Jacqueline DeMarcoUpdated January 31, 2023
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What Is a Negative Bank Account?
How Does a Negative Bank Account Balance Happen?
Negative Bank Account Consequences
Overdraft Fees
Account Closure
Debt Collection
Impact on Credit Score
Being Denied Future Bank Accounts
Avoiding Negative Balances
Overdraft Protection
Emergency Savings
Tracking Spending
The Takeaway
3 Money Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can your account balance be in the negative?
How can you clear a negative bank account balance?
What are the consequences of having a negative bank account balance?
Photo credit: iStock/photoman
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About the Author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a personal finance writer and editor based in Southern California. While she spends the bulk of her time writing about complex financial issues, she also tackles a variety of subjects ranging from food to fashion to travel. Her work can be found across dozens of publications such as Credit Karma, LendingTree, Northwestern Mutual, The Everygirl, and Apartment Therapy.