What does "overdraft" mean in the context of banking?

In the context of banking, "overdraft" specifically refers to a situation where withdrawals from an account exceed the available balance. This can occur when a customer writes a check, makes a debit card purchase, or initiates a transfer that surpasses the amount of money they have in their checking account. When an account is overdrawn, the bank may allow the transaction to proceed, leading to a negative balance. Additionally, banks often charge fees for this service or set overdraft limits that allow customers to access funds beyond their available balance temporarily.

Choosing this definition accurately captures the core essence of an overdraft. It describes the fundamental issue of going beyond the funds in the account, which is crucial for clients to understand as they manage their finances and account activity.