Debt collectors may only collect surcharges on the original debt if collection of those surcharges is expressly allowed in the agreement that created the debt or allowed by law. This applies to the collection of interest, service charges, collection charges, late fees, bad check handling charges, and any other incidental charges.
State law may address whether, and how, a debt collector may collect additional fees and charges. The collector does not always need to have a written contract in order to have an agreement with the consumer regarding the collection of additional fees. For example, a consumer may be held liable for a service fee for writing a check that is dishonored when notice of the service fee is posted on a sign at the point of sale.