BANKS »» BANK FEES »» OVERDRAFT FEES »» Mar 11, 2024

Overdrawing bank accounts cost consumers an average of $225 in overdraft fees each year, and more than double that amount for those who chronically overdraw their account. Currently, the average NSF fee is $33.36. These non-sufficient fund fees (NSF) provide banks with at least 60% of all consumer checking account revenue, or about $34 billion each year. Overdraft policies vary from bank to bank. Some banks limit customer’s NSF charges to two per day while others can charge as many as 5. Some don’t charge NSF fees for minor overdraws up to $5 while others charge for any amount overdrawn. Consumers complain these fees can often be much higher than the amount overdrawn and can be caused by banks delaying the processing of their ATM deposits. Studies show 70% of all banks let customers overdraw their ATM accounts when a bank teller would not allow the transaction. Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.4277 - Overdraft Protection Act of 2021 Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) I oppose reforming current bank account overdraft fee policy, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Mike Johnson (LA) . I support: 1.) Prompt notification of an account's overdraft status. 2.) Limiting the number of overdraft fees a consumer may be charged each month and year and providing that such fees must be reasonable. 3.) Prohibiting an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. 4.) Prohibiting a depository institution from charging a NSF fee for any debit card transaction, or from reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

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I support: 1.) Prompt notification of an account's overdraft status. 2.) Limiting the number of overdraft fees a consumer may be charged each month and year and providing that such fees must be reasonable. 3.) Prohibiting an overdraft coverage fee if the overdraft results solely from a debit hold amount that exceeds the actual dollar amount of the transaction. 4.) Prohibiting a depository institution from charging a NSF fee for any debit card transaction, or from reporting negative information regarding consumer use of overdraft coverage to any consumer reporting agency when the overdraft amounts and coverage fees are paid under the terms of an overdraft coverage program. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Trustee Candidates

Representative If elected as a trustee, the campaign committee of Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) will be unconditionally awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting her to favorably consider either reintroducing H.R.4277 - Overdraft Protection Act of 2021, or a similar version thereof. Consumers Reports If elected as a trustee, Consumers Reports will be awarded the funds pledged to this issue along with a letter requesting these funds be used to reduce consumer bank overdraft fees. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit member organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace. Consumer Reports works to create a fair and just marketplace for all. As a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit member organization, CR empowers and informs consumers, incentivizes corporations to act responsibly, and helps policymakers prioritize the rights and interests of consumers in order to shape a truly consumer-driven marketplace.

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