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Overdraft Protection FAQs

How can you avoid overdraft and bounced check fees?

The best way to avoid overdraft and bounced check fees is to manage your account so you don't overdraw it.

  • Keep track of how much money you have in your checking account by keeping your check register up-to-date.
  • Record all checks when you write them and other transactions when you make them. Don't forget to subtract any fees.
  • Pay special attention to your electronic transactions. Record your ATM withdrawals and fees, debit card purchases, and online payments.
  • Don't forget about automatic bill payments you may have set up for utilities, insurance or loan payments.
  • Keep an eye on your account balance. Remember that some checks and automatic payments may not have cleared yet.
  • Review your account statements each month. Between statements, you can find out which payments have cleared and check your balances by calling Simmons Bank 24-Hour Telephone Banking or by checking online using Simmons Bank online banking or at any Simmons Bank ATM. Be Sure to find out the actual amount in your account – your account balance not including any funds available to you through "courtesy overdraft protection", or "bounce coverage", plans.

Sometimes mistakes happen. If you do overdraw your account, deposit money into the account as soon as possible to cover the overdraft amount plus any fees. Depositing money into your account can help you avoid additional overdrafts and fees.

How do overdrafts and bounced checks happen?

When you:

  • Write a check,
  • Withdraw money from an ATM,
  • Use your debit card to make a purchase, or
  • Make an automatic bill payment or other electronic payment for more than the amount in your checking account, you overdraw your account. Simmons Bank has the choice to either pay the amount or not. If we pay even though you don’t have the money in your account, you may be charged a Paid Item Fee (overdraft fee). If Simmons Bank returns your check without paying it, you may be charged a "bounced check" or Return Item Fee (insufficient (NSF) fee). The person or company to whom you wrote the check (e.g. a store, your landlord, or the phone company) may charge you a "returned check" fee in addition to the fee Simmons Bank charges you.

How much does Simmons Bank Overdraft Privilege cost?

For details on overdrafts and overdraft fees, please click here.

What are some other ways to cover overdrafts?

Simmons Bank provides other ways of covering overdrafts that may be less expensive. Inquire at any Simmons Bank location about qualifying for these other options before making your choice. Other options include:

  • Automated OD Protection Transfer – Link your checking account to a savings account you have with us. If you overdraw your checking account, Simmons Bank automatically transfers funds from your savings account to your checking account. Transfer fees may apply.
  • Simmons Bank Personal Line of Credit – You need to apply for a "line of credit" just as you would apply for a regular loan. If you overdraw your account, Simmons Bank will lend you the funds by using your line of credit to cover the overdraft. You will pay interest on this loan, and there may be an annual fee; however, the overall costs may be less than the costs for Simmons Bank Overdraft Privilege.

What do you need to know about courtesy overdraft protection or bounce coverage plans?

  • Avoid using these plans as short-term loans — they are costly forms of credit.
  • If you overdraw your account, get money back into your account as soon as possible. Remember that you need to put enough money back into your account to cover both the amount of your overdraft and any fees.
  • Even if you have one of these plans, there is no guarantee that your bank will cover your checks, ATM withdrawals, and debit card or other electronic transactions that overdraw your account.
  • Good account management is the lowest cost way to protect your hard-earned money. If you need overdraft protection every now and then, stop by any Simmons Bank location and discuss your options.

What is Simmons Bank Overdraft Privilege?

Simmons Bank offers an overdraft privilege plan so that your checks may not bounce. With this plan you'll still pay a Paid item Fee (overdraft fee) to the bank for each item, but you will avoid the merchant's returned check fee and will stay in good standing with the people you do business with. Simmons Bank Overdraft Privilege is subject to approval and pre-approved overdraft limits.