Overdraft Protection
Protect yourself against overdrafts by using funds from a linked account
Extra Day Grace Period
Get an extra day to make deposits to avoid overdraft fees
Early Pay Day
Access your funds up to two days early to help prevent overdrafts
Clear Access BankingSM
Don't want overdrafts? Consider our account with no overdraft fees.
What is an overdraft?
An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough available money in your account to cover a transaction, but we pay it anyway. An overdraft fee of $35 may apply.,
If we don't pay a transaction into overdraft, it will be declined or returned unpaid. We don't assess fees for declined or returned transactions.
The information on this page is for personal accounts. View more information on overdraft services for business accounts.
Understand our standard overdraft coverage
Standard overdraft coverage is included with most checking accounts. With standard overdraft coverage we may authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions:
- Checks and other transactions made using your checking account number
- Automatic bill payments (such as recurring debit card and ACH payments)
We will not authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions unless you ask us to (see Debit Card Overdraft Service below):
- ATM transactions
- Everyday debit card transactions (such as one-time debit card and ATM card purchases)
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 or returned unpaid.
If we pay an overdraft, we assess a fee of $35 per item paid into overdraft. We limit the number of overdraft fees on consumer accounts to three per day.
You can change the way we handle overdrafts, so we decline or return your transactions when you don't have enough available money in your account to cover a transaction.
- To remove standard overdraft coverage, visit a branch or call a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557).
Overdraft fees can still apply even if you remove standard overdraft coverage (such as when certain transactions were authorized when you had sufficient funds but are then presented for payment when you no longer have sufficient funds); however, we do not assess fees for returned items or declined transactions.
Help Avoid Overdrafts with Overdraft Protection
Set up optional Overdraft Protection to avoid the inconvenience of declined transactions and overdrafts.
You can link up to two eligible Wells Fargo accounts (one savings, one credit) to authorize or pay your transactions if you don't have enough available money in your checking account. We will transfer or advance available funds from your linked account(s) automatically to cover your transactions.
Overdraft Protection covers all transaction types – including, for example, ATM and debit card transactions, checks, Bill Pay, and recurring electronic payments.
- We do not charge transfer fees or advance fees for Overdraft Protection.
- Overdraft Protection advances from a credit account accrue interest from the date each advance is made. See your credit account agreement for details.
To enroll, change or remove Overdraft Protection
- Sign onto Online Banking
- Call a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557).
- Talk with a branch banker. Make an appointment.
Overdraft Protection details and eligibility
Eligibility
- You can link up to two eligible Wells Fargo accounts (one savings and one credit account) to one Wells Fargo checking account for Overdraft Protection. If you link two accounts, you may tell us which account to use first to transfer/advance funds. If you do not specify an order, we will first transfer funds from your linked savings account.
- If you link a credit card, the credit card must be confirmed in order for the Bank to transfer funds for Overdraft Protection. If the credit card is not confirmed, no money will transfer to cover the overdraft. Once your credit card has been confirmed, please allow up to 3 business days for your Overdraft Protection service to be fully enabled.
- You can view your eligible accounts by signing onto Online Banking, talking with a branch banker, or calling a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557).
For additional information, please also refer to your specific account type in the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule, Deposit Account Agreement, or your applicable credit agreement.
Additional ways to help avoid overdraft fees
Extra Day Grace Period
With Extra Day Grace Period, you have an extra business day to make deposits to avoid overdraft fees. If your available balance covers the prior business day's overdraft items as of midnight Eastern Time, we'll waive the associated overdraft fees.
Learn more
Early Pay Day
Get paid sooner to help prevent overdrafts. Early Pay Day lets you access your eligible direct deposit up to two days early.
There's no need to enroll – Early Pay Day is automatic when you set up Direct Deposit.
Learn more
Clear Access BankingSM
Don't want overdraft fees? Consider Clear Access BankingSM, our checkless banking account with no overdraft fees.
Open with $25.
