Can the bank charge an overdraft fee while there is a deposit pending?

Yes. Many transactions are processed overnight. These transactions may not be reflected in an available balance. Refer to your deposit account agreement for your bank's overdraft and transaction processing policies.

It is important to keep a current and accurate check/transaction register and balance it to your monthly statement. A bank's online, telephone, or ATM balances are for information purposes only—they do not replace your check/transaction register. You should also keep in mind that banks do not have to make funds available for withdrawal as soon as they are deposited.

Banks generally post deposits before withdrawals. However, the law does not require this. In addition, banks may establish a cut-off time for deposits made at a branch or through an automated teller machine (ATM). Deposits made after that time may be treated as having been made on the following business day.

For example, a deposit made after the Friday afternoon cut-off time could be treated as if it were made on the following Monday. So, any items with next-day availability would then be available the next day (Tuesday).

Last Reviewed: April 2021