overdraft protection

Overdraft protection is a banking service that helps you avoid bounced checks or declined transactions when your account balance isn’t enough to cover a purchase. It works by linking your checking account to a backup source, like a savings account or a credit line. If you spend more than you have, the bank automatically transfers funds from the backup source to cover the shortfall, usually for a fee. This ensures your transactions go through smoothly, but it’s important to understand the costs involved and use the service wisely to avoid unnecessary fees.