 cents for recycled paper bags .
4. Home delivery
Some restaurants now charge a minimum of $5 dollars for products to be delivered to the houses. Also, you have to add the driver’s tip.
Some places offer free deliveries, but they usually have a catch, like you have to order through an app, like Grubhub or DoorDash, where the prices of the dishes are usually a little more expensive than ordering them directly at the store.
5. Beverage refills
Previously, any restaurant would refill your drinks for free, even if it was soft drinks or coffee. However, in 2013, there began to be reports of restaurants where they charged for serving more.
The most common thing now is that companies ask customers to buy cups that can be refilled or to register in an app if you want to continue receiving free drinks.
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2021