Compare bank accounts with an overdraft

An overdraft may be a helpful feature for some bank account customers if you're worried you may accidentall withdraw money than you have. Compare bank accounts offering an overdraft feature today and chose the bank account that suits your finances.

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Mark Bristow

Updated on

22 Nov, 2024

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Think of an overdraft as extra money you can draw on in times of need. An overdraft works by allowing you to withdraw more money than what’s available in your bank account.

There are different types of overdrafts available – but in this instance, we’re referring only to overdrafts associated with personal (not business) transaction accounts.

An overdraft is essentially an unsecured line of credit. It’s similar to a credit card in that the credit amount is limited (or capped) and a variable interest rate is applied to the credit used.

However, overdrafts are a popular alternative to credit cards because they are attached to your day-to-day transaction account and don’t require additional PINs, cards or separate statements.

You might have experienced at one time a sinking feeling at seeing your bank balance in arrears. An overdraft can give you peace of mind (and take care of cashflow issues) by being on standby.

Most major banks and financial institutions offer personal overdrafts via a simple application process. You will need an existing transaction account beforehand.

How do I apply for an overdraft?

The application process for an overdraft is simpler than applying for a credit card. You can apply online through your existing financial institution, or shop around for an overdraft that appeals.

As with any credit product, there are credit assessment criteria that you may need to meet. However, it’s not as strict as the criteria applicable to larger loans such as mortgages.

In general, the eligibility criteria for overdrafts could require that you:

Are at least 18 years old
Have a regular income
Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa

When applying, ensure you have some form of identification on hand, your tax file number, your bank account information, and any income, employment and financial commitment details.

Is there a credit limit for an overdraft?

The limit for an overdraft can be as low as a few hundred dollars and can go as high as $50,000 or more. Overdrafts limits can be capped or based on an agreed value.

Your overdraft limit will depend on how much you want, your affordability, and/or your income. Different overdraft products will also have different variable interest rates, and fees and charges.

It’s important to ensure your negative balance doesn’t exceed the agreed terms (or your overdraft limit). Additional fees may be charged and higher interest rates may apply if this occurs.

The benefits of a bank account overdraft

No set repayments
Only pay interest on the credit used
No or low monthly service fee
Competitive interest rate
Easy access to extra funds
Linked to your transaction account

In addition to the benefits listed, the real value of an overdraft is that it’s attached to your transaction account. That means you can access credit the same way you would withdraw money.

You could make withdrawals using your overdraft in all the usual ways, including at an ATM; in a branch; BPAY; online, mobile or phone banking; and via EFTPOS.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider.

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^Words such as "top", "best", "cheapest" or "lowest" are not a recommendation or rating of products. This page compares a range of products from selected providers and not all products or providers are included in the comparison. There is no such thing as a 'one- size-fits-all' financial product. The best loan, credit card, superannuation account or bank account for you might not be the best choice for someone else. Before selecting any financial product you should read the fine print carefully, including the product disclosure statement, target market determination fact sheet or terms and conditions document and obtain professional financial advice on whether a product is right for you and your finances.

How do I apply for an overdraft?

The application process for an overdraft is simpler than applying for a credit card. You can apply online through your existing financial institution, or shop around for an overdraft that appeals.

As with any credit product, there are credit assessment criteria that you may need to meet. However, it’s not as strict as the criteria applicable to larger loans such as mortgages.

In general, the eligibility criteria for overdrafts could require that you:

Are at least 18 years old
Have a regular income
Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa

When applying, ensure you have some form of identification on hand, your tax file number, your bank account information, and any income, employment and financial commitment details.

Is there a credit limit for an overdraft?

The limit for an overdraft can be as low as a few hundred dollars and can go as high as $50,000 or more. Overdrafts limits can be capped or based on an agreed value.

Your overdraft limit will depend on how much you want, your affordability, and/or your income. Different overdraft products will also have different variable interest rates, and fees and charges.

It’s important to ensure your negative balance doesn’t exceed the agreed terms (or your overdraft limit). Additional fees may be charged and higher interest rates may apply if this occurs.

The benefits of a bank account overdraft

No set repayments
Only pay interest on the credit used
No or low monthly service fee
Competitive interest rate
Easy access to extra funds
Linked to your transaction account

In addition to the benefits listed, the real value of an overdraft is that it’s attached to your transaction account. That means you can access credit the same way you would withdraw money.

You could make withdrawals using your overdraft in all the usual ways, including at an ATM; in a branch; BPAY; online, mobile or phone banking; and via EFTPOS.

Compare bank accounts with an overdraft

Providers we compare

On this page

How do I apply for an overdraft?

Is there a credit limit for an overdraft?

The benefits of a bank account overdraft

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I overdraft my savings account?

How do I overdraw my Commonwealth Bank account?

Should I get a credit card?

Share this page

Latest bank accounts articles

Can foreigners open a bank account in Australia?

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Did you find this page helpful?

On this page

How do I apply for an overdraft?

Is there a credit limit for an overdraft?

The benefits of a bank account overdraft

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I overdraft my savings account?

How do I overdraw my Commonwealth Bank account?

Should I get a credit card?

Share this page

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