See more InfoChoice.com.au in Google
Do you like & trust our expert, human-written content?
Simply click this button to tell Google you want to see more of us in your Google Search Results, AI Overviews and AI Mode answers.
Key points
- Overdrawing your account means to go into negative balance, usually due to a regular, reoccuring payment going through successfully despite funds not being available in a transaction account
- An overdraft facility, on the other hand, operates like a line of credit and demands interest is paid on borrowed funds
- Some transaction accounts might allow for an unarranged overdraft facility if a person's balance slips below $0
Accounts that offer the option to overdraw have become a staple of both personal and business banking.
Most of Australia’s bigger banks, like Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB, as well as some smaller institutions, offer the option to overdraw on many of their transaction accounts. But not all basic accounts will offer the same, particularly if they are designed for younger people.
It's likely that a person’s bank will charge them a fee for overdrawing their account and it might charge interest on funds it provides a third-party that it can’t access through the account.
Overdrawing your account is different to an overdraft facility. The latter is essentially a line of credit facility. Those who hold an account with an overdraft facility can spend a certain amount more than the balance of their account without incurring overdrawn or dishonour fees, though they might have to pay interest on the borrowed funds.
How does overdrawing your account work?
One of the most common ways customers overdraw their account is through automatic direct debits.
For example, you might have a gym membership that costs you $15 a week.
If one particular week, when it comes time to pay, you happen to not have enough funds, the amount might still be direct debited but your account balance could be negative afterwards.
Your bank might give you a grace period of a few hours to top up your balance and return it to the green, or it might automatically charge you a fee for overdrawing. Some banks, like NAB, have scrapped overdrawn fees but may still charge interest on the amount an account is overdrawn by.
What is an overdraft facility?
A bank overdraft is a feature of a transaction account that allows you to make withdrawals or transactions that will put your account balance below $0.
They are less common now than they used to be, with only one of Australia’s big four banks (CommBank) still offering overdraft facilities on personal transaction accounts. However, businesses still have a wealth of choice when it comes to overdraft facilities.
An overdraft facility is a form of short-term unsecured credit and may be allowed up to a certain limit, usually dependent on the creditworthiness of the account holder. Interest normally applies to funds borrowed through the facility and account fees are often also charged.
Like a maximum limit on a credit card, those with an overdraft facility will likely have a certain amount they can overdraft. This limit usually starts at around $500, but can be in excess of $10,000. Interest is generally only charged on the money borrowed, not the limit. Again, account fees may apply if you utilise an overdraft facility.
Compare some of the best savings accounts from leading Australian lenders.
| Bank | Savings Account | Base Interest Rate | Max Interest Rate | Total Interest Earned | Introductory Term | Minimum Amount | Maximum Amount | Linked Account Required | Minimum Monthly Deposit | Minimum Opening Deposit | Account Keeping Fee | ATM Access | Joint Application | Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.10% p.a. | 5.20% p.a. Intro rate for 5 months then 2.10% p.a. | $683 | 5 months | $0 | $99,999,999 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||||||||||
0.01% p.a. Bonus rate of 4.99% Rate varies on savings amount. | 5.00% p.a. | $1,023 | – | $0 | $99,999,999 | $1 | $0 | $0 | |||||||||||
0.10% p.a. Bonus rate of 4.90% Rate varies on savings amount. | 5.00% p.a. | $1,023 | – | $0 | $99,999,999 | $$formattedMinMonthlyDep.format("%,d",$!{product.minimumMonthlyDeposit}) | $0 | $0 | |||||||||||
5.10% p.a. | 5.10% p.a. | $1,044 | – | $0 | $4,999 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
How to get an overdraft facility
Most banks that offer overdraft facilities will let you apply for one online via their internet banking portal or their mobile app. When applying, you will need to prove to the bank you will be able to repay any funds you borrow through your overdraft.
Thus, you might need to provide pay slips or a tax statement demonstrating your income. If you offer up a security (for instance, your car or some portion of the equity you have in your home) you might be able to receive a lower interest rate on any funds borrowed through the facility, as you might be seen as a lower-risk borrower.
There will probably be criteria you’ll have to meet, as with any credit agreement, but that might not as strict as the requirements for a larger loan, credit card, or mortgage. You’ll most likely need to be at least 18 years of age, have some form of regular income, and be an Australian citizen or resident.
When applying for an overdraft, you'll typically need to provide:
- Proof of identity, such as a driver's licence or passport
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- Bank account details
- Recent payslips or other evidence of income
- A tax return or tax statement
- Details of any assets being offered as security, if applicable
Arranged vs unarranged overdraft facility
An unarranged or accidental overdraft can occur when bank fees, direct debits, or transactions push an account balance below $0 without a formal overdraft facility being in place. The terms and conditions of unarranged overdraft facilities will vary from provider to provider, and many banks won’t offer them at all.
If you’re unsure whether your account would provide an unarranged overdraft, you can check its terms and conditions.
The fees that apply in cases of unarranged overdrafts will also vary. Interest is normally charged on the amount borrowed until the account balance is positive. Some providers will have grace periods that allow you to just pay interest on the amount borrowed up until a certain time, without it compounding.
Example of an unarranged overdraft
Imagine you are using a card that’s linked to a transaction account that allows for an unarranged overdraft.
You might also be buying lunch for $15. But wait, there is only $7 in your account. In many instances, your transaction will be declined and you would be left hungry.
However, if you have an overdraft facility, your payment would be accepted and the bank will automatically lend you $8 ($15 - $7) in the form of an overdraft. Your bank balance would likely show up as -$8 afterwards and you might be charged a flat fee.
If your bank allows an overdraft up to the value of, say, $50, you can continue making all the transactions you would usually make until the account balance is at -$50. You would also likely be charged interest on the money you’ve essentially ‘borrowed’ from the bank to make those transactions.
Pros and cons of overdrafting
Pros of overdrafting
- Helps cover short-term cash shortfalls when you don't have enough money in your account to pay an expense or bill.
- Provides quick access to credit, often with less paperwork than a personal loan.
- Can activate automatically in some cases, avoiding the need for a separate credit application.
- Offers repayment flexibility, as overdrafts typically don't have fixed repayment schedules.
- Lets you repay at your own pace, provided you continue to meet the account terms.
Cons of overdrafting
- Can be expensive, with higher interest rates than many personal loans and potential account fees.
- Interest continues to accrue while your account remains overdrawn, increasing the total cost.
- May be repayable on demand, allowing the lender to require immediate repayment.
- Could affect your credit record if you regularly rely on overdrafts or fail to repay what you owe.
- Can encourage overspending if used as an ongoing source of credit rather than a temporary solution.
First published in January 2022
Read more:
Everyday Banking
