An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have in your account, and your bank covers the difference. Banks charge overdraft fees for this service—usually $25 to $35 per transaction. Understanding how overdrafts work, what triggers them, and how much they cost helps you avoid surprise charges and keeps your account from spiraling into debt.

The articles here explain what happens when your balance goes negative, how banks decide whether to cover overdrafts or decline transactions, and what options you have to prevent fees from piling up. You'll learn about overdraft protection, how to spot when you're at risk, and steps to take if you've already been charged.