Overdraft Fee Calculator
See how much overdraft fees are costing you-and how much you could save with better cash flow visibility.
Your Overdraft Activity
Your Annual Cost
How Shelter Helps You Avoid Overdraft Fees
30-Day Forecast
See your projected balance day by day, accounting for upcoming bills and subscriptions.
Low-Balance Alerts
Get warned 3-5 days before a potential overdraft, giving you time to transfer money or adjust spending.
Safe-to-Spend
Know exactly what you can afford to spend today without risking tomorrow's bills.
The Real Cost of Overdraft Fees
$35
Average overdraft fee per transaction
$225
Average annual cost per person
$12B
Total fees banks collect yearly
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) data, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How are overdraft fees calculated?
Banks typically charge a flat fee (usually $25-$38) each time a transaction exceeds your available balance. Some banks also charge extended overdraft fees if your account stays negative for several days, and NSF fees for returned checks or declined automatic payments.
Can I get overdraft fees refunded?
Sometimes. Many banks will refund overdraft fees as a courtesy, especially if it is your first time or you rarely overdraft. Call your bank's customer service and ask politely. However, prevention is better than asking for forgiveness.
How can I avoid overdraft fees permanently?
The most effective strategies are: 1) Opt out of overdraft protection so transactions decline instead of overdrafting, 2) Set up low-balance alerts with your bank, 3) Use a cash flow forecasting app like Shelter to see upcoming tight days before they happen, and 4) Link a savings account for overdraft transfers.
Is overdraft protection worth it?
Overdraft protection often just means your bank covers overdrafts for a fee. It prevents declined transactions but costs you $35+ per occurrence. For most people, opting out of overdraft protection and using cash flow forecasting to avoid low balances is more cost-effective.
Stop Paying Overdraft Fees
Join thousands of users who use Shelter to forecast their cash flow and avoid overdrafts before they happen.