{ "title": "DetectHiddenFees 2026 Hidden Fee Evidence Review", "version": "0.2.0", "status": "published", "asset_type": "verified public-source database and evidence review", "creator": "DetectHiddenFees Research Lab", "published_at": "2026-08-08", "updated_at": "2026-08-08", "methodology_url": "https://detecthiddenfees.com/research-methodology", "landing_page": "https://detecthiddenfees.com/hidden-fee-database", "data_downloads": { "json": "https://detecthiddenfees.com/research-data.json", "csv": "https://detecthiddenfees.com/research-data.csv" }, "scope": { "geography": "United States-focused public government and regulatory guidance; scope is recorded per source.", "industries": [ "live_events_and_short_term_lodging", "banking_and_consumer_finance", "healthcare_billing", "automotive_finance", "banking", "payday_lending_and_banking", "banking_and_recurring_payments", "subscriptions", "construction_and_home_services", "automotive", "credit_cards", "healthcare_financing", "healthcare_billing_and_credit_reporting", "shopping_and_subscriptions", "credit_cards_and_consumer_billing" ], "document_types": [ "consumer guidance", "consumer alert", "policy resource", "rights guide", "consumer tool" ] }, "statistics": { "verified_record_count": 25, "record_count_by_industry": { "live_events_and_short_term_lodging": 1, "banking_and_consumer_finance": 1, "healthcare_billing": 4, "automotive_finance": 2, "banking": 4, "payday_lending_and_banking": 1, "banking_and_recurring_payments": 1, "subscriptions": 1, "construction_and_home_services": 1, "automotive": 2, "credit_cards": 3, "healthcare_financing": 1, "healthcare_billing_and_credit_reporting": 1, "shopping_and_subscriptions": 1, "credit_cards_and_consumer_billing": 1 }, "record_count_by_fee_category": { "mandatory_fee_disclosure": 1, "consumer_finance_penalty_fee": 1, "billing_error_review": 1, "automotive_add_on": 1, "automotive_transaction_fee": 1, "overdraft_and_returned_payment": 1, "overdraft_avoidance": 1, "account_maintenance_fee": 1, "advertised_free_account_exceptions": 1, "loan_payment_failure_fee": 1, "automatic_payment_authorization": 1, "subscription_renewal_and_cancellation": 1, "home_improvement_estimate_and_contract": 1, "automotive_unwanted_add_on": 1, "automotive_enforcement_allegation": 1, "credit_card_billing_error": 1, "credit_card_statement_review": 1, "payment_method_fee": 1, "medical_bill_reconciliation": 1, "surprise_billing_protection": 1, "surprise_medical_bill": 1, "medical_financing_fee": 1, "medical_debt_reporting": 1, "unwanted_product_billing": 1, "credit_card_refund_and_dispute": 1 }, "interpretation": "These are counts in this reviewed source sample. They are not market shares, prevalence rates, or estimates of how often companies charge a fee." }, "records": [ { "record_id": "R-2026-001", "source": "What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/what-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-means-you", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "industry": "live_events_and_short_term_lodging", "document_type": "consumer_alert", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2025-05-12", "fee_terminology": "mandatory fees; government charges; optional add-ons", "fee_category": "mandatory_fee_disclosure", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The FTC consumer guidance states that covered live-event ticket and short-term-lodging sellers must include known required fees in the upfront price and disclose certain additional charges before asking for final payment.", "evidence_reference": "Article paragraphs describing the Rule’s covered sellers, upfront required fees, and later-disclosed taxes or shipping", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Issue-specific consumer guidance for covered tickets and short-term lodging; it does not establish a general rule for every industry or a prevalence statistic." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-002", "source": "Junk fees | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/junk-fees/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking_and_consumer_finance", "document_type": "policy_resource", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-03-05", "fee_terminology": "overdraft fees; nonsufficient funds fees; depositor fees", "fee_category": "consumer_finance_penalty_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB resource describes its junk-fee initiative and identifies surprise depositor fees, surprise overdraft fees, and related banking-fee policy and research topics.", "evidence_reference": "Junk fees page headings and sections on hidden costs, surprise depositor fees, and surprise overdraft fees", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "A CFPB policy/resource hub rather than a representative sample; it supports terminology and source context, not a DetectHiddenFees prevalence estimate." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-003", "source": "Check your medical bill for errors | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/bill-errors", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "industry": "healthcare_billing", "document_type": "consumer_guide", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-11-05", "fee_terminology": "detailed bill; explanation of benefits; billing error", "fee_category": "billing_error_review", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "CMS recommends requesting a detailed bill, comparing the patient share with the explanation of benefits, comparing the bill with medical records, and checking for duplicate services or mismatched billing codes.", "evidence_reference": "Guide action steps for a detailed bill, explanation of benefits, medical records, duplicate billing, and billing codes", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Consumer review guidance; it does not establish an error rate or determine whether a particular bill is legally valid." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-004", "source": "What is a Finance and Insurance (F&I) department? