Banks and credit unions may give their customers the option of overdraft "protection," which allows the customer to overdraw when (for instance) using a debit card in exchange for paying a overdraft fee. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is concerned that the fees can burden consumers and wants to ensure that overdraft fees are adequately disclosed to consumers. The CFPB has therefore issued these prototype disclosures for use by banks and credit unions. The agency also issued a study showing that consumers who opt for overdraft protection often pay considerable fees. The CFPB's comprehensive press release is here.
