At times, unanticipated expenses or unforeseen problems can leave you with too little cash in your checking account. Having a check returned due to insufficient funds is an embarrassing and humiliating experience.
At First National Bank of Georgia, we want to do our part to save you from the possibility of ever having this occur.
That's why we created "Bounce Protection," a special overdraft privilege for First National Bank of Georgia checking customers.
What is Bounce Protection?
Bounce Protection is an overdraft privilege requiring no action on your
part. You do not have to sign anything. Your overdraft privilege (Bounce
Protection limit) amount will be automatically assigned.
How does Bounce Protection work?
As long as you maintain your account in good standing, First National Bank of Georgia will honor overdrafts up to the Bounce Protection limit on your account.
If you use Bounce Protection, you should remember the bank's normal insufficient
funds (NSF) fee for each transaction will be deducted from your limit.
As in the past, the bank will notify you by mail when an overdraft occurs.
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 should
subtract total fees from your checkbook. Remember, the fee for paying
an item is the same for returning one.
I have two checking accounts. Can I get Bounce Protection
on both?
Yes. If you have multiple accounts for your household, you may have a
limit on all eligible accounts.
What if I go beyond my Bounce Protection limit?
Overdrafts above and beyond your established Bounce Protection limit may
result in a check or checks being returned to the payee. The normal NSF
fee will be charged per check and assessed to your account. An NSF notice
will be sent to notify you of our actions.
Will I have access to my limit through my ATM card
or Debit card?
Yes, you can access your Bounce Protection by using your ATM or Debit
Card. The Bounce Protection fee will be charged for each ATM transaction
in which the Bounce Protection is accessed. Other transactions that will
be honored under the program include:
- Checks and other debits cashed at teller windows
- VISA Check Card purchases
- ACH debit transactions
- Checks issued to a third party
- All transactions that currently are honored through your account
How quickly must I repay my Bounce Protection?
You should make every attempt to bring your account into a positive balance
within 30 days. If you are not able to do so, you will receive a letter
from First National Bank of Georgia informing you of the situation and your
options. If, after a period of time, your account has not been brought
into a positive balance, we will have no option but to close your account
and take other steps to recover funds.
What does my Bounce Protection privilege cost?
There is no additional cost associated with this privilege. As stated
previously, you should keep in mind that you will be charged an NSF fee
for each check paid under the limit. Remember, checks drawn up to the
limit will not be returned, saving you the embarrassment and expense associated
with the returned check fee. This privilege can save you money!
How soon can I use my Bounce Protection?
A new account will be given a 30 day introductory period in which the
account must be maintained in good standing. Deposits totaling one and
one half of the bounce protection limit must also be made within the introductory
period. Once the Bounce Protection is activated you will receive a letter.
Any overdraft during the first 30 days will not be covered by Bounce Protection.
What is my Bounce Protection limit?
To find your Bounce Protection limit, simply locate your account type
in the listing below.
| Student | $100.00 | Silver | $700.00 | |
| Select Checking | $500.00 | Silver Non-interest | $700.00 | |
| Select Club | $500.00 | Select NOW | $1,000.00 | |
| Select Club II | $500.00 | Money Market | $1,500.00 |
When I call Round The Clock 24-Hour Bank Information
Service line to get my balance, is my Bounce Protection limit included?
No, the balance reflected through our Round The Clock 24-Hour Bank Information
Service will not include the overdraft limit assigned to your account.
Additional Questions?
If you have additional questions or would like more information, call
or come by any First National Bank of Georgia branch today.
"Bounce Protection"
Customer Overdraft Policy
Bounce Protection is available on individually owned accounts in good standing for personal or household use. First National Bank of Georgia reserves the right to limit participation to one account per household and to discontinue this product with 30 days prior notice.
An insufficient balance can result in several ways, including (a) the payment of checks, electronic funds transfers, or other withdrawal requests; (b) payments authorized by you; (c) the return of unpaid items deposited by you; (d) the imposition of bank service charges; or (e) the deposit of items which, according to the bank's Funds Availability Policy, are treated as not yet available or finally paid.
We are not obligated to pay any item presented for payment if your account does not contain sufficient funds. However, if you maintain your account in good standing, as defined by making regular deposits to bring your account to a positive balance at least once every 30 days, and there are no legal orders outstanding, we may approve your reasonable overdrafts as a non-contractual courtesy. Normally, we will not approve an overdraft for you in excess of your limit plus our overdraft fees. We may refuse to pay an overdraft for you at anytime, although we may have previously paid overdrafts for you.
You will be notified by mail of any non-sufficient funds items paid or returned that you may have. However, we have no obligation to notify you before we return any item. The amount of any overdraft plus our insufficient funds handling fee(s) that you owe us shall be due and payable on demand.
If there is an overdraft paid by us on an account with more than one (1) owner on the signature card, each owner, and agent if applicable, drawing/presenting the item creating the overdraft shall be jointly and severally liable for such overdraft, plus our insufficient funds handling charge(s).
You should note that your Bounce Protection limit might be included in your available balance provided by the teller, on your ATM statement or through our Round The Clock Banking Phone Teller Access.
