The simplest, most reliable practice to reduce overdraft risk is to keep a small buffer balance in your checking account. Think of it as a hygiene habit: a modest cushion (e.g., $50–$200 depending on your cashflow variability) prevents accidental overdrafts from pending transactions, double charges, or bank processing order quirks. Overdraft fees tend to be fixed lumps (commonly $25–$35) and can multiply quickly; a small buffer often costs you nothing but avoids a big one-off fee. Keeping a buffer is particularly useful for people with irregular income or for those who use connected services with asynchronous debits (utilities, subscriptions, marketplaces). It's a low-effort protection strategy that beats reactive wrestling with bank disputes.

How to implement and maintain a buffer: automate an internal transfer that, on paydays, moves a small 'buffer' amount from your primary account to checking so the cushion replenishes itself. Use account alerts (low-balance notifications) to warn you before the buffer is exhausted. For additional safety, link checking to a low-cost savings account or a no-fee backup transfer that triggers if the balance slips below zero — this avoids overdraft fees while preserving access. Also, review your bank's overdraft policy: some banks have grace thresholds or optional overdraft-protection programs that are cheaper than per-incident fees. In short, a small buffer is an inexpensive, reliable, and sustainable way to reduce overdraft fees and avoid the cascade of penalties that follows.