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-finance-and-insurance-fi-department-en-747/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "automotive_finance", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-01-30", "fee_terminology": "optional add-on products; auto loan features", "fee_category": "automotive_add_on", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": "The page notes that consumers may have a right to cancel some add-on products later.", "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB explains that a dealership F&I department handles financing, contracts, paperwork, and optional add-on products; it also states that add-ons are not required to secure dealer financing and may be cancellable later depending on the circumstances.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs defining F&I work, optional add-ons, loan amount effects, and possible cancellation rights", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "General consumer guidance; cancellation rights are product- and jurisdiction-dependent and are not determined by this record." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-005", "source": "What things can I negotiate when shopping for a car or auto loan? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-things-can-i-negotiate-when-shopping-for-a-car-or-auto-loan-en-2132/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "automotive_finance", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-08-28", "fee_terminology": "prepayment penalty; preparation fee; origination fee; document fee; delivery charge; market adjustment", "fee_category": "automotive_transaction_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB lists possible dealer or loan charges including preparation, origination, document, delivery, and market-adjustment fees, and distinguishes those from taxes, title, and registration fees set by government.", "evidence_reference": "Sections on optional add-on products, additional vehicle or loan fees, and non-negotiable government fees", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Consumer negotiation guidance; it lists examples but does not support a claim about fee frequency, legality, or typical amount." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-006", "source": "What can I do if my bank charged me a fee for overdrawing my account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-my-bank-charged-me-a-fee-for-overdrawing-my-account-en-1037/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2025-01-02", "fee_terminology": "overdraft fee; nonsufficient funds fee; returned item fee", "fee_category": "overdraft_and_returned_payment", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Overdraft protection enrollment and account terms", "cancellation_requirements": "The page says an enrolled consumer can change their mind about overdraft protection by notifying the bank or credit union.", "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB distinguishes one-time debit-card and ATM overdraft rules from checks and recurring electronic payments, and notes that checks or recurring payments may lead to overdraft, NSF, or returned-item fees.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs on opt-in overdraft protection and check or recurring-payment fees", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Rules and account terms can vary; the record is not a legal determination for an individual account." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-007", "source": "How can I avoid debit card overdrafts? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-avoid-debit-card-overdrafts-en-1053/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-09-04", "fee_terminology": "debit card overdraft fee; overdraft line of credit; low-balance alert", "fee_category": "overdraft_avoidance", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": "The page says consumers can decline or cancel debit-card overdraft coverage.", "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB says consumers can avoid debit-card overdraft fees by declining or cancelling coverage and describes linked savings or overdraft-line alternatives that may also involve fees or interest.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs on declining coverage, linked savings, overdraft lines, and alerts", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The page describes options and possible charges; it does not compare bank-specific pricing." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-008", "source": "Why am I being charged a monthly maintenance fee for my bank or credit union account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/why-am-i-being-charged-a-monthly-maintenance-fee-for-my-bank-or-credit-union-account-en-2151/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-09-13", "fee_terminology": "monthly maintenance fee; service fee; minimum balance; direct deposit", "fee_category": "account_maintenance_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "recurring", "contract_clause": "Account opening disclosures and fee-change notices", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB says banks and credit unions may charge monthly maintenance or service fees, must disclose the fee and ways to avoid it, and must notify customers in writing when fee amounts or types change.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs on permitted maintenance fees, opening disclosures, and written change notices", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "General account-fee guidance; amounts and waiver requirements are account-specific." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-009", "source": "I opened a \"free\" checking account but there are fees charged on my account. Can my bank/credit union do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-opened-a-free-checking-account-but-there-are-fees-charged-on-my-account-can-my-bankcredit-union-do-that-en-961/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-09-04", "fee_terminology": "free account; no cost; ATM fee; overdraft fee; bounced check fee", "fee_category": "advertised_free_account_exceptions", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Account description and fee schedule", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB explains that an account described as free or no cost cannot have certain monthly or transaction fees, while the account may still have disclosed fees such as ATM, overdraft, bounced-check, stop-payment, dormant-account, or check-printing fees.