Debit Card Overdrafts
VACU provides an option for members who would like to avoid declined ATM and everyday debit card transactions. Everyday debit card transactions are routine day-to-day transactions such as paying for groceries.
If you would like for VACU to pay overdrafts on these types of transactions at our discretion, you will need to tell us by opting in. This information describes our standard overdraft practices: What You Need to Know about Overdrafts and Overdraft Fees.
Benefits of opting in
- Helps avoid the inconvenience of a declined debit card purchase if, for whatever reason, funds are not available at the time, such as when paying for groceries.
- Helpful in case of emergencies if you don’t have another form of payment with you
- No cost to you if you don’t overdraw your account
- Can serve as a backup for Overdraft Protection transfers from savings or a line of credit
How to opt in
If you do want VACU to pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday debit card transactions, get started below. Or you can log on to online banking, click the Membership Services tab, and use the easy Debit Card & ATM Overdraft Authorization that pre-fills your account information.
If you do NOT want VACU to pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday debit card transactions, no action on your part is needed. If you have questions, please review our FAQs or contact Member Services for assistance.
FAQs
What does “opting in” mean?
“Opting in” means you are authorizing VACU to approve and pay overdrafts and assess overdraft fees on ATM and everyday debit card transactions.
What are the benefits of opting in? Why would I want to authorize VACU to pay overdrafts on my ATM and everyday debit card transactions?
- It helps avoid the inconvenience or embarrassment of a declined debit card purchase if, for whatever reason, funds are not available at the time, such as when paying for groceries.
- It's helpful in case of emergencies if you don't have an alternative form of payment
- There's no cost to you if you don’t overdraw your account
- It can serve as a backup even if you also signed up for Overdraft Protection transfers from savings or a line of credit
Are there fees if I opt in?
There is no fee to opt in. If you opt in and exceed your available balance, fees will be charged as described in our Fee Disclosure.
If I opt in, will my debit card transactions always go through?
Whether a transaction will be paid is at the discretion of the credit union and we cannot guarantee that we will always authorize and pay a transaction. We reserve the right not to pay an item depending on factors such as your account history. Online and mobile Banking are great ways to keep tabs on your accounts and reduce the risk of overdrafts.
What other options do I have to cover overdrafts?
Overdraft Protection is available through automatic overdraft transfers from accounts you designate, such as savings or a line of credit. The fee for an automatic overdraft transfer is less than an overdraft fee.
Which process occurs first if I have Overdraft Protection from savings AND I opt in to authorize the credit union to pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday debit card transactions?
Overdraft Protection transfers occur first.
What is the difference in Overdraft Protection and opting in for VACU to pay overdrafts on ATM and debit card transactions?
When members sign up for Overdraft Protection, they are authorizing VACU to automatically transfer funds from their savings account(s) or line of credit if their checking account does not have sufficient funds for a transaction. When members opt in for VACU to pay ATM and debit card overdrafts, they are authorizing VACU to consider taking their account negative and to charge an overdraft fee. Even if you already have Overdraft Protection, as a backup, you may also wish to opt in for VACU to pay ATM and debit card overdrafts.
I have automatic debit card payments that I set up to pay for my gym membership and cable bill. Are overdrafts for those treated the same way as everyday debit card transactions?
No, they are not. Overdrafts on debit card transactions you have set up for recurring payments may be approved and overdraft fees assessed at our discretion, even if you don’t opt in for payment of ATM and everyday debit card transactions.
How do I opt in for VACU to approve and pay overdraft on my ATM and everyday debit card transactions?
You can notify us in one of the following ways:
- Submit this secure form
- Login to online banking and submit the secure form
- Call us at 800-285-6609
- Visit a VACU branch
- Print the authorization and mail it to: VACU, P.O. Box 90010, Richmond, VA 23225-9010
Can any owner on an account opt in?
Yes. The authorization covers all account owners on that account.
How will I know when you’ve processed my request to opt in?
We will mail you a confirmation letter once your request has been processed. Please allow 3 business days for your request to be in effect.
Can I opt in or out at any time?
Yes, you may. Please allow 3 business days for your request to be in effect.