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BoA Scraps Debit Card Overdraft Fees

Move comes ahead of regulations, could pressure other banks

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2010 8:09 AM CST

(Newser) – Bank of America is scrapping overdraft fees on debit card purchases ahead of new federal regulations. As of this summer, overdrawn customers of the nation's largest debit card issuer will simply have their cards declined at the register—rather than ending up paying $40 for coffee or some other small purchase, reports the New York Times.

The decision could put pressure on other banks. Overdraft fees have recently become a major source of revenue for banks, generating $20 billion last year alone, and debit card purchases account for 60% of BoA's overdrafts. "If Bank of America can forgo the fee income and do the right thing by their customers, this should be seen as a direct challenge to the other big banks to match and do the same," says a BoA adviser.

In this July 17, 2009 file photo, a customer uses a Bank of America ATM in Charlotte, NC.
In this July 17, 2009 file photo, a customer uses a Bank of America ATM in Charlotte, NC.   (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Camarillolady
Mar 11, 2010 1:27 AM CST
That is why I love my local Credit Union. No Fees!
Berzelius
Mar 10, 2010 6:57 PM CST
I payed 400 in overdraft last month. I don't mind the fee (although i think it's too high) if I mail a check out to pay a bill, but I don't like point of sale fees, i'd rather be declined. Nothing worse than paying $36 to rent a movie from the dollar Red Box.
IndependentThinker
Mar 10, 2010 6:32 PM CST
See how bad federal regulation is for the majority of people.
 

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