Truist allows overdrafts, but only if you opt in to their overdraft service
Truist checking accounts do not automatically overdraft. By default, Truist will decline transactions that would take your balance below zero and charge you a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee instead. If you want Truist to cover those transactions and let your account go negative, you must turn on overdraft protection through your account settings or by calling Truist directly.
Once you opt in, Truist will cover overdrafts up to a limit they set based on your account history and banking relationship. You pay a fee each time an overdraft occurs—currently $35 per overdraft transaction at Truist, though this can change. The overdraft itself is not assistance programs; you owe that amount back to the bank, and interest accrues on the negative balance.
Truist also offers overdraft line of credit as an alternative, which works like a small loan attached to your checking account. This option may have different terms and fees than standard overdraft protection.
Key Takeaways
- Truist overdraft protection is opt-in only—you must turn it on in your account settings or by phone, and transactions will be declined by default if you do not.
- Each overdraft transaction costs $35 at Truist, and you owe the overdrawn amount back to the bank plus any interest that accrues on the negative balance.
- Truist sets an overdraft limit based on your account history; you cannot overdraft beyond that limit even if you opt in.
- You can turn overdraft protection on or off at any time through your Truist online banking portal or by calling customer service.
- If you do not opt in to overdraft protection, Truist will decline transactions and charge an NSF fee instead, which is also $35 per declined transaction.
How to turn overdraft protection on or off
Log into your Truist online banking account and navigate to your checking account settings. Look for the section labeled "Overdraft Protection" or "Overdraft Options." Truist will show you whether overdraft protection is currently active and allow you to toggle it on or off from that screen.
If you prefer to do this by phone, call Truist customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can turn overdraft protection on or off immediately and explain your current overdraft limit. You can also visit a Truist branch in person and ask a banker to adjust your settings.
Changes usually take effect within one business day. If you turn overdraft protection off, any future transactions that would overdraft your account will be declined, and you will be charged an NSF fee instead of an overdraft fee.
What happens when you overdraft
When a transaction pushes your account below zero and overdraft protection is on, Truist covers the transaction and your balance goes negative. You are charged a $35 overdraft fee for that transaction. If multiple transactions overdraft your account on the same day, Truist may charge multiple fees—one per overdraft transaction, though some banks cap daily overdraft fees.
Your negative balance accrues interest at the overdraft rate Truist sets for your account. This rate varies but is typically much higher than a standard loan rate. You are responsible for bringing your account back to zero; Truist will not automatically deduct money from another account or source.
If your account stays negative for an extended period, Truist may close your account and send the debt to collections. Truist also reports negative account balances to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks check when you try to open new accounts.
Overdraft fees versus non-sufficient funds fees
Both overdraft fees and NSF fees cost $35 at Truist, so the fee amount is the same either way. The difference is what happens to the transaction itself. With overdraft protection on, the transaction goes through and your account goes negative. With overdraft protection off, the transaction is declined and does not post to your account.
Some people prefer overdraft protection because it prevents embarrassment at the checkout or ensures a critical payment (like a utility bill) goes through. Others prefer to have transactions declined because it forces them to stay within their actual balance and avoids the interest charges that come with a negative balance.
Neither option is "better"—it depends on your situation. If you live paycheck to paycheck and often run close to zero, declining transactions might protect you from spiraling into debt. If you need a safety net for occasional unexpected expenses, overdraft protection provides one at the cost of a fee and interest.
How to avoid overdraft fees
Set up account alerts in your Truist online banking portal. You can receive a text or email notification when your balance drops below a threshold you choose—for example, $100. This gives you time to transfer money in before a transaction overdrafts your account.
Link a savings account or another bank account to your checking account for transfers. If you get an alert that your balance is low, you can move money over immediately through the Truist app or website. Many transfers between Truist accounts are instant.
Review your recurring charges—subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance premiums—and cancel or pause any you do not actively use. Unexpected charges are a common reason people overdraft. Knowing exactly what leaves your account each month makes it easier to keep your balance positive.
If you overdraft frequently, consider turning overdraft protection off entirely. Declined transactions are inconvenient, but they force you to confront spending that exceeds your actual balance. Once you have built a buffer in your account, you can turn overdraft protection back on if you want it.
What to do if you have been charged overdraft fees
Call Truist customer service and ask to speak with someone in the disputes or resolution department. Explain when the overdraft occurred and why—for example, if an unexpected charge hit your account, or if you were not aware overdraft protection was on. Truist has discretion to reverse one or two overdraft fees, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or if the overdraft was caused by a bank error.
Be specific about which transaction caused the overdraft and ask the representative to review the timeline. If Truist made an error—for example, posting a deposit late or processing a transaction out of order—mention that. Reversals are not may provide, but asking politely and providing context increases your chances.
If Truist refuses to reverse the fee, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB investigates complaints about bank fees and practices, though filing does not may provide a refund. Keep records of all communications with Truist about the overdraft.
Overdraft protection versus overdraft line of credit
Truist offers two separate products. Overdraft protection is the standard service that covers overdrafts up to your limit and charges a per-transaction fee. Overdraft line of credit is a small revolving credit line attached to your checking account that works more like a loan—you borrow money, pay interest on the borrowed amount, and repay it over time.
With overdraft line of credit, you may pay less in fees because you are charged interest on the amount borrowed rather than a flat fee per transaction. However, you are also taking on debt that accrues interest daily until you pay it back. The interest rate is typically lower than a credit card but higher than a personal loan.
Ask Truist which option is available for your account type and which one makes sense for your situation. If you overdraft rarely and by small amounts, standard overdraft protection is probably cheaper. If you overdraft frequently or by large amounts, a line of credit might cost less over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Truist overdraft my account without my permission?
No. Truist will not overdraft your account unless you have explicitly opted in to overdraft protection. If you have not turned it on, transactions that would overdraft your account will be declined and you will be charged an NSF fee instead. You control whether overdraft protection is active.
What is Truist's overdraft limit?
Truist sets your overdraft limit based on your account history, income, and banking relationship with them. There is no standard limit—it varies by customer. You can ask Truist what your current limit is by logging into your account or calling customer service. Your limit may increase over time as your account history with Truist improves.
Do I pay interest on overdrafts?
Yes. In addition to the $35 overdraft fee, interest accrues on your negative balance at Truist's overdraft interest rate. The longer your account stays negative, the more interest you owe. This is separate from the fee and is calculated daily.
Can I overdraft my Truist savings account?
Truist does not offer overdraft protection on savings accounts. Overdraft protection is only available on checking accounts. If a transaction on your savings account would take it below zero, it will be declined.
What happens if I do not pay back an overdraft?
If your account stays negative for an extended period, Truist will eventually close your account and report the debt to collections. This also damages your banking history and makes it harder to open accounts at other banks. Bring your account back to zero as soon as possible to avoid these consequences.