Overdraft Protection

We all make mistakes sometimes. Point Breeze Credit Union offers multiple options to prevent your checking account items from being returned unpaid, saving you the inconvenience, embarrassment and added expense of overdrafts.

We offer a variety of overdraft protection options that may help to protect you from late payment and returned item fees that may be charged by the payee and may also help protect your credit rating from the negative impact of slow or late payments.

Overdraft from Share Savings Account

Use your savings as your first line of defense against overdrafts. Automatically transfers funds from your linked savings account, up to your available balance.

Overdraft Credit Card or Line of Credit

Available on approved Point Breeze Visa® Credit Cards and lines of credit, this is a great option for those times when your checking account balance is running low. Funds are automatically transferred, up to your available credit line.

Courtesy Payment

As an added measure of protection, if you do not have enough in savings or an approved line of credit, we may elect to pay your overdrafts. How it works:

  • At our discretion, we may pay an item when you do not have enough money in checking, taking the account negative
  • Typically the maximum amount we will take your account negative is $500, including fees
  • You'll have 30 days to bring your account balance positive

To discuss your overdraft protection options, request a line of credit or set up overdraft protection for your checking account, simply stop by any of our offices or call us at 410.584.7228.
 

Tips for avoiding overdrafts

  • Keep track of your purchases, deposits and ATM withdrawals by using an account register or financial management software. Make sure joint account owners keep track of their transactions, too.
  • Balance your account monthly
  • Monitor account activity and balances with Online Banking, Mobile Banking or AUDRE, our 24-hour automated phone teller system
  • Set up email and/or text alerts to notify you when your account balance is running low
 

*To qualify for Courtesy Payment, you must be a member in good standing with the credit union, which means you have an account with us for a least 90 days, you make regular deposits to that account to bring your account back to a positive balance at least once every 30 days or less, and there are no legal orders against the account. Point Breeze Credit Union may, at our sole discretion, pay overdrafts up to the limits noted, including our current Non-Sufficient Funds fee(s) for each item that overdraws the account. If you do not want us to pay your overdrafts, you must tell us you want to "opt-out." If you receive a direct deposit social security or other federal benefit check, you must “opt-out” if you do not want us to use those funds to repay an overdraft, including any fees assessed.

EXTENDED OVERDRAFT SERVICE FAQs

1

What do I need to know about overdrafts and overdraft fees?

An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, but we pay it anyway.  We can cover your overdrafts in two different ways:

  1. We have standard overdraft services that come with your account.
  2. We also offer overdraft protection plans, such as a link to a savings account, credit card account, or overdraft line of credit, which may be less expensive than our standard overdraft practices.  Ask us to learn more about these plans. This section explains our standard overdraft services.

2

What are the standard overdraft services that come with my account?

We do authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions:

  • Checks and other transactions made using your checking account number
  • Automatic bill payments
We do not authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions, unless you ask us to (see below):
  • ATM transactions
  • Everyday Check/Debit Card transactions
We pay overdrafts at our discretion, which means we do not guarantee that we will always authorize and pay any type of transaction.  If we do not authorize and pay an overdraft, your transaction will be declined.

3

What fees will I be charged if Point Breeze pays overdrafts on my ATM and everyday Check/Debit Card transactions?

Under our standard overdraft practices:

  • We will charge you a fee each time we pay an overdraft. Please refer to the Rate & Fee Schedule.
  • There is no limit on the total fees we can charge you for overdrawing your account.

4

What if I want Point Breeze to authorize and pay overdrafts on my ATM and everyday Check/Debit Card transactions?

If you want us to authorize and pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday Check/Debit Card transactions, complete the Opt-In form and present it at one of our office locations, or mail it to: 

Point Breeze Credit Union
Attention: Reg E 
2 Philadelphia Court
Baltimore, MD 21237

5

Can I change my mind?

Yes.  You can change this decision at any time.  Simply call us at 410.584.7228 or stop by one of our offices to revoke your request that we authorize and pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday Check/Debit Card transactions.

6

What is the Extended Overdraft Service Opt-In form I received by mail?

Your Point Breeze checking account comes with the peace of mind that we will make every effort to pay your overdraft. This Opt-In form is requesting your authorization to pay your everyday (one-time) Check/Debit Card transactions and ATM transactions if you do not have sufficient funds in your account.
 
Examples of these transactions include:

  • Grocery store purchases
  • Restaurant purchases
  • Gas stations purchases
  • Doctor’s office transactions
  • Pharmacy purchases

7

If I Opt-In, can I Opt-Out at a later time?

Of course! Simply complete and return the Extended Overdraft Service Opt-In/Out form, stop by one of our offices to request the form, or call us at 410.584.7228.

8

Can I Opt-In at a later date?

Yes. Simply complete and return the Extended Overdraft Service Opt-In/Out form, stop by one of our offices to request the form, or call us at 410.584.7228.

9

What if I don’t Opt-In?

You run the risk of transactions being denied at the ATM or merchant if you do not have sufficient funds in your account. However, even if you Opt-In there is no guarantee that the transaction will be approved if there are no funds in the account.

10

Is there a service charge?

There are no fees if you never use this protection. However, if you are overdrawn, the regular overdraft fee may be assessed to your account. Please refer to the Rate & Fee Schedule.

11

How will I know that you have received my authorization form?

We will indicate on your completed Opt-In authorization form that it was received and return it to you, after making a copy for our records.