A debit balance occurs when the total debits to an account exceed the total credits, resulting in a negative account balance.

Causes of a Debit Balance:

• Overdrafting a check or electronic transfer
• Making a purchase that exceeds the available balance
• Borrowings not repaid on time
• Fees charged to the account
• Errors in bookkeeping or transactions

Examples:

• If you write a check for $50 but have only $20 in your account, you will have a debit balance of $30.
• If you make an online purchase for $25 but don’t have enough funds in your account, you may incur a fee or have to pay the purchase on a later date.
• If you borrow $100 from a friend but fail to repay it on time, you may have a debit balance of $100.

Consequences of a Debit Balance:

• Overdraft fees: Banks typically charge fees for debit overdraft protection.
• Returned check fees: If a check is returned unpaid, the bank may impose a fee.
• Late fees: If a payment is late, banks may charge late fees.
• Damage to credit score: A negative balance can negatively impact your credit score.
• account closure: In severe cases, banks may close your account.

In order to avoid a debit balance:

• Maintain a sufficient balance in your account.
• Avoid overdrafting checks or electronic transfers.
• Repay borrowed funds on time.
• Pay fees promptly.
• Review your bank statements regularly to identify any errors or discrepancies.