Definition:

An overdraft occurs when a bank customer exceeds their available funds in their account and attempts to withdraw or use more money than they have.

Causes:

• Insufficient funds: When there are not enough funds in the account to cover the withdrawal or transaction.
• Automatic payments: Scheduled payments or automatic transfers that exceed the available balance.
• Check writing: Writing checks that exceed the available funds.
• Electronic transactions: Online purchases or mobile payments that exceed the account balance.
• Cash withdrawals: Withdrawal of cash from the ATM or branch that exceeds the available balance.

Fees:

Banks typically charge fees for overdrafts, which can vary depending on the bank and its policies. Some common overdraft fees include:

• Overdraft fee: A charge for each overdraft.
• NSF fee: A fee charged when a check or electronic payment is returned due to insufficient funds.
• Courtesy carry fee: A fee charged when a bank allows a customer to cover an overdraft with a loan.
• Return item fee: A fee charged for each item that is returned due to insufficient funds.

Impact:

Overdrafts can have a negative impact on your credit score, making it more difficult to obtain loans or credit cards in the future. They can also result in additional fees and charges.

Prevention:

• Monitor your account balance regularly: Keep track of your available funds to avoid overdrawing.
• Set up overdraft protection: Some banks offer overdraft protection plans that can cover overdrafts for a fee.
• Adjust your budget: Review your spending habits and make adjustments to ensure you have enough funds to cover your expenses.
• Use a debit card with overdraft protection: Some debit cards offer overdraft protection, which can cover unauthorized charges.

Additional Notes:

• Overdraft fees are regulated by state laws in some countries.
• Banks may offer different overdraft protection plans with varying fees and coverage.
• It is important to read and understand your bank’s overdraft fee policy.