Courtesy Pay
Peace of mind when your balance falls short
Courtesy Pay is a discretionary service for members with a checking account in good standing. When an item is presented against your checking account and your available balance isn't enough to cover it, Ferguson FCU will strive to pay the item rather than return it.
If a transaction comes through without sufficient available funds, we first try to cover it using any standard overdraft protection you've set up—such as a transfer from savings. Once those options are exhausted, Courtesy Pay may step in to cover the item.
How Courtesy Pay works
A transaction exceeds your balance
An item is presented against your checking account, but your available balance isn't enough to cover it.
Standard overdraft protection first
We first try to cover the item using any standard overdraft protection you've set up, such as a linked savings account.
Courtesy Pay steps in
Once those options are exhausted, Ferguson FCU will strive to pay the item through Courtesy Pay so it isn't returned.
What Courtesy Pay covers automatically
As part of our standard practices, we will consider authorizing and paying overdrafts for everyday items without any extra action from you:
- Checks written against your account
- Automatic bill payments and recurring ACH transactions
What requires your permission
Federal regulations require your consent before Courtesy Pay can apply to:
- Everyday (one-time) debit card transactions
Without your opt-in, everyday debit card transactions that would overdraw your account may be declined.
What's covered, and when consent is required
Swipe horizontally to see the full table →
| Transaction type | Covered by Courtesy Pay? | Your opt-in required? |
|---|---|---|
| Checks | Yes — part of standard practice | No |
| Automatic bill payments / ACH | Yes — part of standard practice | No |
| Everyday debit card purchases | Yes — once you opt in | Yes |
Good to know
- Courtesy Pay is a discretionary service—payment of any item is always at the credit union's discretion.
- It's available to members whose checking account is in good standing.
- There is no fee for having Courtesy Pay; a fee applies only when it's used to cover an item.
- You can opt in or opt out of debit card coverage at any time.
Disclosures & details
Overdraft Payment Policy
Read the full disclosure describing how Courtesy Pay and overdrafts are handled.
Current Fee Schedule
See the fees associated with Courtesy Pay and other account services.
Frequently asked questions
What is Courtesy Pay?
Courtesy Pay is a discretionary overdraft service for members with a checking account in good standing. When an item is presented against your account and your available balance isn't enough to cover it, Ferguson FCU will strive to pay the item rather than return it—helping you avoid the inconvenience and potential fees of a returned payment.
Is there a fee for Courtesy Pay?
There's no fee just for having Courtesy Pay. A fee only applies when Courtesy Pay is actually used to cover an item that overdraws your account. Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for the amount.
Why do I have to opt in for debit card transactions?
Federal regulations require that we obtain your permission before applying overdraft coverage to everyday (one-time) debit card transactions. Checks and automatic bill payments are handled under our standard practices and don't require a separate opt-in. Without your consent, everyday debit transactions that would overdraw your account may be declined.
How do I opt in or opt out?
You can opt in by visiting a branch or by calling our team. Your decision isn't permanent—you can opt in or opt out at any time.
Does Courtesy Pay replace my other overdraft protection?
No. If a transaction would overdraw your account, we first try to cover it using any standard overdraft protection you've set up, such as a transfer from a linked savings account. Courtesy Pay is considered only after those options are exhausted.
Questions about Courtesy Pay?
Contact options
Call, connect virtually, or opt in online—whatever fits you best.
Ferguson FCU — a hometown safety net for your everyday transactions.
Courtesy Pay is a discretionary, non-contractual service. Payment of any overdraft item is solely at the discretion of Ferguson FCU and is not guaranteed. The service is available only to eligible checking accounts in good standing.
Coverage of everyday debit card transactions applies only if you opt in. You may revoke your opt-in at any time. Fees, if any, are described in the current Fee Schedule and applicable disclosures. Federally insured by NCUA.