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs defining free or no-cost accounts and listed possible fees", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "This is a general explanation, not a determination that any particular account disclosure was misleading." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-010", "source": "Why did my payday lender charge me a late fee or a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/why-did-my-payday-lender-charge-me-a-late-fee-or-a-non-sufficient-funds-nsf-fee-en-1603/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "payday_lending_and_banking", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-12-05", "fee_terminology": "late fee; returned payment fee; NSF fee; overdraft fee", "fee_category": "loan_payment_failure_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Loan agreement and ACH or electronic-transfer authorization", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB explains that an unsuccessful payday-loan repayment attempt may lead to lender late or returned-payment fees and bank or credit-union NSF or overdraft fees, depending on state law and the loan agreement.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs on payment history, repayment attempts, state law, and loan agreements", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The page expressly limits the discussion by state law and the loan agreement; no universal fee rule is inferred." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-011", "source": "How do automatic payments from a bank account work? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-automatic-payments-from-a-bank-account-work-en-2021/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "banking_and_recurring_payments", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2025-09-19", "fee_terminology": "automatic payment; recurring payment; overdraft fee; NSF fee", "fee_category": "automatic_payment_authorization", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "recurring", "contract_clause": "Payment authorization terms", "cancellation_requirements": "The page directs consumers to learn how to stop automatic payments and retain the authorization terms.", "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB explains that automatic payments authorize a company to withdraw money on a recurring basis, that variable payments require advance notice in specified circumstances, and that insufficient funds can lead to overdraft or NSF fees.", "evidence_reference": "Answer sections on recurring authorizations, differing payment amounts, fees, and reviewing authorization terms", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "General payment-authorization guidance; specific notice and cancellation rights can depend on the agreement and applicable law." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-012", "source": "Getting In and Out of Free Trials, Auto-Renewals, and Negative Option Subscriptions | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/getting-and-out-free-trials-auto-renewals-and-negative-option-subscriptions", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "industry": "subscriptions", "document_type": "consumer_article", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": null, "fee_terminology": "free trial; auto-renewal; negative option; cancellation; shipping fee", "fee_category": "subscription_renewal_and_cancellation", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "recurring", "contract_clause": "Trial terms, renewal terms, and cancellation method", "cancellation_requirements": "The FTC says businesses must tell consumers how to cancel before obtaining card information and make cancelling simple.", "renewal_terms": "The page explains that a subscription may auto-renew if not cancelled before the trial or term ends.", "evidence": "The FTC explains that free trials can convert to paid subscriptions, auto-renewals can produce unexpected charges, negative-option plans bill unless the consumer cancels, and consumers should review trial and cancellation terms.", "evidence_reference": "Article sections on free trials, auto-renewals, negative options, pre-checked boxes, and cancellation", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "General consumer guidance; it does not establish that every subscription uses an unfair or unlawful term." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-013", "source": "How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "industry": "construction_and_home_services", "document_type": "consumer_article", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": null, "fee_terminology": "written estimate; materials; labor; down payment; cancellation right", "fee_category": "home_improvement_estimate_and_contract", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Written scope, price, dates, contractor identity, and cancellation notice", "cancellation_requirements": "The FTC describes a written three-business-day cancellation statement for certain contracts signed at home or away from the seller’s permanent place of business.", "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The FTC recommends multiple written estimates, a contract identifying work, materials, dates, and price, completion of blank spaces, and caution about large upfront payments and contractor financing.", "evidence_reference": "Article sections on estimates, contract contents, cancellation language, deposits, and financing", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Contract requirements and cancellation rules vary by state and transaction setting; this is not legal advice." