Starting August 15, 2010 First Peoples is required to implement a new hold policy for debit card transactions. When you present your debit card at a merchant, your available account balance will immediately be lowered to reflect the funds that have "already been spoken for." If the amount of purchase exceeds your available balance it will be declined, unless you have selected to Opt-In.

As you know, we currently provide a standard overdraft service on checking accounts. This standard service covers overdrafts that occur when you make a payment via check or automated (ACH) payment. Members have found this to be a valuable service that helps ensure they have access to funds in the event of an emergency or to cover small math errors they may have made while tracking their checking account balances.

By Opting-In and choosing our Enhanced Overdraft Service, you will extend your coverage to ATM and debit card transactions as well. There is no cost to Opt-In, and you only pay if you actually use the service.