Check Protect Information

What is Check Protect?
Check Protect is an overdraft privilege service. Your Check Protect limit amount will be automatically assigned; however, you must specifically opt-in for Check Protect to apply to overdrafts as a result of one time debit and ATM transactions.

How does Check Protect work?
As long as you maintain your account in good standing, Champaign Bank may approve your overdrafts within your current available Check Protect limit. Whether your overdraft will be paid is discretionary and we reserve the right not to pay. For example, we typically do not pay overdrafts if your account is not in good standing. Your account is in good standing if you (1) demonstrate responsible account management—such as making regular deposits to bring your account to a positive balance at least once every 30 days (including the payment of all bank fees and charges); (2) avoid excessive overdrafts suggesting the use of Check Protect as a continuing line of credit, and (3) there are no legal orders, levies or liens against your account. Please note that the amount of the overdraft plus our NSF item paid fee of $31 for each item will be deducted from your overdraft limit. No interest will be charged on the overdraft balance.

*Please refer to the customer overdraft policy for additional details

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 will need to subtract the total fees when balancing your checkbook.

What is my Check Protect limit? I have two checking accounts. Can I get Check Protect on both?
Locate your account type below and make note of the corresponding limit.  If you have multiple accounts for your household, you may have a limit on all eligible accounts.

Free Checking	$400
Interest Checking	$500
Champaign Choice	$500
Champaign Choice 50	$500
Champaign Choice 50 Plus	$500

What if I go beyond my Check Protect limit?
Overdrafts above and beyond your established Check Protect limit may result in a check or checks being returned to the payee. The NSF item returned un-paid fee of $31 will be charged per item and assessed to your account. An NSF notice will be sent to notify you of our actions.

How quickly must I repay my Check Protect?
You should make every attempt to bring your account to a positive balance as soon as possible, and must do so within 30 days. If you are not able to bring your account to a positive balance within 30 days you will receive a letter from Champaign Bank informing you of the situation and your options. If, thereafter, your account has not been brought to a positive balance, we may suspend your account and take other steps to recover the funds.

What does my Check Protect privilege cost?
There is no additional cost associated with this privilege unless you use it. You will be charged our NSF item paid fee of $31 for each item created by check or through in person withdrawals and electronic transactions. ATM withdrawals and one time debit card transactions will only apply if you opted-in to this service. (For example, up to seven paid items in one day will result in $217.00 in NSF fees-maximum per day amount.) To help you manage your account, the total fees you have paid for NSF items (both paid and returned unpaid) during the current month and for the year-to-date, will be reflected on your monthly checking statement in accordance with Federal regulations.

What are some of the ways I can access my Check Protect limit? Will my limit be reflected in the balance I receive?
The chart below shows the different ways you can access your Check Protect limit and indicates weather or not this limit will be reflected in the balance provided.

ACCESS POINTS	IS MY OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE LIMIT AVAILABLE?	DOES THE BALANCE PROVIDED REFLECT MY OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE LIMIT?
Teller	Yes	No
Writing A Check	Yes	-NA-
*Visa Check Card	Yes	-NA-
*ATM Withdrawal	Yes	No
ACH-Auto Debit	Yes	-NA-
Net Teller Online Banking	Yes	No
In-Touch Telephone Banking	Yes	No

*Note: Overdraft privilege limit is only available if you opt-in for one time debit card and ATM transactions.

How soon can I use my Check Protect?
If you are a new account holder, you may be able to use the overdraft privilege service 90 days after the account is opened, assuming you demonstrate responsible account management by making regular deposits to maintain your account with a positive balance, and there are no legal orders, levies or liens against your account.

What are some other ways I can cover overdrafts at The Champaign Bank?
The best way to avoid overdrafts and bounced check fees is to manage your account so you don’t overdraw it.

However, if a mistake occurs, Champaign Bank offers additional ways to cover overdrafts in addition to Check Protect.

WAYS TO COVER OVERDRAFTS AT CITIZENS BANK	ASSOCIATED FEES
Good account management	$0
Transfer from savings account	$5 transfer fee
Check Protect	NSF item paid fee of $31 per item - maximum of 7 items per day

What if I do not want to have Check Protect on my checking account?
Check protect costs you nothing unless you use it. However, if you would like to have this service removed from your account, please call our Accounts Inquiry Department at (419) 625-4124 or (888) 383-5133.
View our Check Protect Customer Policy >

 

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