What's an Overdraft? + How to get Overdraft Fees Waived

Overdraft fees are draining your bank account. According to an article on CNBC’s website, the average overdraft fee is $35. Since the average person’s debit card transaction hovers around the $20 mark, you end up paying more in fees than the cost of your purchase! But that is not all, in 2017 large banking establishments collected more than $11 billion in overdraft fees and other charges. Yes, $11 billion, and that number excludes smaller banks and credit unions. This article from Chime Bank’s website puts the combined number at $34 billion. Overdraft fees have grown to become a very profitable arena for banks to play in. 

But, you can avoid overdraft fees when you open an account at one of the many banks that offers overdraft protection or that have eliminated overdraft fees altogether. Sound good? Let’s break down your options.

What is an Overdraft

what is an overdraft fee

An overdraft occurs when you spend more money than you have in your account, whether from writing a check or using your debit card. Unfortunately, this is easier to do than you think.

For example, you have budgeted your cash for the month and, by your calculations, you should have an extra $50 in your account by the time payday arrives. But, remember your Amazon Prime membership you registered for a year ago? Surprise! It is time to renew, and because Amazon bills you automatically, your account just got hit with a $119 fee you didn’t account for. Suddenly, you find your checking account sinking into the red.

What Happens if you Overdraft?

Whenever a transaction takes your account balance below zero, it is referred to as an “overdraft.” So, what happens when your transaction exceeds what you have in your account? Will the bank pay the balance and charge you? Will it reject the entire payment because there are insufficient funds?

There is no one right answer, but it is probably going to involve some kind of overdraft fee. 

Are Overdraft Fees Charged Daily?

Any transaction that dips your account into a negative balance results in an overdraft. If you make several transactions while your balance is negative, then you will be charged a fee on each one.

Unfortunately, one innocent mistake with your checking account could set off a chain reaction, leading to several overdraft fees. Some banks cap the number of times they charge you at three or four. Even with a cap, a $35 fee on three subsequent purchases quickly adds up to more than $100. 

How Long do Banks Give You to Pay an Overdraft?

Generally, a bank may give you three days to a week to rectify your account and bring the balance back to a positive number. A lot depends on your relationship and history with the establishment.

If the account stays negative more than five days, a bank may impose “extended” overdraft fees. These fees are in addition to the original fee and may be charged weekly, with a limit of four.

What is an Overdraft Fee?

Overdraft fees date back to the 1700s and were a bank’s way of doing you a favor when you miscalculated your checking account and ran a little short. They covered your debt and charged a fee for doing so. But, they have evolved, and overdraft fees have steadily risen over time. 

How Much are Overdraft Fees?

The average overdraft fee has risen 50% in the past 20 years and is now more than $30, according to a CNBC report. Those fees add up to billions of dollars each year for banks.

What is the Overdraft Fee for Chase?

According to Chase’s overdraft fee explanation of their standard overdraft practice, they charge $34 for each item the bank paid for. They cap the number of charges at three per day, or $102.

What is the Overdraft Fee for Wells Fargo?

Wells Fargo charges $35 per transaction that causes your account to overdraft according to their website. Whether it is by check, ATM withdrawal, debit card transaction or other electronic means, Wells Fargo limits the charges to three per day. The fee for teenagers’ accounts is $15 per item and limits the charges to two per day.

What is the Overdraft Fee for Bank of America?

The Bank of America charges an overdraft fee of $35 for each item over $1 with a maximum of four charges to personal accounts per day.

What is the Overdraft Fee for PNC Bank?

The standard overdraft protection summary at PNC states that a $36 fee will be charged each time they pay an overdraft with a maximum of four charges per day. The account is also subject to a possible $7 charge each day the account remains overdrawn for a period of 5 or more calendar days, in addition to overdraft item fees or returned item fees assessed.

Can You Get Overdraft Fees Waived?

Yes, overdraft fees may be waived. But, it is best to avoid them in the first place by ensuring that you have overdraft protection in place on your account.

How to Get Overdraft Fee Waived

In a CNBC report, Ramit Sethi explains you don’t need to be stuck paying overdraft fees. He suggests calling the bank, and in a friendly manner, explain the situation, how long you have been a customer and point out your track record with the establishment. Then, ask if there is any chance they could waive the fees. If they seem unwilling, in the same friendly manner, mention your satisfaction with the bank and that you would hate to have to start shopping for another bank over a $30 overdraft fee.

According to Sethi, it is necessary to be polite — but firm — and banks will be more willing to waive fees for the first offense, but less likely to do so for frequent overdraft occurrences.

How do You Stop Overdrafting?

If you routinely get charged overdraft fees, make sure you sign up for your bank’s overdraft protection. It is also important to monitor your account for unexpected or recurring fees. Look into signing up for an alert if your account falls below a certain threshold. Most banks offer account alerts via text message or email.

What is Overdraft Protection?

Banks help safeguard your finances from the pitfalls of not having enough money in your spending account. They call this overdraft protection, and it kicks in when your balance falls below zero. Overdraft protection is offered by most banks.

How Do You Use Overdraft Protection?

You will need to sign up for the service. Typically, you link another bank account, like a savings account, or a credit card to your primary spending account.

After setting up overdraft protection, your account will be protected from falling into negative territory. Each bank has some version of protection, and it is important that you explicitly sign up. It is not automatically added when you establish an account.

In most cases, you designate a backup account to pay for a transaction that your primary account cannot cover. There are pros and cons to signing up for overdraft protection, so make sure this option is right for you. 

Overdraft protection doesn’t typically cost anything to implement, but banks might charge a “transfer fee” every time your bank must initiate a transfer of funds. In most cases, the fee is less than an overdraft charge and it helps thwart abuse.

When you look for a checking account that will protect your money and reduce fees, you definitely want to check out a bank that doesn’t charge an overdraft fee.

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