What AutoCredit is and how it works

AutoCredit is a Bank of America feature that automatically transfers money from one of your accounts to another when your checking account balance drops below a level you set. It is not a loan or a credit line — it is a transfer between accounts you already own at Bank of America.

When your checking account hits your chosen threshold, the system moves money from a linked savings account, money market account, or line of credit to cover the shortfall. The transfer happens when ready, and you pay no fee for using it. The money comes from your own funds, so there is no approval process or credit check involved.

AutoCredit differs from overdraft protection in one key way: overdraft protection covers a single transaction that would otherwise bounce, while AutoCredit moves money proactively before your account goes negative. It also differs from a traditional overdraft, where the bank lends you money and charges a fee — AutoCredit uses your own money instead.

Key Takeaways

  • AutoCredit transfers your own money from a linked account to your checking account when the balance falls below a threshold you choose.
  • The transfer is free and happens automatically, with no fees, interest charges, or credit check required.
  • You must have at least two accounts at Bank of America and set up the link yourself through online banking or a branch visit.
  • The transfer amount is fixed — you choose how much moves each time, typically in increments of $100 or more.
  • If your linked account does not have enough money, the transfer will not happen and your checking account may still overdraft.

How to set up AutoCredit on your Bank of America account

You can set up AutoCredit through Bank of America's online banking platform or by visiting a branch in person. Online is faster: log into your account, go to the Transfers section, and select AutoCredit from the protection options. You will choose which account to transfer from, the minimum balance that triggers a transfer, and the amount to transfer each time.

At a branch, a representative can walk you through the same choices and set up it on the spot. Either way, the setup takes about five minutes. The feature is available on most checking accounts, but some account types — like certain student or teen accounts — may not support it. If you are unsure whether your account qualifies, call 800-432-1000 or visit a branch.

Once activated, AutoCredit runs automatically. If your balance drops to your trigger point, the money moves within minutes. You can change or turn off AutoCredit anytime through the same online menu or by calling the bank.

What happens if your linked account runs out of money

If the account you are transferring from does not have enough money to cover the transfer, AutoCredit will not complete the transfer. Your checking account will not receive the money, and it may overdraft if the balance stays below zero.

Bank of America will not charge you an overdraft fee if AutoCredit straightforward fails to move money — the fee only applies if your account actually goes negative. However, you should monitor both accounts to make sure the source account stays funded. If you rely on AutoCredit, treat the source account as off-limits for everyday spending.

AutoCredit versus overdraft protection and overdraft fees

Bank of America offers three different ways to handle a low balance: AutoCredit, overdraft protection, and standard overdraft fees. They work in different situations and cost different amounts.

AutoCredit moves your own money automatically when you hit a threshold. It is free and proactive — the transfer happens before your account goes negative. Overdraft protection is a link to a savings account or line of credit that covers a single transaction if it would bounce; you pay no fee, but the protection only kicks in for that one transaction. Standard overdraft means the bank covers the transaction and charges you a fee (currently $35 per overdraft at Bank of America, though this varies by account type and region).

AutoCredit is the most predictable because you control when it triggers and how much moves. Overdraft protection is useful if you want a safety net for occasional slip-ups. Standard overdraft is the most expensive option and should be your last resort.

Limits and rules for AutoCredit transfers

AutoCredit transfers are not unlimited. Bank of America caps the number of transfers you can make per month — the exact limit depends on your account type, but most checking accounts allow multiple transfers daily. Each transfer moves the fixed amount you chose during setup, not a variable amount based on how far below the threshold you fell.

Transfers happen when ready during business hours, though Bank of America processes them in real time seven days a week. If you set a trigger of $500 and your balance drops to $499, the full transfer amount moves — you cannot adjust it for that single transaction.

AutoCredit only works between accounts at Bank of America. You cannot link an external account from another bank. If you need to move money from an outside bank, you would use Bank of America's standard transfer tools, which take one to three business days.

When AutoCredit might not be the right choice

AutoCredit works well if you have a stable source account with consistent funding and you want to avoid overdrafts. It does not work well if your savings account is also tight on money, because a failed transfer leaves you unprotected. It also is not useful if you rarely dip below a certain balance — in that case, the setup effort is wasted.

If you frequently overdraft, AutoCredit can help, but it is a symptom treatment, not a cure. The real issue is spending more than you earn, and AutoCredit just delays the problem by moving money around. Consider whether you need to adjust your budget or spending habits instead.

If you want overdraft protection but do not have a second account to link, Bank of America also offers overdraft protection through a line of credit, which requires a separate process. That option involves a credit check and interest charges if you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AutoCredit affect my credit score?

No. AutoCredit is a transfer between your own accounts, not a loan or credit inquiry. It does not show up on your credit report and has no impact on your credit score. Bank of America does not run a credit check to set it up.

Can I use AutoCredit with a savings account as the source?

Yes. You can link any Bank of America savings account, money market account, or line of credit as the source. The most common choice is a savings account because most people keep extra money there. Just make sure the account has enough balance to cover the transfer amount you choose.

What if I set the trigger too low and run out of money anyway?

If your balance falls below the trigger point but your source account is empty, AutoCredit cannot transfer anything. Your checking account will overdraft, and you may be charged an overdraft fee. You can prevent this by keeping your source account well-funded or by lowering the trigger point so AutoCredit kicks in earlier.

Can I transfer from AutoCredit to an external bank account?

No. AutoCredit only moves money between Bank of America accounts you own. If you want to move money to another bank, you would use Bank of America's standard transfer or bill pay tools, which take one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.

How do I turn off AutoCredit if I do not want it anymore?

Log into your Bank of America online account, go to Transfers, and select AutoCredit. You can disable it with one click. You can also call 800-432-1000 or visit a branch. There is no penalty for turning it off, and you can turn it back on anytime.