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-014", "source": "Car dealerships can’t charge you for add-ons you don’t want | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/car-dealerships-cant-charge-you-add-ons-you-dont-want", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "industry": "automotive", "document_type": "consumer_alert", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-08-16", "fee_terminology": "add-on; service contract; paint coating; extra fee; financing markup", "fee_category": "automotive_unwanted_add_on", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Sales contract and financing agreement", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The FTC describes allegations that dealerships charged buyers for unwanted or misrepresented add-ons and advises buyers to compare the written sales and financing agreements with what they agreed to.", "evidence_reference": "Consumer alert paragraphs on alleged add-ons, electronic signing, written copies, and total cost", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The source describes allegations and enforcement context; it is not evidence that all dealers or add-ons are improper." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-015", "source": "FTC and Connecticut take action against Manchester City Nissan auto dealership for illegally charging car buyers | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/01/ftc-connecticut-take-action-against-manchester-city-nissan-auto-dealership-illegally-charging-car", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection", "industry": "automotive", "document_type": "enforcement_consumer_alert", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-01-08", "fee_terminology": "certification fee; add-on product; government fee; sales contract", "fee_category": "automotive_enforcement_allegation", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Sales contract and add-on disclosure", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The FTC alert reports allegations involving certification fees, add-on products, and government fees that buyers said they did not want, did not know about, or were misled into buying.", "evidence_reference": "Alert summary and consumer advice sections describing the alleged conduct and contract review steps", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "This record preserves the source’s allegation/enforcement framing and must not be generalized to all dealers." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-016", "source": "How do I dispute a charge on my credit card bill? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-a-charge-on-my-credit-card-bill-en-61/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "credit_cards", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-05-03", "fee_terminology": "billing error; disputed charge; written notice", "fee_category": "credit_card_billing_error", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Credit card agreement and billing-error notice", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB advises calling the card company and sending a written billing-error notice within 60 calendar days after the charge appeared, while keeping copies of the dispute records.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs on the credit card agreement, written billing-error notice, and response timing", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "General billing-dispute guidance; consumers should follow the applicable agreement and law for their account." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-017", "source": "How to fix mistakes in your credit card bill | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-cards/how-to-fix-mistakes-in-your-credit-card-bill/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "credit_cards", "document_type": "consumer_tool", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2025-06-04", "fee_terminology": "incorrect charge; disputed fee; optional fee-based product", "fee_category": "credit_card_statement_review", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Statement and billing-dispute address", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB’s five-step guide recommends reviewing statements for unfamiliar add-ons or fee-based products, sending written notice within 60 days, paying undisputed charges, and checking whether the mistake was corrected.", "evidence_reference": "Five-step credit-card bill review and dispute procedure", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Procedure-focused guidance; it does not determine whether a specific fee is erroneous." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-018", "source": "Can my credit card company charge a fee based on how I paid my bill, such as for making a payment over the phone? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-my-credit-card-company-charge-a-fee-based-on-how-i-paid-my-bill-such-as-for-making-a-payment-over-the-phone-en-60/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "credit_cards", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2021-11-10", "fee_terminology": "payment fee; expedited payment; voice response system", "fee_category": "payment_method_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Card payment method and service terms", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB says a credit card company generally cannot charge a fee for making a payment, but may charge for an expedited payment requiring customer-service assistance; it says a voice-response-only payment cannot incur that fee.", "evidence_reference": "Answer paragraphs distinguishing ordinary payments, expedited assistance, and voice-response systems", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The answer is general guidance and should be read with the current card agreement and applicable law." