Q: I was thinking about signing up for overdraft protection for my debit card. How can I do this?

A: You now have the choice of choosing whether or not you want overdraft protection on your checking account; your bank can no longer just charge you overdraft fees. If you decide to “opt-in” for overdraft protection, you have several ways you can do it.

If you have signed up for online banking services with your bank, you can go to the bank website. Once you have logged in to your account, you will choose the option that will let you choose overdraft protection.

If you don’t take advantage of online banking services, you should be able to do it by phone by calling your bank’s customer service number. You will either be prompted to make your request to choose overdraft protection, or you can talk to someone who can help you with this.

You can also make your wishes known concerning overdraft protection the next time you are in the bank. Your teller may be able to help you, or one of the other bank employees can assist you with this.

Remember that using or refusing overdraft protection services is now a choice. If you choose to “opt-in”, then later decide to “opt-out”.