$5 monthly service fee
How to avoid the monthly service fee
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Teens 13 - 17 years old must open at a branch – see what you'll need
Optional Debit Card Overdraft Service
This optional service lets you choose how we handle your ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions if you don't have enough available money in your account.
- Unenrolled — if you make a debit card purchase and do not have enough available money in your account, your transaction will be declined and you will not be charged any fees.
- Enrolled — if you make a debit card purchase and do not have enough available money in your account, your transaction may be approved into overdraft and you will be charged an overdraft fee of $35 per item.
Note: If you're enrolled in Overdraft Protection, we'll first use available funds in your linked account(s) to cover the transaction – whether or not you're enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service.
To enroll, change or remove Debit Card Overdraft Service
- Sign onto Online Banking
- Call a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557)
- Talk with a branch banker. Make an appointment
- Visit a Wells Fargo ATM
Debit Card Overdraft Service details and eligibility
Eligibility
Please read this Important information about overdrafts (PDF) before adding the service.
Fee
Our standard overdraft fee of $35 per item will apply each time we pay an overdraft item to your account and a covering deposit or transfer is not made before the cut-off time on the same business day or otherwise covered by Extra Day Grace Period.
Information about cut-off times can be found in the Wells Fargo Deposit Account Agreement.
If your checking account is not enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service and you don't have enough available money in your checking account or in accounts linked for Overdraft Protection, ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions will be declined at the time of the transaction. There are no fees for declined transactions.
Four helpful tips for avoiding overdrafts
1. Keep track of your transactions
Record every deposit and withdrawal — including checks, debit card purchases, cash and ATM withdrawals, and recurring payments you've set up such as your car payment or gym membership.
2. Don't forget outstanding transactions
The current available balance provided by the Bank may not include all your transactions, such as checks you have written or upcoming automatic payments that we are unaware of.
3. Keep a little extra in your account
By keeping a little extra in your checking account, you can cover any outstanding transactions that don't yet appear in your available balance and avoid overdrawing your account.
4. Review your statements
Reconcile bank statements with your records.
Use Wells Fargo Online® and Wells Fargo Mobile®
Mobile Banking
Bank on the go using your mobile device
- Monitor account activity
- Transfer money
- Deposit checks
Learn more
Account Alerts
Stay informed
- Set up a low balance alert
- Be notified by email, text message, or push notification
Learn more
My Money Map
Stay on track
- Review purchases and payments made with your Wells Fargo credit card, debit card, and Bill Pay
- Create a budget to manage monthly spending
Learn more
Overdraft FAQs
What is an overdraft?
An overdraft is a negative balance in your account. An overdraft occurs when you spend more money than you have available in your checking account and the Bank pays your transaction anyway.
Is an overdraft different from a returned item?
Yes. A returned item / non-sufficient funds (NSF) item occurs when Wells Fargo returns an item (such as a check or other transaction presented for payment) unpaid because there is not enough money available in the account to cover it (meaning, we do not pay the transaction).
What is the fee for overdrafts?
Our overdraft fee for items paid into overdraft is $35 per item. We charge no more than three overdraft fees per business day for personal accounts.
We do not charge a returned item / non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee for items returned unpaid.
Note: We will not charge an overdraft fee on items that are $5 or less, and we won't charge overdraft fees if both your ending daily account balance and available balance are overdrawn by $5 or less after we have processed all of your transactions. There are no overdraft fees for ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions unless your account is enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service, as described above.
Can I make a deposit or transfer to avoid overdraft fees?
Yes. Making a deposit or transfer can help avoid overdraft fees.
You can avoid an overdraft altogether – including applicable overdraft fees – if you make a covering deposit or transfer before the posted cut-off time on the same business day that you overdrew your account.
With Extra Day Grace Period, if your account is overdrawn, you have an extra business day to make a deposit to avoid overdraft fees. If your available balance covers the prior business day's overdraft items as of midnight Eastern Time, we'll waive the associated overdraft fees. Prior business day overdraft items that are not covered by midnight Eastern Time are subject to applicable overdraft fees.
