What Balance information Does and Who Can Request It

Balance information is a Bank of America program that lets you move money from your savings account to cover a shortfall in your checking account, without paying overdraft fees. Instead of charging you $35 when you go negative, the bank moves funds automatically and charges you a smaller fee — usually $0 if you have a may have access to account type, or a flat fee if you don't.

You don't need to meet income requirements or go through a formal approval process. If you have both a checking and savings account at Bank of America, you can request this service. The bank will review your account history to decide whether to set it up, but most customers with clean account records can use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Balance information moves money from your savings to your checking account automatically when you would otherwise overdraft, preventing overdraft fees.
  • You request Balance information through your Bank of America online account, the mobile app, or by calling customer service — there is no separate form to fill out.
  • The service is free on most account types, though some accounts charge a flat transfer fee instead of an overdraft fee.
  • Once you request it, the bank reviews your account and either turns it on or tells you why it cannot — this usually takes one business day.
  • You can turn Balance information off at any time if you change your mind, using the same method you used to turn it on.

Requesting Balance information Online or Through the Mobile App

The fastest way to request Balance information is through your Bank of America online account or the mobile app. Log in, go to your checking account settings, and look for an option called "Balance information" or "Overdraft Protection." Click or tap to request it, and the system will ask you to confirm which savings account you want to link.

Choose the savings account you want the bank to pull from if your checking account goes negative. If you have only one savings account, it will be pre-selected. Review the terms — the app or website will show you the fee structure for your account type — and confirm your request. You should see a confirmation message right away, though the service may not be active until the next business day.

If you cannot find the option in your account settings, it may be hidden under a different name. Look for "Overdraft Protection," "Account Transfers," or "Linked Accounts." If you still cannot locate it, move to the phone method below.

Requesting Balance information by Phone

Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell the representative you want to request Balance information for your checking account. They will ask you to confirm your identity and which savings account you want linked.

The representative will explain the fee structure for your account type and ask you to confirm that you understand. Once you agree, they will submit the request. Ask them to give you a confirmation number and tell you when the service will be active — usually the next business day. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to follow up.

What Happens After You Request It

After you submit your request, Bank of America reviews your account history. The bank looks at whether you have had overdrafts before, whether you have paid any fees on time, and whether your account is in good standing. Most customers with no recent problems are approved within one business day.

If the bank approves your request, Balance information will be active the next time your checking account would go negative. The bank will automatically transfer money from your linked savings account to cover the shortfall. You will see the transfer in both accounts.

If the bank declines your request, you will receive a notice explaining why — usually because of recent overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account issues. You can request it again after you have resolved those problems, typically after 30 to 90 days.

Fees and Account Types

The fee for Balance information depends on your Bank of America account type. Most checking accounts with linked savings accounts have no fee — the transfer is free. Some account types charge a flat fee per transfer, usually $1 to $3, which is much less than a standard overdraft fee.

Check your account documents or call customer service to find out which fee structure applies to you. You can also see the fee in your account settings before you request the service. The fee will appear in your account activity each time a transfer happens.

Turning Balance information Off or Changing Your Linked Account

You can turn off Balance information at any time using the same method you used to turn it on. Log into your online account or app, go to your checking account settings, find Balance information, and select the option to disable it. Or call customer service and ask them to turn it off.

If you want to change which savings account is linked, you can do that through your account settings or by calling. The bank will let you choose a different savings account, and the change usually takes effect the next business day.

What Balance information Does Not Cover

Balance information only prevents overdraft fees when your checking account balance goes negative. It does not cover other fees, such as monthly maintenance fees or foreign transaction fees. It also does not work if your linked savings account does not have enough money to cover the shortfall — the transfer will fail, and you may still be charged an overdraft fee.

If your savings account is too low to cover a large negative balance, the bank will transfer what it can and charge you an overdraft fee for the remaining amount. Make sure your savings account has a cushion of money you are willing to use for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a savings account?

Balance information requires a linked savings account. If you have only a checking account, you will need to open a savings account first. You can do this online, through the mobile app, or at a Bank of America branch. Once the savings account is open, you can request Balance information.

Does Balance information work at ATMs and with debit card purchases?

Yes. Balance information covers any transaction that would overdraft your checking account, including ATM withdrawals, debit card purchases, checks, and transfers. The automatic transfer happens when the transaction posts to your account, which may be a day or two after you make the purchase.

Can I request Balance information if I have had overdrafts before?

Recent overdrafts may delay approval, but they do not automatically disqualify you. The bank looks at your overall account history. If you have resolved past issues and your account is now in good standing, you can request it. If the bank declines, ask what you need to do to become may be able to access.

How much money can Balance information transfer?

Balance information will transfer up to the full amount needed to cover your negative balance, as long as your savings account has the money. There is no daily or monthly limit on how many times it can transfer, but each transfer may have a fee depending on your account type.

What if I want overdraft protection instead?

Bank of America also offers traditional overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a line of credit instead of a savings account. Balance information is usually cheaper because it moves your own money rather than borrowing. Ask customer service about both options to see which fits your situation.