According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is a 92% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut rates by 25 basis points on September 17. While rate cuts typically capture headlines, market data suggests banks are preparing to quietly increase fees by 6%–9%, nearly twice the current inflation rate of 5%. 

Industry analysis shows that most banks finalize their pricing reviews in August and September, with changes scheduled to take effect in January. The top five banks have already completed their reviews and are expected to notify clients earlier than usual, leaving businesses little time to prepare. 

“This is a critical window,” said Finely Horner, Senior Advisor at SIB and a 30+ year veteran in banking and treasury services. “By the time we enter the fourth quarter, the calendar is crowded with holidays and year-end planning. Banks become far less flexible in negotiations as the year closes, making it essential to act now.” 

SIB analysts note that with more than 3,100 potential fees a bank can levy on business accounts, most organizations simply lack the bandwidth, resources, or comparative real-time data to fully monitor costs. As a result, many businesses end up overpaying.  

“Fed decisions drive headlines, but bank fees are where businesses feel the pinch every single month,” Horner added. “A proactive review now is one of the fastest ways to unlock savings and improve financial resilience heading into 2026.”