Check Protect Information
What is Check Protect?
Check Protect is an overdraft privilege service requiring no action on your part. You don’t have to sign anything. Your Check Protect limit amount will be automatically assigned.
How does Check Protect work?
As long as you maintain your account in good standing, Citizens Bank may approve your overdrafts within your current available Check Protect limit. Whether your overdraft will be paid is discretionary and we reserve the right not to pay. For example, we typically do not pay overdrafts if your account is not in good standing. Your account is in good standing if you (1) demonstrate responsible account management – such as making regular deposits to bring your account to a positive balance at least once every 30 days (including the payment of all bank fees and charges); (2) avoid excessive overdrafts suggesting the use of Check Protect as a continuing line of credit, and (3) there are no legal orders, levies or liens against your account. Please note that the amount of the overdraft plus our standard NSF fee of $29 for each item will be deducted from your overdraft limit. No interest will be charged on the overdraft balance.
How do I know when I use the overdraft limit?
You will receive an overdraft notice in the mail each time items are paid. The notice will show the check number, amount and the NSF fee. You will need to subtract the total fees when balancing your checkbook.
What is my Check Protect limit? I have two checking accounts. Can I get Check Protect on both?
Locate your account type below and make note of the corresponding limit. If you have multiple accounts for your household, you may have a limit on all eligible accounts.
| Free Checking |
$400 |
Interest Checking |
$500 |
Citizens Choice |
$500 |
Citizens Choice 50 |
$500 |
Citizens Choice 50 Plus |
$500 |
What if I go beyond my Check Protect limit?
Overdrafts above and beyond your established Check Protect limit may result in a check being returned to the payee. The standard NSF fee of $29.00 will be charged per item and assessed to your account. An NSF notice will be sent to notify you of our actions.
How quickly must I repay my Check Protect?
You should make every attempt to bring your account to a positive balance as soon as possible, and must do so within 30 days. If you are not able to bring your account to a positive balance within 30 days you will receive a letter from Citizens Bank informing you of the situation and your options. If, thereafter, your account has not been brought to a positive balance, we may suspend your account and take other steps to recover the funds.
What does my Check Protect privilege cost?
There is no additional cost associated with this privilege unless you use it. You will be charged our standard NSF fee of $29 for each item created by check or through in-person withdrawals, ATM withdrawals or other electronic means paid under the limit. (For example, three paid items in one day will result in $87 in NSF fees.) To help you manage your account, the total fees you have paid for NSF items (both paid and returned) during the current month and for the year-to-date, will be reflected on your monthly checking statement.
What are some of the ways I can access my Check Protect limit? Will my limit be reflected in the balance I receive?
The chart below shows the different ways you can access your Check Protect limit and indicates weather or not this limit will be reflected in the balance provided.
ACCESS POINTS |
IS MY
OVERDRAFT
PRIVILEGE LIMIT
AVAILABLE? |
DOES THE BALANCE
PROVIDED REFLECT
MY OVERDRAFT
PRIVILEGE LIMIT? |
Teller |
Yes |
Yes |
Writing A Check |
Yes |
-NA- |
Visa Check Card |
Yes |
-NA- |
ATM Withdrawal |
Yes |
No |
ACH-Auto Debit |
Yes |
-NA- |
Net Teller
Online Banking |
Yes |
Yes |
In-Touch
Telephone Banking |
Yes |
Yes |
How soon can I use my Check Protect?
If you are a new account holder, you may be able to use the overdraft privilege service 90 days after the account is opened, assuming you demonstrate responsible account management by making regular deposits to maintain your account with a positive balance, and there are no legal orders, levies or liens against your account.
What are some other ways I can cover overdrafts at The Citizens Banking Company?
The best way to avoid overdrafts and bounced check fees is to manage your account so you don’t overdraw it.
However, if a mistake occurs, Citizens Bank offers additional ways to cover overdrafts in addition to Check Protect.
WAYS TO COVER OVERDRAFTS
AT CITIZENS BANK |
ASSOCIATED FEES |
Good account management |
$0 |
Transfer from
savings account |
$5 transfer fee |
Check Protect |
Standard NSF fee of
$29 for each item |
What if I do not want to have Check Protect on my checking account?
Check protect costs you nothing unless you use it. However, if you would like to have this service removed from your account, please call our Accounts Inquiry Department at (419) 625-4124 or (888) 383-5133.
View our Check Protect Customer Policy >
Back to Check Protect >