What is the difference between Overdraft Protection and Debit Card Overdraft Service?
Both services are optional and you can sign up for one or both depending on your checking account,, and how you like to manage your money. You can have one, the other, or both – the choice is yours.
- Overdraft Protection uses available funds from your eligible linked savings, credit card, or line of credit account(s) to authorize or pay a transaction if there isn't enough money in your checking account. In other words, the linked account helps you avoid an overdraft in the first place.
- Debit Card Overdraft Service allows the Bank to authorize, at its discretion, ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions into overdraft if there isn't enough available money in your checking account (or in accounts linked for overdraft protection), and an overdraft fee will apply to any item paid into overdraft.
If you are enrolled in both services, we will first use available funds in your linked Overdraft Protection account(s) to cover transactions when you don't have enough available money in your checking account.
How much does Wells Fargo's Overdraft Protection cover?
For linked savings accounts: If the available balance in your savings account is $25 or more and can cover the overdraft, we'll transfer the exact amount needed or a minimum of $25. If the available balance in your savings account is less than either $25 or the amount needed, we'll transfer the available balance.
For linked credit accounts: If the available credit in your credit card account is $25 or more and can cover the overdraft, we'll advance the exact amount needed or a minimum of $25. If the available credit in your credit card account is less than either $25 or the amount needed, we'll advance the available credit. Advances from an eligible linked Wells Fargo line of credit are made in increments of $100 or $300.
What will happen if I don't have enough available money in my account to cover an ATM or everyday (one-time) debit card transaction and I'm not enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service?
ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions will be declined at the time of the transaction. There are no fees for declined transactions. If a checking account is not enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service and an ATM or everyday (one-time) debit card transaction creates a negative balance during posting, an overdraft fee will not be assessed.
Please be aware that recurring debit card transactions you have pre-authorized (such as a utility payments, streaming services, and gym memberships) may be approved into overdraft at the Bank's discretion whether or not you are enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service and an overdraft fee would be assessed for items paid into overdraft.
How do I decide which overdraft services are right for me?
Review the materials on this site, call a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557), or talk with a local branch banker.
How do I add, change or remove Overdraft Protection?
You can add, change or remove Overdraft Protection through Online Banking, by talking to a phone banker at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557), or by visiting a branch banker.
How do I add or remove Debit Card Overdraft Service?
You can add or remove Debit Card Overdraft Service at a Wells Fargo ATM (Select More Choices, Wells Fargo Services), through Online Banking, with a branch banker, or by talking to a phone banker anytime at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557). Any account holder with transaction authority can add or remove the service on the checking account.
Does Wells Fargo guarantee my ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions will be approved with Debit Card Overdraft Service?
No. The payment of any transaction into overdraft remains a discretionary decision of Wells Fargo and we reserve the right not to pay. For example, we typically do not pay these items if your account is overdrawn or if you have had excessive overdrafts.
Do optional overdraft services apply to Clear Access Banking accounts?
No. Clear Access Banking does not allow for optional overdraft services and has no overdraft fees.
How does Extra Day Grace Period work if I have Overdraft Protection?
If you have an account linked for Overdraft Protection and a transfer or advance of funds from the linked account covers your transactions for that business day, Extra Day Grace Period will not apply because there are no pending overdraft fees to avoid. However, if a transfer or advance of funds from a linked Overdraft Protection account is not sufficient to cover all of your transactions, Extra Day Grace Period will apply to any transaction that is paid into overdraft and that has a pending overdraft fee. Extra Day Grace Period does not reverse the transfer or advance of funds from your linked account, and advances from linked credit accounts accrue interest from the date of the advance in accordance with the terms of your applicable credit agreement.
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Subject to account eligibility requirements. Advances from linked credit accounts accrue interest from the date of each advance. Advances from credit cards accrue interest at the cash advance rate. Please see your credit agreement for more details.
