Because of a recent change in government regulations, the way that your account functions is changing. Currently, our standard overdraft protection will pay your checks, ATM debit card and electronic transactions, at our discretion, even when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover the transaction.

If you have an unexpected emergency, like a highway tow or health care co-pay, and your debit card is declined, you will need an alternative way to pay for these services. There is no fee if you don’t use this service; however, our regular $35.00 overdraft fee is charged each time that you do. If you don’t bring your account to a positive balance within 5 business days, there is an additional $5 per day fee, with the maximum consecutive days charged at 10.

If you choose to decline our Courtesy Overdraft Service for your ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases, Financial Trust will decline your debit card transactions, including purchases and ATM withdrawals, if you do not have sufficient funds in your account to cover the transaction. You will have to complete your transaction using an alternative form of payment.

Avoiding Overdrafts and Fees

The easiest way to avoid overdrawing your account is to manage your funds responsibly. Be sure to record all your transactions in your checkbook register, including ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases. Keep an eye on your account balances and review your statements on a monthly basis. On-line Banking and Telephone Banking (Audio Response line) are available 24/7 for updated balance information.

Overdraft Protection Plan

Overdraft Protection Plan Opt-In:
Federal Regulations have changed. We are now required to get your permission to consider paying overdrafts on your everyday debit transactions. In the past, we were able to provide Overdraft Protection in situations when sufficient funds were not in your checking account to cover a debit transaction that you recently completed.

If you choose to opt-in, your everyday debit card transactions may be paid, even if you don't have enough money in your checking account. We'll consider paying the transaction for you and you'll incur the current overdraft fee. We'll save you the inconvenience or embarrassment of having a transaction denied in the event there is not enough money in your checking account to cover your transaction. Also, there is no fee to keep the Overdraft Protection on your account and no fee if you never use it. We pay overdrafts at our discretion, which means we do not guarantee that we will always authorize and pay any type of transaction. If we do not authorize and pay an overdraft, your transaction will be declined.

If you do not opt-in, we will not be able to provide Overdraft Protection for everyday debit card transactions that would cause your account to reach a negative balance. If there are insufficient funds in your account, the debit card transaction will be declined.

How to Opt-In to our Overdraft Protection Plan:
It's easy - just contact our main office at 716-831-3007 and tell our operator you'd like to opt-in to our overdraft protection plan.