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-019", "source": "How to read an explanation of benefits | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/explanation-of-benefits", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "industry": "healthcare_billing", "document_type": "consumer_guide", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-11-05", "fee_terminology": "explanation of benefits; provider charges; allowed charges; patient balance", "fee_category": "medical_bill_reconciliation", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "CMS explains that an explanation of benefits is not a bill, shows provider and allowed charges, records what the insurer paid, and identifies the patient balance; it says a provider bill should not be higher than the patient balance.", "evidence_reference": "EOB sections on total charges, provider charges, allowed charges, insurer payment, and patient balance", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The guide describes how to read an EOB; it is not a determination of coverage or a particular bill’s correctness." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-020", "source": "Know your rights with insurance | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/know-your-rights/using-insurance", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "industry": "healthcare_billing", "document_type": "rights_guide", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-11-05", "fee_terminology": "surprise bill; out-of-network charge; cost-sharing; balance bill", "fee_category": "surprise_billing_protection", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Notice and consent; good faith estimate", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "CMS explains federal protections for certain unexpected out-of-network emergency and facility-related charges and directs consumers to compare bills, explanations of benefits, and cost-sharing information.", "evidence_reference": "Medical Bill Rights sections on surprise billing, insurance, and comparing the bill with the EOB", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Protections depend on coverage, service, provider, facility, and circumstances; this record is not legal advice." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-021", "source": "What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-surprise-medical-bill-and-what-should-i-know-about-the-no-surprises-act-en-2123/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "healthcare_billing", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-08-21", "fee_terminology": "surprise medical bill; out-of-network; balance billing; good faith estimate", "fee_category": "surprise_medical_bill", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Notice and consent; good faith estimate; dispute process", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB defines a surprise medical bill as an unexpected bill, explains out-of-network and balance-billing concepts, and describes protections and dispute routes under the No Surprises Act.", "evidence_reference": "Answer sections defining surprise medical bills, balance billing, protections, and disputes", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The source describes federal protections and exceptions; application depends on insurance status and the service circumstances." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-022", "source": "What should I know about medical credit cards and payment plans for medical bills? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-know-about-medical-credit-cards-and-payment-plans-for-medical-bills-en-1827/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "healthcare_financing", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2023-05-08", "fee_terminology": "deferred interest; late fee; administrative fee; processing fee; payment plan", "fee_category": "medical_financing_fee", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Medical credit-card or payment-plan terms", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB warns that medical credit cards and payment plans can involve deferred interest, late fees, administrative fees, or processing fees and advises consumers to review when interest and fees apply.", "evidence_reference": "Answer sections on payment schedules, additional fees, deferred interest, and financial assistance", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The page describes risks and questions to ask; it does not compare a particular provider’s terms or decide affordability." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-023", "source": "Do medical bills affect my credit and where do I find out what’s in my medical payment history? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-medical-bills-affect-my-credit-and-where-do-i-find-out-whats-in-my-medical-payment-history-en-1837/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "healthcare_billing_and_credit_reporting", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2025-10-06", "fee_terminology": "medical debt; consumer report; payment history; report fee", "fee_category": "medical_debt_reporting", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": null, "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB advises reviewing specialty consumer reports for medical-history information and disputing errors, while noting that some reporting agencies may charge a fee for a report.", "evidence_reference": "Answer sections on reviewing medical payment history, report access, and disputing errors", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The page concerns reporting and records, not the correctness of a provider’s underlying bill." