Newsroom

December 04, 2015

Survey: Overdraft programs see widespread support

NAFCU's December Economic & CU Monitor survey found that 97 percent of credit union respondents receive either positive or neutral feedback from their members regarding their overdraft programs.

This month's survey focused on overdraft amid CFPB's interest in potential regulation in that area. NAFCU has consistently defended credit unions' ability to offer overdraft programs, which it believes are implemented responsibly and have widespread member support.

The survey found that respondents worried that further regulation of overdraft would lead to negative consequences.

"When asked how further regulation related to overdraft or courtesy pay might affect their members, respondents indicated that it would have a negative impact," the Monitor said. "In particular, respondents cited the potential impact on reputation for both the credit union and the member. The loss of a service that they have come to rely on would result in widespread dissatisfaction among members with the credit union, and the members themselves could suffer embarrassment and a decline in their credit rating when transactions are declined."

The report continued, "A number of respondents also said that their members would likely seek out more expensive alternatives such as payday lenders if overdraft was not available."

The deadline for participation in NAFCU's next issue of the Monitor is Jan. 5, 2016. The topic will be the credit union outlook for 2016.