The New York Times: Why Some Banks Still Charge High Overdraft Fees

July 3, 2026 — Featured News

Appearing in The New York Times on July 3, 2026, Ann Carrns talks to NCLC senior attorney Lauren Saunders about how overdraft fees remain stubbornly high at some banks after a rule limiting the charges was scrapped last year.

Overall revenue from overdraft and related fees at all banks and credit unions rose to an estimated $12.4 billion in 2025, from about $12.1 billion a year earlier, according to a recent analysis by the National Consumer Law Center.

Saunders said the increase suggested that many banks continued to rely heavily on overdraft fees as a moneymaking tool, rather than emphasizing options for customers to avoid them.

“Banks should be helping people manage their money,” Ms. Saunders said, “not making it more difficult.”