Overdraft Protection

Understanding Overdrafts and Overdraft Services

We get it. Sometimes an unintentional balancing error or unexpected expense can leave your checking account short. This can result in returned payments, declined card transactions, and additional costs. Understanding how overdrafts occur and your account options can help you manage your account, minimize potential fees and decide what works best for you.

Let's start with What is an overdraft?

An overdraft can occur when you spend more money than you have available in your account.

If the bank pays the transaction on your behalf, an overdraft occurs and would receive the Non-sufficient Funds (NSF) Paid fee.
If the transaction is returned unpaid, a Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Unpaid fee may be charged to your account. In addition, you may be charged a returned payment fee from the business who deposited your bad check.

If an overdraft situation does occur, we can cover your transactions using these services:

Overdraft Transfer Service

This service links your savings account (or another qualified Civista deposit account) to your checking account to automatically transfer available funds when you need it. A small service fee may apply and is less expensive than incurring an overdraft fee.

Standard Overdraft Coverage

This courtesy service permits Civista Bank to authorize and pay overdrafts at its discretion for checks; in-person withdrawals, recurring debit card transactions or other automated payments up to a pre-assigned limit for your account.

Additional Overdraft Protection for debit card and ATM transactions

Civista may also help pay overdrafts from everyday debit card and ATM transactions if you specifically opt-in for the service.

There is no additional cost associated with this service unless you use it. When used, the current Non-sufficient Funds (NSF) fee is charged for each paid item up to the daily limit.

To learn more, view the Standard Overdraft Coverage FAQs.

How to Avoid Overdrafts

Track Your Balance

Regularly monitoring your balance empowers you to stay informed about your account's status, reducing the risk of overdrafts.

Digital banking makes it easy to view your balance anytime, anywhere. See what's coming in and out of your account. This way, you can stay in control of your finances, avoid extra fees, and manage your money better.

If you have regular automatic transfers such as rent or utility bills, be sure you know how much they will be and on what day they happen. You can set reminders in your digital banking account alerts.

When you make a purchase, never assume that transactions will take days to post to your account.

You also want to keep in mind when the money you deposit is available to use. See our Funds Availability Policy.

Set Up Account Alerts

Setting up account alerts in digital banking, like low balance notifications and daily balance updates, can help you avoid overdrafts by keeping you updated on your account status. These alerts ensure you're aware of any low balances or changes in your account balance, helping you manage your funds more effectively and prevent unnecessary fees.

Set Up Direct Deposit

Setting up direct deposit ensures your funds are promptly deposited into your account, reducing the risk of overdrafts caused by delays in receiving income. This consistency allows you to better plan and manage your expenses, minimizing the likelihood of overdrafts and associated fees.

Review Your Monthly Statement

By checking your statements carefully, you can spot any mistakes or transactions you didn't make, which could cause overdrafts. This helps you stay in control of your money and avoid extra fees.

Know Our Processing and Posting Schedule

Our policy is to process items presented as follows:

In a branch first, in the order they are received on the day they are processed.
ATM transactions, in the order they are received on the day they are processed.
Electronic transactions, in the order they are received on the day they are processed.
Checks, by serial number order on the day they are processed.

Opt out of overdraft coverage for everyday debit card and ATM transactions

If you've previously opted in to overdraft protection on your debit card transactions, you can opt out of this service at any time. If you opt out, we may decline your ATM withdrawals and debit card transactions at point-of-sale if you do not have enough money in your account to cover the transaction.