Introducing Courtesy Pay from Sweet Home Federal Credit Union

At Sweet Home Federal Credit Union, we strive to offer new and improved solutions to meet all our members' financial needs, which is why we offer Courtesy Overdraft Privilege.

Most of us have found ourselves facing an occasional cash shortfall, be it the result of a checkbook error or an unexpected bill. If you have ever accidentally bounced a check, you already know that in addition to the embarrassment, you may also face merchant fees for the returned check along with the inconvenience of returning to the merchant to correct the error. And while a declined debit card does not create merchant fees, it can be an embarrassing experience.

COURTESY OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE is a non-contractual courtesy, whereby we may honor your insufficient transactions up to your limit of $300, as long as you maintain your checking account in good standing (CLICK HERE to review our COURTESY OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE policy). Courtesy Overdraft Privilege does not guarantee that Sweet Home Federal Credit Union will pay your insufficient item. However, if you should have an overdraft, your account will be charged our standard $25 non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee.

With COURTESY OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE, our intention is to provide you with another resource to help manage your occasional cash shortfall. Our Courtesy Overdraft Program will automatically be added to your account for checks, automatic bill payments and other debit transactions. If you would like overdraft coverage for you ATM withdrawals and everyday debit card purchases or if you would not like overdraft coverage for checks, automatic bill payments and other debit card transactions, please notify us at (716) 691-9187 or CLICK HERE for the form.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Courtesy Overdraft Privilege

What is Courtesy Pay?
Courtesy Pay is a noncontractual overdraft protection service that we offer to our members with eligible share draft (checking) accounts. As long as you maintain your account in good standing, we may cover insufficient fund items up to your approved limit of $300. We will charge our normal NSF fee of $25 and send you a notice each time an overdraft occurs. You are required to bring your account to positive balance within 30 days.

What Can Courtesy Pay Mean to You?
Some of us occasionally find ourselves a little short on funds, which can inadvertently result in an overdraft. If something like this

happens to you, Courtesy Pay may save you embarrassment, time, money and hassle.

A Mistake in Your Checkbook
Have you ever forgotten to make an entry in your checkbook that resulted in an overdraft? With Courtesy Pay, your overdraft may be

covered.

Miscommunication Between Multiple Account Holders
Do you have two family members with access on one account? If someone forgets to mention an ATM transaction or debit card

purchase it might result in an overdraft. With Courtesy Pay, your overdraft may be covered.

An Unexpected Bill
Ever been short on cash due to an unexpected car repair or medical expense that caused an overdraft? With Courtesy Pay, your overdraft may be covered.

How do I avoid an overdraft on my account?

The best way to avoid overdraft and bounced-check fees is to manage your account so you don't overdraw it.

  • Keep track of how much money you have in your checking account by keeping your account register up-to-date. Record all checks when you write them and other transactions when you make them. And don't forget to subtract any fees.
  • Pay special attention to your electronic transactions. Record your ATM withdrawals and fees, debit card purchases, and online payments.
  • Don't forget about automatic bill payments you may have set up utilities, insurance, or loan payments.
  • Keep an eye on your account balance. Remember that some checks and automatic payments may not have cleared yet.
  • Review your account statements each month. Between statements, you can find out which payments have cleared and check your balance through online banking at www.sweethomefcu.org, Access MOM by calling (716)691-9187 or 800-963-9660, or at an ATM.

How can I have overdraft coverage for my checks, automatic bill payments and other debit transactions using my account number?

Courtesy Overdraft coverage is automatically added to your account for checks, automatic bill payments and other debit transactions using your account number, such as gym membership, electric bill, etc. You can remove this service at any time by contacting our office.

How can I have overdraft coverage for ATM withdrawals and Debit Card Purchases?

Simply contact us and ask to add overdraft coverage for your ATM withdrawals and everyday debit card purchases (see opt-in form for details). There are no applications or credit approvals necessary. You can revoke this service at any time by contacting us.

How can Courtesy Overdraft Privilege benefit me?

Courtesy Overdraft Privilege may save you the embarrassment of having your debit card declined or the expense of a returned check due to an error in your checkbook, an unplanned expense or just a shortage on cash between paydays.

How does Courtesy Overdraft Privilege work?

With Courtesy Overdraft Privilege, if we receive an item that causes the balance in your account to go below zero, as a courtesy, we may pay the item up to $300; including the overdraft fee.

Are other overdraft protection options available?

Yes, we offer other overdraft protection plans, such as a link to a savings account, which may be less expensive than Courtesy Overdraft Privilege. To learn more, ask us about these plans.

Is Courtesy Overdraft Privilege a loan?

No. There are no loan applications to complete. It is a service provided by the Sweet Home Federal Credit Union to assist you with occasional overdrafts.

How will I know if I use my Courtesy Overdraft Privilege?

We will mail you a notice when you have an overdraft on your account that activates Courtesy Overdraft Privilege. We will continue to send reminder letters of your overdraft until you bring your account to a positive balance.

What if I go over my Courtesy Overdraft Privilege limit?

If you exceed the Courtesy Overdraft Privilege limit, any additional items will be returned or declined when presented for authorization or payment.

Is there a charge for Courtesy Overdraft Privilege?

There are no fees to have the service available on your account. If you use Courtesy Overdraft Privilege you will be charged our standard fee of $25 for each insufficient item as described in our Courtesy Overdraft Privilege policy. The charges associated with Courtesy Overdraft Privilege are also listed on the Schedule of Fees & Charges.

If I use my Courtesy Overdraft Privilege, how long do I have to bring my account into balance?

You should bring your checking account to a positive balance as soon as possible. To keep your account in good standing, you have 30 days to pay any overdraft and associated fees. However, depending on the situation, we can ask for repayment at any time. Any deposit made automatically or by you will first be applied to any overdrawn balance and associated fees.

What happens if I can't bring my account to a positive balance?

If your balance remains negative for 30 days, your Courtesy Overdraft Privilege will be suspended or revoked and you risk losing your checking privileges. The service may be reinstated when your account returns to good standing.

"We encourage you to always manage your finances
responsibly and use Courtesy Pay as an occasional safety net."