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-024", "source": "What To Do if You’re Billed for Things You Never Got, or You Get Unordered Products | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-youre-billed-things-you-never-got-or-you-get-unordered-products", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "industry": "shopping_and_subscriptions", "document_type": "consumer_article", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": null, "fee_terminology": "free trial; unordered product; recurring billing; billing error", "fee_category": "unwanted_product_billing", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "recurring", "contract_clause": "Order confirmation, trial, return, and billing records", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The FTC advises consumers who receive unordered products or charges after a free trial to keep order and billing records, review total cost and policies, and contact the card issuer about billing errors or disputes.", "evidence_reference": "Article sections on free trials, tracking purchases, records, and billing disputes", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "Consumer guidance for unwanted billing and products; it does not establish that a particular seller violated a law." }, { "record_id": "R-2026-025", "source": "How can I get a refund on a product or service I purchased with my credit card? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-get-a-refund-on-a-product-or-service-i-purchased-with-my-credit-card-en-1969/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "industry": "credit_cards_and_consumer_billing", "document_type": "consumer_answer", "collection_date": "2026-08-08", "source_date": "2024-09-06", "fee_terminology": "refund; chargeback; billing error; disputed charge", "fee_category": "credit_card_refund_and_dispute", "fee_amount": null, "currency": null, "recurring_status": "not_stated", "contract_clause": "Credit card agreement and billing-error process", "cancellation_requirements": null, "renewal_terms": null, "evidence": "The CFPB explains that a consumer should first ask the seller for a refund or reversal and may then ask the card company about disputing the charge or using a chargeback when appropriate.", "evidence_reference": "Answer sections on contacting the seller, refunds, chargebacks, and billing errors", "verification_status": "verified", "notes": "The page describes possible dispute routes; it does not guarantee a refund or decide the merits of a specific transaction." } ], "field_definitions": { "source": "Exact title of the public source page.", "source_url": "Canonical public URL supporting the record.", "organization": "Publisher or agency responsible for the source.", "document_type": "Source format or guidance type.", "industry": "Industry context assigned to the source record.", "collection_date": "UTC date on which DetectHiddenFees collected the source.", "source_date": "Publication or last-modified date when available; otherwise null.", "fee_terminology": "Fee or clause wording supported by the source.", "fee_category": "Controlled category assigned by the methodology.", "fee_amount": "Amount only when explicitly stated for the record; otherwise null.", "recurring_status": "Recurring status only when explicit; otherwise not_stated.", "contract_clause": "Relevant agreement or disclosure context when stated.", "cancellation_requirements": "Cancellation conditions stated by the source when applicable.", "renewal_terms": "Renewal language stated by the source when applicable.", "evidence": "Factual paraphrase limited to what the source supports.", "evidence_reference": "Section or page location used for source review.", "verification_status": "Verified means the source, title, URL, date metadata, and evidence statement were checked on the collection date." }, "methodology": { "sample_definition": "Public US government, regulator, and official consumer-guidance pages selected for direct relevance to fees, billing, contracts, renewals, cancellations, and document review.", "collection_period": "2026-08-08 source review in this release.", "inclusion_rule": "A source must be publicly accessible, have a traceable canonical URL, and contain a relevant factual statement that can be cited without inference.", "exclusion_rule": "No customer documents, personal information, confidential terms, unsupported statistics, or claims not stated by the source are included.", "analysis_rule": "Counts describe this reviewed source sample only. No market-wide prevalence, average fee, savings, legality, or representativeness claim is calculated." }, "limitations": [ "This is a curated source sample, not a representative survey of companies, contracts, bills, or transactions.", "Most records are government consumer guidance or policy resources rather than underlying customer documents or company fee schedules.", "Record counts describe the published sample and must not be read as industry prevalence or market share.", "A source can describe a fee, clause, allegation, or consumer-protection process without proving that an individual charge is unlawful or improper.", "Source content and applicable law can change; review the linked original source and its date before relying on a record.", "The dataset contains no customer-uploaded documents, personal information, confidential contract text, or private Search Console data." ], "citation_guidance": "Cite the asset as: DetectHiddenFees Research Lab, DetectHiddenFees 2026 Hidden Fee Evidence Review, version 0.2.0, accessed 2026-08-08. Link the specific record source URL when making a source-level claim.", "sources": [ { "source": "What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/what-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-means-you", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "source_date": "2025-05-12" }, { "source": "Junk fees | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/junk-fees/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-03-05" }, { "source": "Check your medical bill for errors | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/bill-errors", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "source_date": "2024-11-05" }, { "source": "What is a Finance and Insurance (F&I) department? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-finance-and-insurance-fi-department-en-747/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-01-30" }, { "source": "What things can I negotiate when shopping for a car or auto loan? