Released: January 13, 2019

Help Desk FAQ

What can I do to avoid overdraft fees on my debit card?

Banks are no longer allowed to charge an overdraft fee for point-of-sale or ATM debit card transactions unless you have opted in to "courtesy" overdraft protection. If you do opt in, the bank could charge you a fee (they average around $30) whenever you overdraw the account.

Not opting in to your bank’s overdraft protection program only prevents fees on debit card transactions. Overdraft fees would still automatically apply to checks, online bill payments and recurring debits that overdraw your account. Learn more in Consumer Action's "The Right Overdraft Protection Plan."