Truist allows overdrafts on checking accounts, but only if you opt in to overdraft protection
Truist will not automatically overdraft your account. By default, transactions that would take your balance negative are declined at the point of sale or ATM. If you want Truist to cover those transactions instead — paying the overdraft fee and letting the transaction go through — you must turn on overdraft protection in your account settings or by calling Truist customer service at 1-800-872-2657.
Once overdraft protection is active, Truist covers may be able to access transactions up to a limit. The bank charges a fee each time you overdraft, and you owe the negative balance back. This is different from a line of credit or overdraft line — Truist is lending you nothing. It is charging you a fee to process a transaction that would otherwise fail.
Truist also offers overdraft transfer, which moves money from a linked savings account or money market account to your checking account before a transaction posts, avoiding the overdraft fee altogether. This is the cheaper option if you have another account with Truist.
Key Takeaways
- Overdraft protection is opt-in at Truist; you must turn it on yourself through online banking, the mobile app, or by phone.
- Truist charges a fee per overdraft transaction, and the amount varies by account type — check your account agreement or call for the exact fee.
- Overdraft transfer from a linked savings account avoids the fee entirely if you have funds available to move.
- Transactions that exceed your overdraft limit will still be declined, even with protection turned on.
- Overdraft protection does not cover all transaction types; ATM withdrawals and some recurring payments may be excluded.
How to turn overdraft protection on or off
Log into Truist Online Banking or the Truist mobile app and navigate to your checking account settings. Look for the overdraft or overdraft protection option — the exact menu location varies slightly by app version, but it is usually under Account Settings or Preferences. Toggle the setting on or off, and the change takes effect immediately for new transactions.
If you cannot find the setting online, call Truist at 1-800-872-2657 and ask a representative to enable or disable overdraft protection on your account. Have your account number ready. The representative can also tell you the current overdraft fee for your specific account type and explain which transactions are covered.
Overdraft fees and limits at Truist
Truist charges a fee each time you overdraft. The fee amount depends on your account type — some accounts charge per overdraft, others charge a daily maximum even if you overdraft multiple times in one day. Truist also sets a maximum overdraft amount; if a transaction would push you beyond that limit, it will be declined even with protection on.
Check your account agreement or log into online banking to see your specific fee and limit. You can also call 1-800-872-2657 and ask a representative for this information. Fees are charged to your account immediately when the overdraft occurs, making your negative balance even larger.
Truist may also charge a fee if your account stays negative for several days. Review the terms for your account type to understand the full cost of overdrafting.
Overdraft transfer as an alternative to overdraft protection
If you have a Truist savings account or money market account linked to your checking account, you can set up overdraft transfer instead of overdraft protection. When a transaction would overdraft your checking account, Truist automatically moves money from the linked account to cover it — no fee charged.
This works only if you have sufficient funds in the linked account at the time of the transaction. Set up overdraft transfer through online banking or by calling 1-800-872-2657. You can choose which linked account to pull from and set a minimum balance that must remain in the savings account after the transfer.
Overdraft transfer is free and prevents overdraft fees, but it requires you to maintain money in a second account. If the linked account runs low, transfers will stop and transactions will be declined as usual.
What transactions are covered by overdraft protection
Truist overdraft protection covers most debit card purchases, checks, and recurring bill payments. It does not cover ATM withdrawals or transfers to other banks — those transactions will be declined if you lack sufficient funds, regardless of overdraft protection status.
Some recurring payments, particularly those set up through third-party services, may also be excluded. If you are unsure whether a specific type of transaction is covered, call Truist at 1-800-872-2657 before relying on overdraft protection for that payment.
How to pay back an overdraft
Deposit money into your checking account to bring the balance positive. You can deposit through direct deposit, a transfer from another account, a mobile check deposit, or by visiting a Truist branch. The overdraft fee is charged immediately when the overdraft occurs, so you must deposit enough to cover both the original transaction and the fee.
If your account stays negative for more than a few days, Truist may charge additional fees. Bring your account to a positive balance as soon as you can to avoid accumulating fees. If you cannot pay back the overdraft, contact Truist to discuss options — some accounts may have hardship programs or fee waivers available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I overdraft and don't deposit money back?
Truist will continue charging overdraft fees daily or per transaction until your account is positive. If the account remains negative for an extended period, Truist may close the account and report it to ChexSystems, a banking history database that makes it harder to open accounts elsewhere.
Can I overdraft at an ATM?
No. ATM withdrawals are not covered by overdraft protection at Truist. If you do not have sufficient funds, the ATM will decline the withdrawal. You can only overdraft through debit card purchases, checks, and bill payments.
Is overdraft protection the same as a line of credit?
No. Overdraft protection charges a fee per transaction but does not create a loan or credit line. A line of credit would charge interest and require repayment over time. Truist overdraft protection is simply a fee to process a transaction that would otherwise fail.
Can I set a limit on how much I can overdraft?
Truist sets a maximum overdraft amount based on your account type and history. You cannot lower this limit yourself, but you can turn off overdraft protection entirely to prevent overdrafts. Call 1-800-872-2657 if you want to discuss your overdraft limit.
Does overdraft protection affect my credit score?
Overdrafting does not directly affect your credit score because it is not reported to credit bureaus. However, if your account goes to collections or is closed due to an unpaid overdraft, that can appear on your credit report and harm your score.