What Is Overdraft? Understanding This Key Banking Concept

In today’s fast-paced financial environment, many users are suddenly asking: What is overdraft? With rising costs of living and tighter household budgets, understanding this banking feature has become a critical topic across the United States. Despite frequent media discussions and frequent mentions in personal finance conversations, confusion still lingersβ€”especially around how it works, when it applies, and what it truly costs.

At its core, overdraft is a transaction arrangement that allows your account to withdraw funds even when your balance is zeroβ€”effectively covering a shortfall. Banks or financial institutions