Become A Member
Skip to main content
Find a Location | | Make a Payment | Register for Online Banking
Routing #321180379 Help | Appointments | Privacy |
Frequently Asked Questions

Overdraft Fee FAQ's

Please refer to our Fee Schedule/Sheet and Overdraft Policy Disclosure for more information on Overdrafts. These documents are available online at www.firsttechfed.com, at one of our branches.

An overdraft happens when you spend more than what’s available in your account—but we cover the transaction anyway.
If your available balance isn’t enough to cover a transaction at the time it’s processed, and we authorize or pay it, that’s considered an overdraft. This can happen with debit card purchases, checks, or automatic payments.

At First Tech, we offer overdraft protection options to help you avoid declined transactions and unexpected fees. We’re committed to helping you manage your money responsibly and avoid unnecessary costs.

Tips to avoid overdraft fees

  • Set up account alerts to track your balance
  • Link a backup account for overdraft protection
  • Use our mobile app to monitor spending in real time
  • Enroll in direct deposit for timely access to funds

Helpful Resources

A returned or rejected item means a transaction couldn’t be completed because your available balance wasn’t enough—and we didn’t authorize or pay it.
When a transaction (like a check, debit card payment, or automatic withdrawal) is presented to your account and your available balance doesn’t cover it, we may decline or return the item unpaid. This is different from an overdraft, where we authorize the transaction and cover the shortfall.

Returned or rejected items may result in fees from First Tech or the merchant, and can impact your financial standing. We’re here to help you avoid these situations and manage your money with confidence.

Tips to avoid returned items

  • Set up account alerts to monitor your balance
  • Use overdraft protection to cover shortfalls
  • Track upcoming payments with our mobile app
  • Maintain a buffer in your account for unexpected expenses

Helpful Resources

We believe in transparency and helping you avoid unnecessary fees.  At First Tech, we offer tools and protections to help you manage your account responsibly. Here's a breakdown of when fees may apply if your account doesn't have enough available funds to cover a transaction:

Check, ACH, POS (Recurring)

Paid

Overdraft Fee charged per item if your available balance is insufficient at the time of authorization.

Check, ACH

Rejected

No fee charged if the item is returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.

ATM Withdrawals, POS (Everyday)

Rejected or Paid (in limited cases)

No Overdraft Fee charged.

Overdraft Protection Transfers (from linked savings or credit line)

Paid

No Overdraft Fee charged. Finance charges may apply for credit line transfers.

Important Notes:

  • Overdraft protection transfers occur at the end of our daily processing cycle.
  • If your linked account doesn’t have enough funds to cover the overdraft, standard overdraft fees may apply.
  • Credit line transfers are subject to finance charges as outlined in your loan agreement.

Tips to avoid overdraft and returned item fees

  • Set up account alerts to monitor your balance
  • Link a savings or credit line for overdraft protection
  • Use our mobile app to track spending in real time
  • Maintain a buffer in your account for unexpected expenses

Helpful Resources

We understand that overdrafts can happen—and we’re here to help you manage them responsibly.
At First Tech, we offer two services to help cover transactions when your account doesn’t have enough available funds:

Overdraft Protection

Link a savings account or credit line to your checking account. If your balance is too low to cover a transaction, funds will automatically transfer from the linked account to cover the difference.

  • No overdraft fee is charged for these transfers
  • Credit line transfers may be subject to finance charges as outlined in your loan agreement
  • Available for most transaction types (excluding ATM withdrawals)

Discretionary Overdraft

In certain cases, we may choose to pay a transaction even if your account doesn’t have enough funds. This is done at our discretion and is not guaranteed.

  • Overdraft fees may apply for each item paid
  • Applies to checks, ACH payments, and recurring debit transactions
  • Everyday debit and ATM transactions are not covered unless you opt in

Tips to avoid overdraft fees

  • Set up account alerts to monitor your balance
  • Use our mobile app to track spending in real time
  • Maintain a buffer in your account for unexpected expenses
  • Link a backup account for overdraft protection

Helpful Resources 

We’re here to help you stay in control of your finances.
Overdrafts can happen—but with the right tools and habits, you can avoid fees and keep your account on track. Here are some smart ways to prevent overdrafts and returned payments:

Monitor your balance regularly

  • Use Online Banking, the First Tech mobile app, or telephone banking to check your available balance anytime.

Set up low balance alerts

  • Activate email or mobile alerts in Online Banking to get notified when your balance drops below a set amount.

Transfer funds from other accounts

  • Move money from external accounts to your First Tech account to cover upcoming transactions.

Enroll in Overdraft Protection

  • Link a Share Savings account or Line of Credit to your checking account.
  • If your balance is too low, funds will automatically transfer to cover the transaction.
  • This option typically costs less and may have lower fees than standard overdraft coverage.

 

Helpful Resources

Top