With Extra Day Grace Period, when your personal account is overdrawn, you have an additional business day (extra day) to make covering deposits and/or transfers to avoid the prior business day’s overdraft fees. If your account’s available balance as of midnight Eastern Time on your extra day is enough to cover the prior business day’s overdraft items, the pending overdraft fees for those items will be waived. If your available balance as of midnight Eastern Time is enough to cover some, but not all, of the prior business day’s overdraft items, we’ll apply your available balance to the transactions in the order that they posted to your account. Any transactions not covered by midnight Eastern Time are subject to applicable overdraft fees. All deposits and transfers are subject to the Bank’s Availability of Funds Policy. Please see the Wells Fargo Deposit Account Agreement for more details.
With Early Pay Day, the Bank may make incoming electronic direct deposits made through Automated Clearing House (ACH) available for use up to two days before the scheduled payment date. Not all direct deposits are eligible for Early Pay Day. Early availability of direct deposits is not guaranteed and may vary from deposit to deposit. Whether we make funds available early depends on when we receive the payor's payment instructions, any limitations we set on the amount of early availability, and standard fraud prevention screening. Available for personal accounts only. See our Deposit Account Agreement for more details.
Our standard overdraft coverage does not apply to Clear Access BankingSM accounts. Optional overdraft services, such as Overdraft Protection and Debit Card Overdraft Service, are not available for Clear Access Banking accounts. Other fees may apply, and it is possible for the account to have a negative balance. Please see the Wells Fargo Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule and Deposit Account Agreement for details.
Available balance is the most current record we have about the funds that are available for your use or withdrawal. It includes all deposits and withdrawals that have been posted to your account, then adjusts for any holds on recent deposits and any pending transactions that are known to the Bank. This balance may not reflect all of your transactions, such as checks you have written or debit card transactions that have been approved but not yet submitted for payment by the merchant.
Our overdraft fee for Consumer checking accounts is $35 per item (whether the overdraft is by check, ATM withdrawal, debit card transaction, or other electronic means), and we charge no more than three overdraft fees per business day. Overdraft fees are not applicable to Clear Access BankingSM accounts. The overdraft fee for Wells Fargo Teen CheckingSM accounts is $15 per item and we will charge no more than two fees per business day.
Recurring debit card payments and other transactions, such as checks, Bill Pay, or ACH transactions, may continue to be authorized into overdraft at our discretion if there isn’t enough money in the account, even if the account is not enrolled in Debit Card Overdraft Service, and our standard overdraft fees and policies will apply.
The payment of transactions into overdraft is discretionary and we reserve the right not to pay. For example, we typically do not pay overdrafts if your account is overdrawn or you have had excessive overdrafts. You must promptly bring your account to a positive balance.
Debit Card Overdraft Service is an optional service that customers can add or remove at any time. It is not available for certain accounts, such as Clear Access BankingSM accounts, Teen CheckingSM accounts, or savings accounts. Debit Card Overdraft Service is offered at the discretion of Wells Fargo and may be removed by the bank at any time for a variety of reasons, including excessive overdrafts or returned items, as determined by the bank.
Subject to the bank's funds availability policy. Certain pending deposits (specifically, a cash deposit or a transfer from another account) that are made after the posted cutoff time (where the deposit was made) will be included if they are made before we start our nightly process. If you make the deposit or transfer after we start our nightly process, it will not be included in the available balance that night.
Eligible direct deposits are limited to electronic direct deposits of items such as your payroll, pension, and government benefit payments made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) to your personal account. Other deposits or credits to your account, such as deposits of funds from person-to-person payment services (e.g., Zelle®, Venmo, or PayPal transfers), check or mobile deposits, and other online transfers or electronic credits are not eligible for Early Pay Day.
If you convert from a Wells Fargo account with check writing ability to a Clear Access Banking account, any outstanding check(s) presented on the new Clear Access Banking account on or after the date of conversion will be returned unpaid. The payee may charge additional fees when the check is returned. Make sure that any outstanding checks have been paid and/or you have made different arrangements with the payee(s) for the checks you have written before converting to the Clear Access Banking account.
