Bank of America to End Debit Overdraft Fees - Really?

In a move that could bring an end to the $40 cup of coffee, Bank of America said on Tuesday that it was doing away with overdraft fees on purchases made with debit cards, a decision that could cost the bank tens of millions a year in revenue and put pressure on other banks to do the same.

Banks are bracing for a new federal rule that will require them to get permission from account holders before providing overdraft services for debit purchases and A.T.M. withdrawals. That change was already expected to wipe out billions of dollars in overdraft revenue for the banks.

There has been considerable consumer and political outcry against overdraft fees on deposit accounts. Over the last decade, the fees have become a major source of revenue for banks as they realized they could make more money by covering consumer overdrafts, offering a short-term loan for a fee, than in denying them.

Last year alone, banks generated about $20 billion from overdraft fees on debit purchases and A.T.M. transactions, and $12 billion more by covering checks and recurring bills, according to Moebs Services, an economic research firm.

Bank of America, by deciding to scrap overdraft charges on debit card purchases instead, is hoping to bolster its reputation with consumers at a time when anger at banks for their role in the financial crisis remains high.

The bank’s overdraft policy will take effect on June 19 for new customers and in early August for existing ones. Overdraft protection will still be available, typically for a fee of $10, to customers who link their checking accounts to savings accounts or credit cards.

For more on this you can read the whole New York Times Story at the link listed below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/your-money/credit-and-debit-cards/10overdraft.html