Overdraft Protection is a banking service that helps prevent your checking account from being overdrawn when you don’t have enough funds to cover a transaction.

When you make a purchase or payment that exceeds your available balance, overdraft protection can:

• Transfer funds from a linked savings account, line of credit, or credit card, or

• Cover the transaction so it goes through instead of being declined.

This service can help you avoid declined transactions, returned payments, and potential merchant fees—though transfer fees or interest may apply, depending on the type of protection you choose.