Overdraft Protection is your best friend ! 

WITH CHECK 21... NO MORE FLOAT....on checks written from your account. Beginning October 28, 2004, the Federal Reserve will institute new electronic procedures to speed the clearing of checks written for products or cash (sometimes called Check 21).

CHECKS WILL CLEAR IN MINUTES… under this new electronic process, including at night, weekends, and at the teller window.

NSF FEES WILL BE CHARGED … on all accounts when a check is presented for payment and the available funds are insufficient in the account.

Example: On Saturday… your account available balance is $45.00 and you are buying groceries with a check. At the register you give the clerk a $50.00 check, which you plan to cover on Monday morning with your paycheck. With Check 21 electronic check clearing, it is possible for the check to have been presented against your account before you have had the  time to make the deposit. Therefore, you will be charged the appropriate NSF fee because the funds were not available in the account when the check was presented.

NO AVAILABLE BALANCE, NO CHECK WRITTEN… is a good practice to follow because the “float” process of the past is changing. Electronic check clearing (Check 21) begins October 28, 2004. It will be only a matter of time before the industry is processing checks as quickly as they are written.

PROTECT YOUR GOOD CREDIT RATING… by opening an overdraft line of protection on your checking account. Overdraft Protection avoids embarrassments that may arise from checkbook errors and omissions. See a Member Service Representative for details.