Did you know that more than half of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck? That number is getting bigger by the day as the cost of living is getting higher and higher.
With that said, sometimes payments go out at an inconvenient time and you end up with non-sufficient funds. NSF fees are expensive, but do they affect your loan application?
In this article, we take a look at how NSF charges affect your possibility to get a loan. Let’s take a look!
Understanding NSF Charges
NSF charges are fees that a bank charges a customer when a check bounces or an automatic payment is returned due to insufficient funds in the customer’s account. In simpler terms, if you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a transaction, your bank might charge you an NSF fee.
The average amount of NSF charges can vary depending on the bank, but it’s typically around $35 per transaction. Some banks charge lower fees, while others charge more, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank to find out how much you’ll be charged if you have an NSF.
Keep in mind that these fees can add up quickly, especially if you have multiple transactions that bounce, so it’s important to avoid NSF charges if possible.
Impact of NSF Charges on Credit Scores
NSF charges can hurt your credit score because they indicate that you have trouble managing your finances. When a bank reports an NSF charge to the credit bureaus, it can lower your credit score because it shows that you have a history of making payments that bounce.
However, most banks don’t report NFS charges to credit score companies. But if you have a long history of NSF charges, it will show up on a loan application.
The Long-Term Impact of NSF Charges on Credit Scores
The long-term impact of NSF charges on your credit score can be significant.
While one NSF charge might not have a huge effect on your score, multiple charges can add up over time and significantly lower your score.
This can make it harder for you to get approved for:
- Loans
- Credit cards
- Mortgages
You might have to pay higher interest rates as a result.
Effect of NSF Charges on Loan Approval
NSF charges can have a significant impact on your ability to get approved for a loan. Lenders look at your credit history when you apply for a loan, and NSF charges can signal that you have trouble managing your finances.
If a lender sees that you have a history of NSF charges, they might view you as a high-risk borrower and be less likely to approve your loan.
Lenders’ Policies on NSF Charges and Loan Approval
Lenders have different policies when it comes to NSF charges and loan approval, so it’s important to check with the lender you’re interested in to find out their specific policy.
Some lenders might overlook one or two NSF charges, especially if they were a long time ago and you have a good track record of managing your finances since then.
However, other lenders might not approve a loan if you have any NSF charges on your credit report, regardless of how long ago they were.
Alternative Loan Options for Those with NSF Charges
If you have NSF charges on your credit report and are having trouble getting approved for a loan, there are alternative loan options you can consider.
For example, you might be able to get a loan from a credit union or a community bank, which are often more flexible and willing to work with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit.
You could also consider a secured loan, where you put up collateral, like a car or a savings account, to secure the loan.
Another option is a fast cash loan in Canada, which is a short-term loan that can help you cover an emergency expense. If you are looking to apply for no-credit-check loans, we can help you out at Kingcash.ca
How to Avoid NSF Charges
Budgeting and managing your finances are key to avoiding NSF charges.
Start by creating a budget and sticking to it, so you know exactly how much money you have coming in and going out each month. This can help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough money in your account to cover your bills and other expenses.
It’s also a good idea to track your spending using a budgeting app or a spreadsheet, so you can see exactly where your money is going.
Keeping Track of Account Balances
Make sure you check your account regularly, either online or by phone, to see how much money you have available.
This can help you avoid spending more than you have and ensure that you have enough money to cover your bills and other expenses. You can also set up low-balance alerts, so you know when your account balance is getting low and can take steps to avoid NSF charges.
Utilizing Overdraft Protection Options
Many banks offer overdraft protection, which allows you to link your checking account to another account, like a savings account or a line of credit. If you don’t have enough money in your checking account to cover a transaction, the bank will automatically transfer money from the other account to cover it.
This can help you avoid NSF charges and ensure that your bills are paid on time. Just keep in mind that overdraft protection might come with fees, so it’s important to understand the terms of the overdraft protection before signing up.
Non-Sufficient Funds? Get Help Today with King Cash
Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) charges can have a significant impact on your credit score and your ability to get a loan. It’s important to understand how NSF charges occur, how they can harm your credit score, and what steps you can take to avoid them.
Are you looking to stay ahead of the overdraft fees? Apply for a loan today!
