Did you know that the average Canadian owes over $20,000 to creditors and various lenders? For this reason, some people choose to take out loans to pay off existing balances.
However, having NSF charges on your financial record can have a large number of consequences. Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know.
What Are NSF Charges?
NSF stands for “non-sufficient funds” and these charges are applied when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction. This can be anything from an overdraft, a bounced check, or a payment that was returned. Depending on your financial institution, you may be charged for every instance of insufficient funds in your account.
In addition to the funds you originally tried to spend, these NSF charges are often quite expensive and can add up quickly. Depending on your financial institution, these types of fees can range from $25-$50 for each occurrence. This type of charge can also lead to additional fees and penalties, such as a lower credit score due to the negative mark on your account.
These fees can quickly add up as well.
How Can You Avoid NSF Fees?
The best way to avoid these NSF charges altogether is to make sure you have enough money in your account before you make any transactions.
This includes making sure that all automatic payments and direct debits are accounted for, so you don’t end up with surprise costs down the line. Additionally, you should always keep an emergency fund on hand in case of any unexpected costs.
It’s also important to understand the overdraft policy of your financial institution and to know exactly how much you have in your account at all times. This will help you ensure that all payments and transactions are covered before they occur. If possible, it can be a good idea to link your savings account to your checking account so you have an extra cushion in case of emergencies.
If you are likely to run into NSF charges regularly, it may be worth considering switching financial institutions. Look for one that has lower fees for non-sufficient funds and might be more accommodating to your financial needs.
This will help ensure that you avoid problems in the future and are able to make the financial decisions that are best for you.
What if the NSF Fee Was Incurred by Mistake?
If you feel that an NSF fee was charged to your account unfairly, you can always contact your financial institution directly and attempt to dispute the charge. Oftentimes, customer service representatives are willing to work with you and may be able to reverse or reduce the fees associated with the transaction in question.
If all else fails, it’s important to remember that NSF fees should not have a long-term effect on your credit score.
They are usually reported to the major credit bureaus, but they don’t stay on your record for very long and will eventually be removed. Still, it’s important to keep your finances in check so you avoid any unnecessary fees and similar penalties.
How Do NSF Charges Affect Loan Requirements?
If you are looking to take out a loan, NSF charges will appear on your credit report and may make it difficult for you to obtain one. This is because any indication of non-payment or mismanagement with regard to money is seen as a risk to potential lenders.
If an institution does decide to give you a loan, the interest rate might be higher or the terms of the loan might be less favorable due to your NSF charges.
For example, if you have several instances of NSF charges on your credit report, it is likely that any potential lender will require a co-signer to ensure that the loan can be paid back. In this case, the co-signer agrees to pay off the loan in full should you default for any reason.
What Should You Look For in a Loan Provider?
If you are looking for a loan provider, it is important to look for someone that is willing to work with you in spite of any NSF charges on your record. Some institutions may be more understanding and offer loans with lower interest rates or better terms if they know that the applicant has made an effort to improve their financial situation.
It’s important to shop around in order to find the best rate and the most favorable terms.
For example, you should look at their past feedback and read customer reviews to get a better idea of their reputation. Additionally, you should compare fees and interest rates between different lenders in order to find the best deal.
This will help you determine which loan provider is the best fit for your financial needs and will give you a better chance of getting approved for a loan. Otherwise, you might find that it is difficult to obtain the money you need due to your NSF charges.
Avoiding NSF Charges Is Easier Than It Seems
Understanding and avoiding NSF charges is an important part of managing your finances responsibly.
With just a bit of extra knowledge and effort, you can quickly learn how to keep your account in the black and stay out of debt. Looking to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.