To sign up for Debit Card Courtesy Pay, you will need to contact us.

We need your permission if you want to receive Courtesy Pay to protect your account. Without your permission, any overdrawn purchases made with your debit card, or ATM withdrawals exceeding your available balance, will be DECLINED.*

The federal government requires all financial institutions to request permission from their members/customers when offering overdraft services on ATM and everyday debit card transactions. Empower’s Debit Card Courtesy Pay can only be offered with your permission.

Who's affected?
All of our Members who use our Debit Cards for purchases or for ATM withdrawals.

How can I receive overdraft services?
Call us, visit us at your local branch, or contact us through the "Messages" selection in the dropdown menu when you hover over your name within online banking. Important Note: Once approved, a signed authorization form must be completed/returned prior to overdraft services being available. 

* Account must be open for 30 days prior to activation of this service.

What You Need to Know about Overdrafts and Overdraft Fees

An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, but we pay it anyway.  We can cover your overdrafts in two different ways:

  • We have standard overdraft practices that come with your account.

  • We also offer overdraft protection plans, such as a link to your savings account, which may be less expensive than our standard overdraft practices.  To learn more, ask us about these plans.

What are the standard overdraft practices that come with my account?

We do authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions:

  • Checks and other transactions made using your checking account number

  • Automatic bill payments

We do not authorize and pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions unless you ask us to:

  • ATM transactions

  • Everyday debit card transactions

We pay overdrafts at our discretion, which means we do not guarantee that we will always authorize and pay any type of transaction.

If we do not authorize and pay an overdraft, your transaction will be declined.

What fees will I be charged if Empower Federal Credit Union pays my overdraft?

Under our standard overdraft practices:

  • We will charge you a fee of up to $15 each time we pay an overdraft.

  • There is no limit on the total fees we can charge you for overdrawing your account.

How long do I have to pay back my overdraft fees?

The amount of any overdraft, plus any fees, shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days of the account becoming overdrawn. You are obligated to reimburse Empower by depositing sufficient funds to cover the item or transaction paid and any associated fees. Reimbursement shall be made through direct deposit (including directly deposited Social Security Benefit payments), transfer of funds, or regular deposit.

What do you want out of life?

Empower Federal Credit Union welcomes employees of many companies, immediate family/household members of employees and retirees, as well as our outreach to underserved communities to enjoy personal and business banking solutions including auto loans, mortgages*, credit cards and more. Bank online, in any central NY branch, or call us at 315.477.2200.

* Home mortgages available in FL, PA, CT, NY, NC, SC and TN.

Empower Federal Credit Union rated 5-Stars by Bauer in 2023  Best Companies to work for New York 2023 Logo2023 Winner of Best Companies to Work for in New York State