This service is a bank offering that covers transactions when an account holder does not have sufficient funds to do so. Instead of declining the transaction, the financial institution pays it, creating a temporary overdraft. Account holders are then charged a set amount for each transaction covered by this service. For example, if an individual attempts to make a $50 purchase with only $20 available in their account, and the bank has this service in place, the bank may cover the $50 purchase. The account holder would then be responsible for repaying the $30 overdraft, plus the associated charge.
The benefit of this service lies in preventing declined transactions, which can be inconvenient and potentially damaging to an individual’s reputation, particularly when dealing with essential payments. Historically, this type of overdraft coverage emerged as a way for banks to provide additional value to their customers and foster customer loyalty. However, it’s important to note that relying on this service regularly can become expensive due to the per-transaction cost and should not be viewed as a substitute for responsible budgeting.