How to Get Overdraft Fees Reversed

If you have ever been charged overdraft fees, you know that they can get ridiculously expensive very quickly. While it is best to avoid the situation if at all possible, sometimes you make a mistake and end up with hundreds of dollars in fees. Don't despair. Your local branch has the ability to pay these fees for you and they will help you out if you know how to approach them. I work for a bank, and I deal with overdrawn customers on a daily basis. Certain situations garner my sympathy (and subsequently my fee paying power) more than others. Here are some insider tips...

Don't Yell at the Person Who is Helping You
This person is a bank employee. They did not personally take this money from you, so don't get angry with them. If you do, the only thing you are accomplishing is to make them want to help you less. If you are rude, why would they want to do you a favor? Though you might be angry, if you come in humbled and apologetic you are much more likely to get real help.

Come in With Answers
If possible, figure out what went wrong before you come in. If the bank personnel have to figure it out for you, they will assume that you often have no idea what goes on in your account and are likely to make this mistake again. However, if you come in with your records ready and say "here is where the mistake was made," the bank will be much more inclined to help you out. If you don't have any idea what happened, at least come in with specific questions that would indicate your awareness of the problem, such as "I see what happened here (pointing to records you brought in), but I am not quite sure how I got from here to there."

Make a Deposit
If at all possible, come in to the bank with money to bring your account positive. By doing this, the bank will see that you have a will to fix the problem yourself and that you are less likely to do this in the future because you are taking responsibility for your mistake.