The costs of checking account fees have risen again this year to an all-time high, according to a new study released by Bankrate Inc.

The study found bounced check fees increased 2.1 percent from last year to another record high of $29.58. It also found tiered structure fees for overdrafts are becoming more popular with 26 percent of banks now charging higher fees after the second overdraft during a rolling 12-month period.

ATM surcharges rose 12.6 percent from last year to an average of $2.22. According to the study, ATM surcharges have increased at a 7 percent annual clip over the past decade.

"Even with government scrutiny of some bank fee policies, consumers need to take steps to avoid fees," said Bankrate senior financial analyst Greg McBride. "Note any fees and balance requirements of your account, request a link between your checking and savings accounts, and keep track of the available account balance so that your money stays your own."

Bankrate.com surveyed one interest checking account and one non-interest checking account at the five largest banks and the five largest thrifts in 25 markets nationwide to find the latest trends on checking account and ATM fees. Surveys were conducted in August.