What is an Overdraft?
An overdraft occurs when there's not enough available money in an account to cover a transaction. An account can be overdrawn in a variety of ways, including through ATM transactions, electronic or in-person withdrawals, checks, automatic bill payments, and debit card transactions. Overdrawing an account typically incurs a fee.
Effective in February 2023, we eliminated some of our fees related to overdrafts on Westfield Bank accounts:
- Any item $10.00 and under* that is paid or returned for insufficient or uncollected funds is no longer charged an overdraft fee.**
- We reduced the number of
items for which you can be charged an overdraft fee** on any single day. The
maximum number of insufficient funds charges per day is three. The maximum number of uncollected funds charges per day is three.
- For customers who are enrolled in Savings Overdraft Protection, we eliminated the fee for transfers to cover overdrafts. This service is provided at no charge to all customers who enroll.
- For personal banking customers, we eliminated the fee for Returned Deposited Items.
- We have never charged "Consecutive Day/Sustained Overdraft" fees, and that practice continues.
View our current Consumer Fee Schedule.
Covering Overdrafts
If an account is overdrawn beyond the amount available through overdraft programs including discretionary overdraft privilege, the item(s) will be paid as long as the available balance in your account is sufficient to cover the overdraft by noon on the next business day, and any related insufficient funds fees will be reversed.
Overdraft Protection Plans
We highly recommend you take advantage of several tools and services offered by Westfield Bank that can help you stay on top of your finances, prevent overdrafts, as well as protect against fraud.
Savings Overdraft Protection
As noted above, with Savings Overdraft Protection, automatic transfers are made from your savings or money market account to your checking account if it becomes overdrawn. This service is provided at no charge to all customers who enroll. Stop by any of our convenient branches to enroll.
Personal Line of Credit
For customers who qualify, we also offer a Personal Line of Credit that will automatically transfer the funds needed to cover items beyond your account balance, up to the credit limit of the line. Although finance charges will apply if you use your Line of Credit, we have never charged an annual fee or transfer fees for this service. Finance charges are assessed based on the current interest rate and the balance outstanding. To view rates and apply online, click here. You may also apply at any of our branches.
Digital Banking Resources
While Savings Overdraft Protection or a Personal Line of Credit can prove useful in the event of an overdraft, the best prevention comes before an overdraft occurs. With online banking and mobile banking, you can customize alerts to receive, such as when your account balance falls below a certain threshold. WB Debit Card Manager also allows custom alerts for your WB debit card, along with other features including the ability to turn your card on or off from your mobile device. These resources, combined with other digital banking tools, serve as a great way to manage your accounts and prevent unwanted fees.
Questions? Need help?
If you have questions or would like assistance setting up any of these services, please feel free to contact our Customer Call Center at 413-568-1911 or 860-838-3766 – or toll-free at 800-995-5734. Or stop by any of our branches.
Click on the buttons below to view important information and tips to help you avoid overdrafts.
*$10 de minimis includes everyday debit card transactions but not recurring transactions.
**Overdraft fees include insufficient funds and uncollected funds fees.