Bank of America's overdraft limit depends on your account history and balance
Bank of America does not publish a fixed overdraft limit. Instead, the bank sets an overdraft protection limit based on factors like how long you've held the account, your deposit history, and your account balance. Some accounts have no overdraft protection at all. The only way to know your specific limit is to contact the bank directly or check your account settings online.
If you overdraw without protection in place, Bank of America will either decline the transaction or charge you an overdraft fee. The bank processes transactions in a specific order—typically largest to smallest—which can trigger multiple fees in a single day if several small transactions post after a large one.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America sets overdraft limits individually; there is no standard amount across all customers.
- You can see your current overdraft protection limit by logging into your online account or calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000.
- Each overdraft transaction costs $35 if you do not have overdraft protection, and the bank can charge up to four fees per day.
- Opting out of overdraft protection stops the bank from covering transactions that exceed your balance, which prevents fees but may cause declined transactions instead.
How overdraft protection works at Bank of America
Overdraft protection is automatic for most Bank of America checking accounts, but it is not unlimited. The bank covers transactions that would otherwise overdraw your account, then charges you a fee. This means a $5 coffee purchase can cost you $40 if your account is empty—the $5 transaction plus a $35 overdraft fee.
Bank of America charges one overdraft fee per transaction, up to four fees per day. If you make ten small purchases while overdrawn, you will see only four fees on that day, but the remaining six will be charged on the next business day. The bank does not charge overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals or transfers, only on debit card purchases and checks.
Finding your overdraft limit
Log into your Bank of America online account and navigate to Account Settings or Account Details. Look for a section labeled "Overdraft Protection" or "Overdraft Limit." The number shown is the maximum amount the bank will cover if your balance goes negative.
If you cannot find it online, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you your current limit and explain whether it applies to debit card purchases, checks, or both. Some accounts have separate limits for different transaction types.
What happens if you exceed your overdraft limit
If a transaction would push you past your overdraft limit, Bank of America will decline it. You will see a message at the point of sale or ATM saying the transaction cannot be completed. This prevents you from going deeper into the negative, but it can be embarrassing if you are at a checkout or trying to withdraw cash.
Once you exceed your limit, the bank may also freeze your account temporarily or require you to bring the balance positive before you can make new transactions. If your account stays negative for an extended period—usually 30 to 60 days—the bank may close it and report the debt to a collection agency.
Opting out of overdraft protection
You can turn off overdraft protection at any time. This means transactions will be declined if your balance is insufficient, rather than being covered and charged a fee. To opt out, log into your online account, go to Account Settings, and toggle off "Overdraft Protection." You can also call customer service to make this change.
Opting out prevents overdraft fees but does not protect you from other consequences. If you write a check that bounces, the recipient's bank may charge them a fee, and they may pursue you for payment. Declined debit card transactions can also damage your reputation with merchants.
Overdraft fees and daily limits
Bank of America charges $35 per overdraft transaction. The bank caps overdraft fees at four per day, meaning the maximum you can be charged in a single day is $140. However, additional overdrafts that occur on the same day will be charged the next business day, so the total can exceed $140 over two days.
The bank does not charge a fee for the overdraft itself—only for each transaction that triggers it. If your account is $100 overdrawn and you make no new transactions, you will not be charged additional fees. The fee is charged only when a new transaction posts to an already-negative balance.
Recovering from an overdraft
Bring your account balance positive as soon as possible. Deposit funds, transfer money from another account, or have a paycheck deposited directly. Once your balance is positive, any pending overdraft fees will post, but no new fees will be charged.
If you have been charged overdraft fees and believe they were unfair—for example, if the bank's transaction order caused multiple fees when one would have been sufficient—you can request a refund. Call customer service and explain the situation. Bank of America may reverse one or two fees as a courtesy, especially if you have a long account history with no prior overdrafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my overdraft limit increased?
Bank of America does not have a formal process to request a higher limit. The bank adjusts limits automatically based on your account activity and deposit history. Maintaining a consistent positive balance and keeping the account open for several years may result in a higher limit over time.
Do I get charged a fee if a transaction is declined?
No. If you have opted out of overdraft protection or your account has no protection, declined transactions do not incur a fee. You are only charged when the bank covers a transaction that overdraws your account.
What if I have overdraft protection linked to a savings account?
Bank of America allows you to link overdraft protection to a savings account, so transfers happen automatically if your checking account goes negative. You will not be charged an overdraft fee, but you may be charged a transfer fee depending on your account type. Check your account settings to see which accounts are linked.
How long does it take for an overdraft to be reversed?
If you deposit funds to cover the overdraft, the negative balance is reversed immediately. Overdraft fees typically post within one to two business days. If you request a fee reversal, the bank will notify you within a few business days whether it has been approved.
Will an overdraft hurt my credit score?
A single overdraft does not directly affect your credit score because Bank of America does not report overdrafts to credit bureaus. However, if your account goes to collections or you default on the debt, that will appear on your credit report and damage your score.