- Capital One, Citi and Ally charge no overdraft fees; Bank of America charges $10.
- Wells Fargo, Chase, TD and PNC charge about $34–$36 per item, up to three or four a day.
- You can often avoid fees by opting out of debit card overdraft coverage and turning on low-balance alerts.
Overdraft fees compared
| Bank | Overdraft fee | Daily maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | $35 | 3 per day ($105) |
| Chase | $34 | 3 per day ($102) |
| TD Bank | $35 (waived on overdrafts of $50 or less) | 3 per day ($105) |
| PNC | $36 | 4 per day ($144) |
| Bank of America | $10 | — |
| Capital One | $0 | — |
| Citi | $0 | — |
| Ally | $0 | — |
Bank terms change often. Figures are as reported in 2026; confirm current rates and fees on the bank’s website before you apply.
How to avoid overdraft fees
- Opt out of overdraft coverage for debit cards and ATMs. Under federal rules, banks need your opt-in to charge overdraft fees on these. Without it, the purchase is simply declined.
- Link a savings account for overdraft protection transfers, which usually cost less or nothing.
- Turn on low-balance alerts in your bank’s app.
- Use your bank’s small-dollar loan instead of overdrafting. See bank small-dollar loans.
- Switch to a no-overdraft-fee account such as Capital One, Citi, or an online bank with fee-free overdraft, like Chime SpotMe.
Getting an overdraft fee refunded
Call your bank, be polite, and ask for a one-time courtesy refund, especially if you rarely overdraft. Many banks will refund at least one fee. If you believe a fee was charged in error, you can also complain to the CFPB.
Overdraft vs. payday loan
A $35 fee on a $20 overdraft repaid in a week is the equivalent of an APR over 9,000%. If you regularly overdraft, a small loan or a fee-free account is usually cheaper.
Tried the free options first?If you still need a small short-term loan, you can send one request to our lender network. Compare the cost carefully.
See loan optionsFrequently asked questions
How much is the Wells Fargo overdraft fee?
As reported in 2026, $35 per item, with a maximum of three per day.
Which banks have no overdraft fees?
Capital One, Citi and Ally have eliminated overdraft fees. Some online banks, like Chime, offer fee-free overdraft up to a limit for eligible members.
Can I get an overdraft fee refunded?
Often, yes. Call your bank and ask for a courtesy refund, especially if you rarely overdraft.
How do I stop overdraft fees?
Opt out of overdraft coverage for debit card and ATM transactions, link a savings account for transfers, and set up low-balance alerts.