What can I do about overdraft charges on my checking account?

Question

I used my debt card on the weekend, and my recipt said I had a positive balance. On Monday the bank cashed a check which made all my weekend chages in the negitive, charging me $36.00 dollars for each one. I now have 10 charges of $36.00 dollars each which adds up to $360.00 dollars, and almost all of my debt use was under $10.00 dollars. I'm just so upset because that was my rent money and I just don't know what to do. I spoke with a manager but they said they won't refund the amount. Can I take them to court??? Please help!!

Answer 1

Take them to court for what? YOU failed to keep track of the money in your account. How would the bank know that you had outstanding checks?

You should use the check register to track not just deposits and checks, but every use of your debit card. It's a good idea to set a minimum amount for your account. When you get close to that minimum, don't write checks and don't use the debit card.

I suggest you find some way to bring in some cash to pay that rent -- have a garage sale, sell blood, collect alum cans, get a second job ....

Answer 2

Well, I don't think you can fight the overdraft fee, and not to mention about going to court. You did give some one the check that bank cashed on Monday, right? So you already "spend" the money and it does not matter when the person/merchant go to cash the check. You need to keep track of your own balance, that is the most up to date balance you can have. Because it takes time for bank to post any debit card charges. Just take on the responsible that you handed the check and the debit card to authorized ALL those transactions. So is it not the bank's fault that you overdrawn your account, and the fee and rules are stated very clearly on the Bank Disclosures when you open the accounts.

Answer 3

This is on you, you will have to pay the fees. When the bank shows you a balance, it is a posted balance only. They have no way of knowing how many outstanding and for what amounts you have written checks, till they are presented for payment.
It is your responsibility to keep up with your own balance.
You have just learned an expensive and valuable lesson.

Answer 4

Since it is apparent that you don't have overdraft protection, I would suggest two things: 1) Be extra careful on posting of each check you write, each time you use your debit card and subtraction; 2) If you round up the amount to the next dollar when you subtract each check in your checkbook ledger, in a short time you will have a "buffer" against overdrafting. For example: Cost is $5.37, but enter $4.00 in the ledger. You will be surprised how it will add up.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, it is your responsibility to keep track of the available balance in your checking account.

You are at fault for overdrafting the account, not the bank. Sorry.

Answer 6

Its your responsibility to make sure your account doesn't get overdrawn. If the bank isn't willing to negotiate these fees down, you're pretty much stuck with them. You can't sue the bank for something that was your fault.

Answer 7

You may want to appeal to Manager's boss for one-time consideration.
Lots has to do with your previous history with the bank and your attitude. Being humble sometimes pays.

Answer 8

It's doubtful you can do anything about it. You should keep a tab/balance and when you wrote the check, you should have deducted it from your available funds then.

Answer 9

unfortunately you cant take them to court,this is gonna be a hard one to get out of,no matter what you say it always ends up being your fault.i think your gonna have to pay it sweety good luck

Answer 10

one, you probably will have to pay the crooks, two, change banks. and do it now. stay away from bank of america though, they are the worst to do business with.