You check your account balance, and your stomach drops. There’s a $35 overdraft fee staring back at you, and it just pushed your already tight budget even further into the red. Whether a bill hit your account earlier than expected or you lost track of a small purchase, the fee can still feel unfair and make budgeting more difficult.
The good news is that getting these fees back is more realistic than you might think.
An overdraft fee is what your bank charges when you spend more than what’s in your account. Most banks charge around $35 per overdraft, and these fees can add up fast. Understanding why you were charged will help you make a stronger case when you ask for a refund.
Here are the most common triggers:
Overdraft fees can snowball quickly. One fee can lead to several more before you realize what’s going on. You might make three small purchases in a single day, each one triggering its own $35 fee. That’s $105 in charges before you’ve had a chance to get money into your account.
In fact, Americans paid an estimated $12.1 billion in overdraft fees in 2024. Those charges often hit those who are already stretched thin the hardest.
Success often comes down to how you ask. Banks want to keep your business, and they’ll usually work with you if you’re both prepared and polite.
Before you call your bank, review your transaction history to understand what triggered the overdraft. You’re looking for anything that might strengthen your case.
Issues that can support your refund request:
Take screenshots of your account history and write down the dates and amounts. This documentation will help you explain your situation when you call.
Reach out to your bank as soon as you spot the overdraft—ideally within 24–48 hours. Staying on top of your account shows the bank that you’re responsible, which increases the odds that it will reverse the overdraft fees.
A few tips for contacting your bank:
When the representative answers, start with something like:
“Hi, I noticed an overdraft fee on my account from [date]. This is unusual for me, and I’d like to discuss having it waived.”
Lead with your strongest point. Are you a long-term customer who rarely overdrafts? Did a bank processing issue cause the problem? Are you dealing with financial hardship?
Use keywords that banks respond to:
Here’s a sample script you can use:
“I’ve been banking with you for [number] years, and this is the first time I’ve had this issue. The overdraft happened because [brief explanation]. I’d really appreciate a courtesy waiver on this fee since it’s not something that happens regularly with my account.”
Be warm but direct. Remember, you’re not begging for help; you’re having a conversation about a fee you believe the bank should reverse. Stay polite, even if the answer is no.
If the representative says they can’t help, don’t give up. Ask to speak with a supervisor or manager who might have the authority to waive fees.
You can also try:
Also, remember to document who you spoke with and when. If you need to escalate, this information helps.
A sample escalation script:
“I understand you’re unable to help with this fee. Could I please speak with a manager who might be able to review my account history and consider a waiver?”
Build a strong case before you call your bank. Check whether they have published information on fee waivers or forgiveness programs, and then reference the bank’s policies in your conversation.
Your chances depend partly on which type of bank you use:
Large national banks may have more rigid policies, but they also handle more customer requests and are used to granting waivers.
Online banks may have different policies, sometimes with lower fees. For example, in 2024, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo each collected over $1 billion in overdraft fees, so they likely have the flexibility to waive fees for individual customers.
Regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible because they focus on relationship banking. If you’re working with a credit union, you might mention your membership benefits and your history with it. Also, if you’re facing financial hardship, be honest about it. Credit unions are designed to help members during difficult times.
Many banks now offer programs that help you avoid or reverse overdraft fees. You might not need to call if your bank has one of these in place.
A growing number of banks will waive fees if you deposit enough money to cover the overdraft by a specific time. Most follow this process:
Most automatic grace programs work similarly, giving you a window of time to fix the problem before the fee sticks. Some banks have different tiers, where overdrafts under $50 don’t trigger fees.
Many banks also have specific overdraft reversal policies, including first-time waivers, annual forgiveness programs, or loyalty programs for long-term customers.
When you call your bank, ask, “What overdraft forgiveness programs do you offer?” This opens the conversation to programs you may not be aware of.
Assuming you’ll get an overdraft fee refund may not be a wise financial decision. The better strategy is to avoid the overdraft fee altogether.
Cash advances work differently from overdrafts. Instead of letting your account go negative, you access money before you overdraft. There’s no credit check required, no interest charges, and the repayment is predictable.
Compare what it looks like to get a cash advance versus paying an overdraft fee:
The benefits of avoiding fees add up:
When you’re trying to avoid overdraft fees, having options is important. Cash advances give you control over your money, so you don’t have to rely on the bank being lenient.
Learn how a cash advance can help you access money you’ve already earned without interest, late fees, or credit checks.
The best refund request is the one you never have to make.
Here are practical ways to help you stay ahead:
Switching banks can also help reduce your risk of overdraft. Many banks have eliminated overdraft fees, while others have lowered them to $10 or less. If you’re constantly fighting overdraft fees with your current bank, it might be time to look for one that’s better aligned with how you manage money.
Cash advances can bridge the gap when an overdraft feels unavoidable. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, having that flexibility can make a big difference.
Overdraft fees aren’t inevitable. You have options for getting them refunded when they do happen, and you have even better options for preventing them.
Cash advances help you avoid overdraft fees when a refund request isn’t possible or when you need money right away. Klover offers instant cash advances that get money into your account when you need it, with an instant transfer fee that’s less than a $35 overdraft charge. You can access your cash without worrying about credit checks, interest charges, or late fees piling up.
Ready to stop worrying about overdraft fees? Get started with Klover and access the money you need before your account goes into the negative.
Yes, banks can refuse refunds since overdraft fees are usually outlined in your account agreement. But most banks will waive fees as a courtesy, especially for first-time incidents or loyal customers.
Most banks don't publicize their limits, but you can usually get 1–2 fees waived each year. It depends on your account history and how you ask.
No, overdraft fees and their refunds don't appear on credit reports. But unpaid negative balances banks send to collections can hurt your credit.
Overdraft fees occur when the bank covers your transaction despite insufficient funds. NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees happen when the bank rejects the transaction entirely.
While there's no official deadline, your chances are best within 30 days. Some banks may consider older fees, but success rates drop after 60–90 days.