Terms and conditions apply. Setup is required for transfers to other U.S. financial institutions, and verification may take 1 – 3 business days. Customers should refer to their other U.S. financial institutions for information about any potential transfer fees charged by those institutions. Mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. See Wells Fargo’s Online Access Agreement for more information.
Mobile deposit is only available through the Wells Fargo Mobile® app on eligible mobile devices. Deposit limits and other restrictions apply. Some accounts are not eligible for mobile deposit. Availability may be affected by your mobile carrier's coverage area. Your mobile carrier's message and data rates may apply. See Wells Fargo’s Online Access Agreement and your applicable business account fee disclosures for other terms, conditions, and limitations.
Sign-up may be required. Availability may be affected by your mobile carrier's coverage area. Your mobile carrier's message and data rates may apply.
Deposit products offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
QSR-0623-01996
LRC-0822
As an expert in personal finance and banking, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complex world of overdraft protection. With a deep understanding of financial products and services, I'll break down the concepts mentioned in the article to empower you in making informed decisions.
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Overdraft Protection:
- Definition: Overdraft protection is a financial service that helps you avoid overdraft fees by using funds from a linked account to cover transactions when you don't have enough money in your primary checking account.
- Evidence: The article discusses the process of linking up to two eligible Wells Fargo accounts (one savings, one credit) for Overdraft Protection. This service covers various transaction types, including ATM and debit card transactions, checks, Bill Pay, and recurring electronic payments.
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Extra Day Grace Period:
- Definition: This feature provides an additional business day to make deposits and avoid overdraft fees. If the available balance covers the prior business day's overdraft items by midnight Eastern Time, associated fees may be waived.
- Evidence: The article explains how Extra Day Grace Period works, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sufficient available balance to avoid overdraft fees.
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Early Pay Day:
- Definition: Early Pay Day allows access to eligible direct deposits up to two days before the scheduled payment date, helping prevent overdrafts by providing timely access to funds.
- Evidence: The article outlines the conditions for Early Pay Day eligibility, such as incoming electronic direct deposits through Automated Clearing House (ACH), and clarifies that early availability is not guaranteed.
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Clear Access BankingSM:
- Definition: Clear Access BankingSM is a checkless banking account offered by Wells Fargo, designed to eliminate overdraft fees.
- Evidence: The article provides details about Clear Access BankingSM, including its features, a $5 monthly service fee, and information on how to avoid the fee.
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Standard Overdraft Coverage:
- Definition: Standard overdraft coverage is included with most checking accounts and may authorize and pay overdrafts for certain types of transactions, such as checks and automatic bill payments.
- Evidence: The article explains the discretionary nature of overdraft coverage, the $35 overdraft fee per item, and the limit of three overdraft fees per day on consumer accounts.
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Debit Card Overdraft Service:
- Definition: Debit Card Overdraft Service is an optional feature that allows the bank to authorize ATM and everyday debit card transactions into overdraft, subject to a $35 overdraft fee.
- Evidence: The article provides information on enrolling, changing, or removing the service, eligibility criteria, and the distinction between this service and Overdraft Protection.
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Tips for Avoiding Overdrafts:
- Recommendations:
- Keep track of transactions.
- Consider outstanding transactions.
- Maintain a buffer in your account.
- Regularly review bank statements.
- Evidence: The article offers practical tips to help individuals avoid overdrafts, emphasizing the importance of financial awareness and responsible account management.
- Recommendations:
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FAQs:
- Key FAQs Answered:
- What is an overdraft?
- Is an overdraft different from a returned item?
- What fees apply to overdrafts?
- Can a deposit or transfer help avoid overdraft fees?
- What's the difference between Overdraft Protection and Debit Card Overdraft Service?
- Evidence: The article addresses common questions about overdrafts, providing clear explanations and guidance on related topics.
- Key FAQs Answered:
By leveraging the information provided in this article, you can make informed decisions about managing your accounts and protecting yourself against overdrafts. If you have further questions or need clarification on specific topics, feel free to ask.