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-things-can-i-negotiate-when-shopping-for-a-car-or-auto-loan-en-2132/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-08-28" }, { "source": "What can I do if my bank charged me a fee for overdrawing my account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-can-i-do-if-my-bank-charged-me-a-fee-for-overdrawing-my-account-en-1037/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2025-01-02" }, { "source": "How can I avoid debit card overdrafts? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-avoid-debit-card-overdrafts-en-1053/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-09-04" }, { "source": "Why am I being charged a monthly maintenance fee for my bank or credit union account? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/why-am-i-being-charged-a-monthly-maintenance-fee-for-my-bank-or-credit-union-account-en-2151/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-09-13" }, { "source": "I opened a \"free\" checking account but there are fees charged on my account. Can my bank/credit union do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/i-opened-a-free-checking-account-but-there-are-fees-charged-on-my-account-can-my-bankcredit-union-do-that-en-961/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-09-04" }, { "source": "Why did my payday lender charge me a late fee or a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/why-did-my-payday-lender-charge-me-a-late-fee-or-a-non-sufficient-funds-nsf-fee-en-1603/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-12-05" }, { "source": "How do automatic payments from a bank account work? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-automatic-payments-from-a-bank-account-work-en-2021/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2025-09-19" }, { "source": "Getting In and Out of Free Trials, Auto-Renewals, and Negative Option Subscriptions | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/getting-and-out-free-trials-auto-renewals-and-negative-option-subscriptions", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "source_date": null }, { "source": "How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "source_date": null }, { "source": "Car dealerships can’t charge you for add-ons you don’t want | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/08/car-dealerships-cant-charge-you-add-ons-you-dont-want", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "source_date": "2024-08-16" }, { "source": "FTC and Connecticut take action against Manchester City Nissan auto dealership for illegally charging car buyers | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/01/ftc-connecticut-take-action-against-manchester-city-nissan-auto-dealership-illegally-charging-car", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection", "source_date": "2024-01-08" }, { "source": "How do I dispute a charge on my credit card bill? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-a-charge-on-my-credit-card-bill-en-61/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-05-03" }, { "source": "How to fix mistakes in your credit card bill | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-cards/how-to-fix-mistakes-in-your-credit-card-bill/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2025-06-04" }, { "source": "Can my credit card company charge a fee based on how I paid my bill, such as for making a payment over the phone? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-my-credit-card-company-charge-a-fee-based-on-how-i-paid-my-bill-such-as-for-making-a-payment-over-the-phone-en-60/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2021-11-10" }, { "source": "How to read an explanation of benefits | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/guides/explanation-of-benefits", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "source_date": "2024-11-05" }, { "source": "Know your rights with insurance | CMS", "source_url": "https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/know-your-rights/using-insurance", "organization": "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services", "source_date": "2024-11-05" }, { "source": "What is a “surprise medical bill” and what should I know about the No Surprises Act? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-surprise-medical-bill-and-what-should-i-know-about-the-no-surprises-act-en-2123/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-08-21" }, { "source": "What should I know about medical credit cards and payment plans for medical bills? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-should-i-know-about-medical-credit-cards-and-payment-plans-for-medical-bills-en-1827/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2023-05-08" }, { "source": "Do medical bills affect my credit and where do I find out what’s in my medical payment history? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/do-medical-bills-affect-my-credit-and-where-do-i-find-out-whats-in-my-medical-payment-history-en-1837/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2025-10-06" }, { "source": "What To Do if You’re Billed for Things You Never Got, or You Get Unordered Products | Consumer Advice", "source_url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-youre-billed-things-you-never-got-or-you-get-unordered-products", "organization": "Federal Trade Commission", "source_date": null }, { "source": "How can I get a refund on a product or service I purchased with my credit card? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_url": "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-get-a-refund-on-a-product-or-service-i-purchased-with-my-credit-card-en-1969/", "organization": "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau", "source_date": "2024-09-06" } ], "corrections_contact": "https://detecthiddenfees.com/contact", "changelog": [ { "version": "0.2.0", "date": "2026-08-08", "change": "Published 25 verified public-source records with sample-only counts, methodology, limitations, and JSON/CSV downloads." }, { "version": "0.1.0", "date": "2026-08-08", "change": "Created the public research manifest and collection schema." } ] }