No one wants declined transactions due to lack of funds. Avoid that, and the resulting fees, by setting up safeguards against account overdrafts.

Learn how to better manage your account and avoid overdrafts with these tools and resources.

Standard Overdraft Practices

Read our Consumer Overdraft Practices Disclosure to learn how overdrafts work and when a transaction might cause an overdraft on your Ameris Bank account so you can make an informed decision.

Opt-out of Standard Overdraft Services

For personal accounts, we will not authorize overdrafts on your ATM or one-time debit card transactions unless you specifically authorize us to do so. You can change your opt-out preference through online banking, by calling us at 866-616-6020, or contacting your local branch.

Automatic Transfer

Create an automatic transfer of available funds from one Ameris Bank account into your checking account. When funds are needed to complete a transaction, money is automatically transferred to your checking account from your other linked account. There is no cost for this service for consumers. Contact your branch to enroll.

Apply for a Personal Credit Line

A personal line of credit can provide you with extra funds within your approved limit and can be used as a source of overdraft protection. Learn more about Personal Credit Lines and how to apply¹.

Establish Direct Deposit

Enjoy same-day access to your funds by having your paycheck automatically deposited into your account. You can automatically and electronically have your payroll checks, Social Security checks, pension and other payments safely and conveniently deposited directly into your account. Fill out our form and return it to your HR department to sign up.

Tips to Avoid Overdrawing Your Account

One of the keys to money management is knowing how much you have in your account at all times. By doing so, you can greatly decrease your chances of overdrawing your account.

Check Your Balance

Check your balance at any time whichever way is most convenient for you.

• Online Banking
• Mobile Banking
• By calling our Automated Customer Service System at 866-616-6020

Remember, your available balance may not reflect all of your transactions, including:

• Checks you’ve written but haven’t been paid
• Upcoming scheduled and recurring bill payments or transfers
• Debit card transactions that have been approved but not yet submitted for payment by the merchant

Set Up Account Alerts

Enroll in Custom Alerts to be notified about certain transactions or when your balance falls below a certain threshold.

Create a Budget

Our Personal Finance Manager can help you set a budget, create goals, track your progress and display all your accounts on one page (even if those accounts are from other banks).

Keep Track of Your Spending

By doing so, you are protecting your account against overdrafts. When you have good records, you will know how much money you have to spend, transfer or withdraw.
Use a register and correctly enter the amount of every transaction:

• Deposits
• Checks
• Debit card purchases
• ATM/Debit withdrawals  
• Online and automatic payments (such as utilities, insurance, or loan payments)

Frequently Balance Your Account

It is also important to formally balance your account register on a continuous basis to ensure you have correctly noted all purchases and deposits.
Here are a few tips:

• Add all deposits to your register balance and subtract all purchases and withdrawals.
• When you come to the end of one page in your register, carry the correct balance to the next page before you begin entering transactions on the new page within your register.
• The balance at the top of each page should be the last balance listed on the prior page. Your register balance is the amount of funds currently available. It should be your goal to add deposits and subtract purchases as they are incurred.
• Always remember to check all additions and subtractions in your register and ensure that the amounts of your deposits, checks, debit card purchases and withdrawals entered in your register are the same as those on your bank statement or displayed within your Online Banking account activity.

Reviewed April 2025

¹Subject to credit approval.