Find a Bank With No Overdraft Fees
If you were a parched traveler in the middle of a hot desert looking for water, you can imagine what a welcome sight a lush oasis spotted in your path just up ahead would be. That is exactly how jaded bank customers who have been paying too much money in overdraft fees to their bank each month feel when they find a no-overdraft-fee bank: a sense of pure relief.
Why We Pay Too Much in Overdraft Fees
Banks bring in over $25 billion each year in overdraft fees alone. That is “billion” with a “b.” Guess who is footing the bill? Average citizens just trying to scrape enough money together each month to pay bills and get by, that’s who. If asked, most people would agree that they do not feel they need to help banks out financially in this way. (Banks are already getting plenty of help as it is).
But, what exactly brought us to the situation with overdraft fees that we find ourselves in now? How is it that banks can be making such a killing in fees? The answer lies in the relatively recent rise in two related banking phenomena: overdraft protection programs and the debit card.
Overdraft Protection Programs Are Not Your Friend
Overdraft protection programs certainly sound friendly enough. When they were introduced about a decade ago, most consumers took them for what the name implies: a way for the bank customer to be protected from checks and other charges “bouncing” due to insufficient funds in the accounts. And, in a way, this understanding is accurate: these programs do indeed protect bank customers from having their checks bounce or debit card transactions rejected.
However, that’s where the “protection” ends. You see, even though your bank will cover those charges for you, they will also turn right around and charge you an overdraft fee for the trouble. These fees usually range from $25 to $35 or more. That means that just three overdrafts in a month can cost you over $100!
Debit Cards Make Things Worse
What really has made the whole situation more difficult is the rise of the debit card. Debit cards that are attached to a checking account are so convenient to use. After all, it is so easy to make a charge on your debit card for the goods and services you need. But here is the catch that most consumers don’t know about: your debit card transaction will be honored by your bank, even if you do not have sufficient funds to cover it.
Now, this sounds like your bank is doing you a favor, but remember, when you have overdraft protection in place, the result is – ding – yet another charge to your account. These can really add up fast, putting you more in the hole. The whole situation is set up to basically invite more overdraft charges into your life.
How to Find a Bank with No Overdraft Fees
If you want to find a bank with no overdraft fees, check out these tips:
1. If you live in the U.S., make sure that the bank is FDIC-insured. This means that, even if they were to go under, your funds would still be safe.
2. Choose a no-overdraft-fee bank that allows you to sign up online.
3. Make sure the bank gives you access to a nationwide ATM network so you have ready access to your cash.
Once you find your no overdraft fee bank, you will be glad that you made the switch. The monthly savings will be noticeable right away, since you will never have to pay an overdraft fee again!
