Convenience Pay FAQs

When There’s Not Quite Enough in Your Checking Account…

Having a check returned due to insufficient funds can be a costly and humiliating experience. That’s why we provide “Convenience Pay,” a special overdraft service for USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) members.

What is Convenience Pay?
Convenience Pay is our overdraft privilege service that adds a measure of protection to your checking account. Convenience Pay may cover your insufficient fund amount, up to $750, for one fee per covered overdraft transaction. So instead of returning an item because of insufficient funds, USF FCU may pay it for you, saving you additional collection charges. Plus, it saves you the embarrassment and inconvenience that an unexpected overdraft can cause.

How is my Convenience Pay Limit Determined?
Convenience Pay overdraft limits (negative balance) will be set at either $250, $500 or $750. Your limit is determined by the higher of your total monthly direct deposit amount or the average daily balance of your checking account, and is determined at the point you become eligible for Convenience Pay. Accounts are periodically reviewed to determine if the Convenience Pay limit should be increased or decreased to a different tier.

What Does Convenience Pay Cost?
There is no cost associated with Convenience Pay overdraft privilege unless you use it. Convenience Pay comes with a limit up to $750 [including the amount of the overdrawn item(s) and the Convenience Pay fee(s)]. A fee of $10 will be charged for each item $5.00 or less, and $29 for each item $5.01 or more that draws your account negative. You then have up to 30 days to bring the account current, to include the overdraft amount and the Convenience Pay fee.

What If I Have Overdraft Protection Now?
If you have established other overdraft protection plans, such as automatic transfer from your other accounts, we will always attempt to pay any overdraft by those methods first before paying your overdraft utilizing Convenience Pay and imposing a fee. Speak to a member service representative about establishing a line of credit or other alternatives.

Do I Have to Apply?
No application is required. We extend this service to account holders over age 21 whose accounts have been open for 90 days with a valid social security number and email address on file and meet the following qualifications:

• Not being in default or delinquent on any loan or obligation to USF FCU for over 30 days
• Not having a charged off loan or share, or a bankruptcy on record
• Having never caused the USF FCU a loss

Can USF FCU Stop My Convenience Pay?
Yes. Convenience Pay will be stopped if the account is not in good standing, the account has been dormant for 90 days or if you inform us not to pay your overdrafts. USF FCU reserves the right to revoke Convenience Pay privileges at any time without prior notifications and to deny the payment of any transaction.

Are All Accounts Eligible?
No. Business, youth, organization, or trust accounts are not eligible for Convenience Pay.

What Types of Overdrafts Does Convenience Pay Cover?
Overdrafts may be paid utilizing Convenience Pay funds on a variety of checking account transactions—including checks, ACH debits, teller transactions, and automatic Bill Pay transactions.

Does USF FCU Authorize and Pay Overdrafts on ATM and Everyday Debit Card Transactions?
We will only approve and pay overdrafts for ATM and everyday debit card transactions if you ask us by submitting an opt-in form. You can also opt-in when you log into online banking by clicking on the button "Convenience Pay" and following the prompts.

How Quickly Must I Repay My Convenience Pay?
You must bring your account to a positive balance within 30 days. If, at 45 days, your account has not been brought to a positive balance, we will suspend your overdraft privilege and take other steps to recover funds.

How Soon Can I Use My Convenience Pay?
If you are a new active account holder, you may be able to use the overdraft limit 90 days after the account is opened.

Can I have Convenience Pay on more than one checking account?
Convenience Pay is limited to one checking account per member.

What If I Do Not Want to Have Convenience Pay on My Checking Account?
In the event you would like to have this service removed from your account, you may do so by calling 813.569.2000 or 800.763.2005 (if outside the Tampa Bay area) or visit us online at usffcu.org. However, once this service is removed, you should keep in mind that if an item is presented for payment and there are not sufficient funds in your account, the item will be returned to the payee and our standard NSF fee of $29.00 will be charged per item.

Contact Us for More Information
We are happy to review Convenience Pay and its features with you, along with giving you other options to add convenience and ease to your account. Convenience Pay is just one more way we’re helping to make checking at USF FCU better. Please call us at 800.763.2005 for the complete details of our Convenience Pay policy.