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Note your years of devoted business with the bank, itemize all your accounts (i.e. checking and savings account, car loans, mortgage loan, etc.) you've kept with the institution and highlight your good record with the bank (assuming you haven't defaulted and the fee you're asking to remove is a first-time offense). The most important part is not to let up -- stay polite and don't take no for an answer.

What banks don't want you to know is that most institutions will gladly waive a $25 overdraft fee if it means keeping your business.

#4. Debit cards carry higher liability.

When standing at the checkout counter, you'll often hear the cashier ask, "credit or debit?" when you have your Visa or MasterCard debit card in hand. While the debit option gives you the convenience to see the transaction process almost immediately, you're putting yourself at greater risk.

Credit cards and debit cards have differing liabilities associated with them.

By choosing the credit option and signing for your purchase, you are protecting yourself from fraudulent activity under Visa or MasterCards liability terms. With credit card fraud, your maximum liability under federal law is $50, according to the Federal Trade Commission. And in most circumstances, like with a Visa transaction, you'll have zero liability on unauthorized charges.

Debit cards are another story, however. When you encounter fraudulent activity with debit cards, timing is essential in determining the maximum out-of-pocket liability you're responsible for. Your ultimate liability depends on your unique situation, but if you've lost your debit card you have to report it lost within two business days to limit your liability to $50. But reporting a lost or stolen debit card, or contesting fraudulent charges beyond two days, may hold you liable for a maximum of $500.

Whenever possible, opt for credit card purchases to limit the financial blow, in the event of fraud.

#5. Bank tellers are not financial experts.

Bank tellers are your first point of contact with your bank, but what banks don't want you to know is that many of them don't even have a financial background of any kind. You'd expect that the person managing your transactions is finely attuned in the ins and outs of handling financial accounts, but that's usually not the case.

While some bank tellers may indeed have some financial knowledge, most are straight out of high school or are still college students.

Kelli Gilpin worked as a bank teller for United Bank and Trust in Michigan after high school. "Did I have a financial background? Hell no! I didn't even like math in school!"

Upon taking on the position, Gilpin shares that the requirements were "very minimal," essentially those who were simply able to learn as they go and acknowledge customers at the window were brought onto the team.

"Did I meet those requirements? Yes," said Gilpin, "But are those really the right requirements for being the first line of contact for a person's financial affairs, questions, and concerns? Of course not." Fortunately for Gilpin, she has since continued on to work in the financial services industry for over 20 years.

According to the 2012 World Retail Banking Report survey, the number one cause for switching to a new bank, at 53 percent of responses, is poor customer service. If you're not getting the response or answers you're looking for from a bank teller, move up the ranks and speak to a supervisor or branch manager. Likely, an unsatisfactory service experience can get you additional benefits like added rewards points onto a bank credit card or a reimbursement on a statement.