Posts Tagged With: Debit Cards

Most financial institutions offer overdraft programs for checking accounts, which for a fee covers a transaction where there is not enough in the account.  However, this service can result in several fees before the next deposit is made.  For debit cards, an overdraft fee cannot be charged unless you have agreed (“opted in”) to these fees.

To reduce or eliminate overdraft fees, these actions are suggested:

1. carefully track your balance; sign up for low-balance alerts
2. check your balance when making a debit card purchase; also consider other checks that may not yet cleared
3. do not opt-in to an overdraft program for your debit card, or opt-out if you are currently opted in; while your debit/ATM may be declined, you will avoid high fees
4. link your checking account to a savings account to cover overdrafts
5. contact your financial institution to determine if you are eligible for a line of credit or a linked credit card to cover overdrafts
6. compare account fees at other financial institutions

Complaints related to overdraft fees or other financial services may be submitted at   http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ or by calling 855-411-2372.

For additional information on overdraft programs, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

• Have students search online or contact the costs associated with overdraft fees at various financial institutions.
• Have students prepare a creative presentation describing actions to take to avoid overdraft fees.

Discussion Questions 

1. Describe situations that might result in overdraft fees.
2. What are methods to take to avoid overdraft fees?