BoA Scraps Debit Card Overdraft Fees

Move comes ahead of regulations, could pressure other banks
By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 10, 2010 8:09 AM CST
BoA Scraps Debit Card Overdraft Fees
In this July 17, 2009 file photo, a customer uses a Bank of America ATM in Charlotte, NC.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)

Bank of America is scrapping overdraft fees on debit card purchases ahead of new federal regulations. As of this summer, overdrawn customers of the nation's largest debit card issuer will simply have their cards declined at the register—rather than ending up paying $40 for coffee or some other small purchase, reports the New York Times.

The decision could put pressure on other banks. Overdraft fees have recently become a major source of revenue for banks, generating $20 billion last year alone, and debit card purchases account for 60% of BoA's overdrafts. "If Bank of America can forgo the fee income and do the right thing by their customers, this should be seen as a direct challenge to the other big banks to match and do the same," says a BoA adviser.
(More Bank of America stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X