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What is an Overdraft Account?

An account from which one can withdraw an amount even if the balance in the account is nil is known as Overdraft account. A specific limit is sanctioned by the bank where one can go negative up to that limit. It is a kind of loan where the borrower is required to pay interest only for the amount withdrawn. It is extended to individuals by the lenders having savings or current accounts. It is a loan where one pays the interest as EMI. 

Features of Overdraft Facility

Approved Credit Limit – An individual is awarded overdraft facility over a predetermined limit. It is different for each borrower.

Interest Rate - Unlike other forms of financing where the borrower starts paying on the principal irrespective of usage, overdraft facility calculates interest only on the amount that you withdraw. It is calculated on a daily basis that is billed at month-end. If one defaults in payment as per set schedule, the interest is added to the principal amount at month-end and then interest will be calculated on new principal. 

No Prepayment Charges – The prepayment charges are not levied by the lender on Overdraft facility. 

No EMIs – Unlike other loans, the repayment is not done through EMIs. The borrower repays the amount whenever he has. A borrower can repay the amount as and when he can.

Minimum Monthly Payment – There is no minimum monthly repayment in overdraft but the amount which the borrower owes should be repaid. 

Joint borrowers are allowed overdraft – In joint overdraft facility both applicant and joint applicant are responsible for the entire debt. Both applicants are responsible for timely repayment of the overdraft. If one defaults in repayment, the other has to make the complete payment.

Workings – On writing a cheque the applicants account may automatically go into overdraft. Chances are there that the cheque is dishonoured instead of going into overdraft, then the lender may levy dishonour charges in the applicants account.

How to get an overdraft facility?

An applicant can download the form online or can apply by visiting the concerned branch of the bank. Many banks also charge a one-time processing fee that varies from bank to bank. One can also apply for the facility while opening the account with the bank.

Types of Overdraft

Overdraft facility can be granted to a borrower on a secured and unsecured basis. For secured overdrafts, the lender possesses the right to sell off the assets to recover the amount. If the collateral doesn’t cover the cost of the withdrawn amount in the overdraft, the applicant is liable to pay the difference.

Let us discuss about the various types of Overdrafts below:

Overdrafts against Fixed Deposits 

Overdraft against fixed deposit is preferable for the lender as it is for the lender to recover the amount if the applicant defaults on repayment. Applicant availing fixed deposit against FD is eligible for a higher percentage of the sanctioned amount, that is approximately 75%. Also, the interest rate charged is less. Usually, the interest rate charged is 2% more than the interest an applicant is earning from the FD.

Overdraft against House 

An overdraft facility is sanctioned against a house. Home loan customers looking for funds to settle their existing home loan repayments, an overdraft facility is offered to them. Usually, 40%-50% of the property’s worth is the sanctioned amount. The credit history and repayment capacity are considered while granting overdraft against the house as collateral.

Overdraft against Salary

Lenders also offers overdraft against salary. Applicant can get an overdraft limit up to 2-3 times of the salary but it varies from lender to lender. Such a facility is also known as short-term loan facility.

Overdraft against Insurance Policy

The surrender value of the insurance policy is the basis on which the overdraft is sanctioned. Loan to value of insurance policy is greater than LTV of Fixed Deposits. Keeping an Insurance Policy makes one eligible to more money sanctioned from the bank than keeping FD as collateral. 

Overdrafts against Equity

The value of equity is fluctuating based on market rates, hence overdraft against equity is not a preferred option. Because of the market fluctuations of equity, the percentage sanctioned for overdraft is less.

Eligibility Criteria for Overdraft Facility 

The eligibility criteria for overdraft facility differ from bank to bank, and also on the basis of individuals requirements and needs. Below mentioned are the eligibility criteria for getting an overdraft facility for salaried and self-employed individuals.

• Age – The applicant applying for overdraft facility should be minimum 23 years to 60 years of age.
• Bank Account – Applicant applying for overdraft facility should have an active bank account.
• Income – Applicant must have a regular income inactive bank account.
• CIBIL score – Applicant must have a healthy credit score

Documents Required to process the Overdraft Account

Following are the required documents for applying for an Overdraft facility

• Identity proof – Applicant will have to furnish identity proof of PAN Card/ Aadhaar Card/Voter Id/Driving License/Passport 
• Address proof – Applicant will have to provide address proof of current residence  which can be of Driving license/Passport/Latest Gas Bill/Latest property tax bill/Bank passbook
• Age – Applicants age proof would be required by the lender such as PAN card/Aadhar card/ Voter ID/Passport or any other statutory copy
• Passport size photograph
• Salary slips of last 3 months 
• Last 3 months bank statement

How does an overdraft facility work?

An applicant receives the requested overdraft amount similar to a requested loan amount. For pre-approved overdraft facility, an applicant can withdraw funds whenever he needs from bank and it goes into overdraft. The interest charged will be levied by the bank from the time you borrowed till you repaid.

An applicant can repay the money to the lender fully, partially whenever they want. One can again withdraw money from the account as the need arises until the limit of overdraft is reached.

For the overdraft facility through the bank account, the bank doesn’t have collateral against it. For borrowers taking an overdraft against their assets as collateral is a secured collateral. Also, for those collaterals, the bank charges interest rate accordingly.

Interest for overdraft amount is calculated on a daily basis since the borrowed funds can be deposited in the bank account by the borrower anytime, and borrowed amount ledger can change daily. Depositing funds in your bank account reduces outstanding balance and thus reduces overdraft amount.

Overdraft facility for Self-Employed

Individuals in need of funds for businesses or short term loan can avail overdraft facility. The overdraft facility is of short term and can be renewable every 12 months. An applicant must be a current account holder in the bank to avail overdraft facility. The interest is charged only for the used amount.

Overdraft for Salaried

Individuals having a salary account with the bank can avail the overdraft facility. By this facility account holders can withdraw cheques for an amount in excess maintained by their salary account.

FAQs

Is the overdraft facility good?

An individual’s financial needs is the deciding factor for availing funds but overdraft is a better option. It has flexible borrowing and repayment options, giving one the freedom to decide how much money will be repaid each month. It is also a cheaper short term borrowing option, which may be accessible without being charged on the interest amount.

What is the difference between overdraft and loan?

An overdrafts amount varies depending on the customer’s requirement, whereas a loan amount is fixed borrowing. 

An overdraft facility is for a lesser duration and the loan is available for a comparatively longer period

The rate of interest charged on overdraft is only on the borrowed amount and not on the whole stated amount.

An overdraft allows flexible repayment options as compared to loans.

Can you withdraw cash from overdraft?

Yes, cash can be withdrawn from overdraft as and when required and the interest has to be paid only on the amount borrowed.

What if I can’t pay my overdraft?

If one defaults in payment as per set schedule, the interest is added to the principal amount at month-end and then interest will be calculated on a new principal.

Is there a limit on overdraft fees?

The bank may charge 3-4 times per day as fees for an overdraft. However, it depends on bank to bank.

Who can apply for an overdraft facility?

Any individuals, salaried employees, self-employed professionals, enterprises, etc. can apply for an overdraft facility. Salaried employees can’t get the overdraft facility for business purposes.