Making Cents Articles

Making Cents of Overdraft Protection

  • Dec 12, 2019

Overdraft Protection is a service tied to your checking account that for a fee, will allow you to make purchases with a check, debit card, or allow automatic payments to process even if you lack sufficient funds.

Options and fees vary by financial institution. One option is automatic transfers of predetermined increments from a savings account, when you fall below your available balance. Doing this will incur a fee in the $5 to $12 range.

Another option is tying your account to a line of credit. This also deposits predetermined increments to your account, but instead of a fee, you are charged interest on the amount borrowed.  

Finally, be careful with Courtesy Pay which may charge a fee of up to $40 for every transaction that falls below your balance. 

You can opt-out of these services, but you run the risk of being declined for purchases, or being charged Non-Sufficient Fund fees.

Avoid these fees altogether – by reconciling accounts, setting up text alerts, and sticking to your spending plan. If you need help getting your finances on track, speak with one of our qualified Financial Coaches today.

Making Cents of Overdraft Protection

  • Dec 12, 2019

Overdraft Protection is a service tied to your checking account that for a fee, will allow you to make purchases with a check, debit card, or allow automatic payments to process even if you lack sufficient funds.

Options and fees vary by financial institution. One option is automatic transfers of predetermined increments from a savings account, when you fall below your available balance. Doing this will incur a fee in the $5 to $12 range.

Another option is tying your account to a line of credit. This also deposits predetermined increments to your account, but instead of a fee, you are charged interest on the amount borrowed.  

Finally, be careful with Courtesy Pay which may charge a fee of up to $40 for every transaction that falls below your balance. 

You can opt-out of these services, but you run the risk of being declined for purchases, or being charged Non-Sufficient Fund fees.

Avoid these fees altogether – by reconciling accounts, setting up text alerts, and sticking to your spending plan. If you need help getting your finances on track, speak with one of our qualified Financial Coaches today.