Students subject to overdraft fees from TCF Bank may be able to escape them.

Sarah Theodore-Young , junior music education major, said she has been hit by overdraft fees in the past.

“I recently went over my account $6 and was charged $200 in overdraft fees,” Theodore-Young said. “As opposed to charging me for the things already purchased, they charged me for the pending transactions, which is not fair.”

TCF Vice President Christina Castro offered an explanation about the overdraft policy, saying that TCF will, in fact, authorize and pay overdrafts.

“TCF will authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions: checks and other transactions made using your checking account number and automatic bill payments,” Castro said. “We do not, however, authorize and pay overdrafts for ATM transactions or everyday debit card transaction unless you ask us to.”

This is different than other banks. According to Chase’s website, “In the event your checking account is overdrawn, funds will automatically be transferred from your account to your Overdraft Protection account.”

“I think if [TCF] had an overdraft protection program, they would definitely have a better reputation at NIU,” said junior sociology major Valentin Franco.

Castro, however, said TCF does in fact offer an overdraft protection plan, it is just not as popular as those of banks with similar programs.

“TCF also offers an overdraft protection plan, in the form of a written overdraft protection line of credit,” she said. “An application must be submitted to a TCF Lending Representative for this service.”

Despite some of the concerns, Castro said TCF has its customers best interests at heart.

“TCF is committed to the financial education and well being of the NIU students,” she said. “We offer several financial literacy seminars that include an emphasis on managing your finances and protecting your identity and account information.”