The cost to overdraw a bank account could drop to as little as $3 under a proposal announced by the White House, the latest effort by the Biden administration to combat fees it says pose an unnecessary burden on American consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck.

The change could potentially eliminate billions of dollars in fee revenue for the nation’s biggest banks, which were gearing up for a battle even before Wednesday’s announcement. Exactly how much revenue depends on which version of the new regulation is adopted.

Banks charge a customer an overdraft fee if their bank account balance falls below zero. Overdraft started as a courtesy offered to some customers when paper checks used to take days to clear, but proliferated thanks to the growing popularity of debit cards.

  • @AA5B@lemmy.world
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    15 months ago

    Not everyone is able to use a credit union. Not only do they have limited membership but more importantly may have financial requirements.

    For example after a financial catastrophe caused by a medical issue, one step in my recovery was moving everything to a credit union. However I was refused, based on my newly fallen credit score. I only got in by co-signing from my spouse (unemployed, so wtf)

    • @shalafi@lemmy.world
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      15 months ago

      I stayed away from credit unions because I believed as you do regarding membership. And that was very true decades ago! Now, even in my small city, I can join several.

      Yeah, they’re going to check your credit, but they’re no different than banks in that. Are you saying you got a bank account after being refused by the credit union?

      • paraphrand
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        15 months ago

        I’ve never had a credit check when opening a checking account. Where is this normal?