Advance checking, also known as overdraft protection or overdraft coverage, is a type of service offered by banks and credit unions to help you manage your finances more effectively. This feature allows you to link your checking account to another account, such as a savings account or a line of credit, which can be used to cover unexpected expenses or overdrafts.
By linking these accounts, advance checking enables you to avoid costly NSF fees and penalties associated with bounced checks or insufficient funds. It's essential to understand that this service is not the same as an overdraft loan, where you borrow money from the bank at a higher interest rate.
When you set up advance checking, the linked account is used to cover any overdrafts or NSF transactions. This means that if you accidentally overdraw your account, the funds from the linked account will be transferred to cover the shortfall.
For instance, let's say you have a checking account with $1,000 and you try to spend $1,500 without sufficient funds. The advance checking feature would automatically transfer the necessary amount from the linked savings account or line of credit to cover the overdraft.
Advance checking offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your financial well-being. Firstly, it helps you avoid costly NSF fees and penalties associated with bounced checks or insufficient funds.
Secondly, advance checking provides a safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies, ensuring that you don't fall into debt or compromise your credit score.