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Debit Balance
Debit Balance
A debit balance occurs when the total debits to an account exceed the total credits, resulting in a negative account balance.
Causes of a Debit Balance:
- Overdrafting a check or electronic transfer
- Making a purchase that exceeds the available balance
- Borrowings not repaid on time
- Fees charged to the account
- Errors in bookkeeping or transactions
Examples:
- If you write a check for $50 but have only $20 in your account, you will have a debit balance of $30.
- If you make an online purchase for $25 but don’t have enough funds in your account, you may incur a fee or have to pay the purchase on a later date.
- If you borrow $100 from a friend but fail to repay it on time, you may have a debit balance of $100.
Consequences of a Debit Balance:
- Overdraft fees: Banks typically charge fees for debit overdraft protection.
- Returned check fees: If a check is returned unpaid, the bank may impose a fee.
- Late fees: If a payment is late, banks may charge late fees.
- Damage to credit score: A negative balance can negatively impact your credit score.
- Account closure: In severe cases, banks may close your account.
In order to avoid a debit balance:
- Maintain a sufficient balance in your account.
- Avoid overdrafting checks or electronic transfers.
- Repay borrowed funds on time.
- Pay fees promptly.
- Review your bank statements regularly to identify any errors or discrepancies.