How to Get Credit Back for an Overdraft Banking Fee
Overdraft fees from your checking and debit account can be very problematic. Often times, one is charged several overdraft fees, which average over $30 each, before they even realize they have overdrawn. This is the bank's way of making money, but it can put an individual into an even more severe money crisis than they were in when they overdrew.
While it is the responsibility of an individual to balance their bank account, mistakes and accidents happen. You may be able to eliminate some, if not all, of these unreasonable and problematic bank overdraft fees.
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Instructions
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After you realize you have overdrawn your checking account one or more times, get your balance back in the positive. Find the funds and deposit them immediately so that you are at least at $0 in your account, if nothing else. This way you will avoid any further fees. Also, it makes your argument much more compelling as to why you deserve credit. "The money is in there now!"
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Go in to your bank. Sometimes, talking in person to a teller is a good way of getting them to ease up on the fees because you can truly show your pain and strife in person. If you are working with a teller who is compassionate, and you make a formidable plea with them, they might get their manager to erase some of your fees. Often, however, tellers do not have this authority.
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Call your bank's customer service number. First, ask them what your fees are, why you were charged these, and show them that you are genuinely concerned that you are being charged unjustifiably. This is ridiculous, and you need to show your anger and disappointment in your institution, significantly alluding to the fact that you are considering removing your business from them.
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Be blunt and say it, because they won't suggest it. "I want to be credited for these unfounded fees!"
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Make it clear that you are a good customer. "This has never happened before; clearly you can understand my dilemma and note that I am an excellent customer to your institution."
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If you have not yet received confirmation that you will be receiving credit, tell your customer service agent that you either want to speak with a manager or want them to speak to their supervisor about getting credit back. Often, your initial person of contact does not have this authority, but can easily get the OK from a supervisor to waive the fees. You need to tell them to do this, though.
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If, for some reason, they still will not credit you, call again. Talk to someone else about the problem. The next person may be more understanding of your plight.
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Tips & Warnings
All banks carry different policies and procedures. Some refuse all overdraft credit requests as a matter of policy.
References
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