Staff writer

Devon Mercer

Writes mostly about banking & savings education.

Articles by Devon Mercer

Banking & Savings Education
When a Deposited Check Bounces: How Provisional Credits Get Reversed
A deposit can appear in your balance long before the paying bank confirms it, so a later return can pull the money back and leave the depositor holding the loss.
Devon MercerAug 1, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
How the Overdraft Opt-In Rule Works, and What It Leaves Out
Federal rules bar overdraft fees on ATM and one-time debit card transactions unless you opt in, and banks are expected to keep proof of that consent.
Devon MercerJul 25, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
Overdraft Protection Compared: Opt Out, Link Savings or Use Credit
Three options can keep a small shortfall from turning into a pile of fees. Here is how each works, what it may cost, and what to ask your bank.
Devon MercerJul 17, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
How to Ask a Bank to Refund an Overdraft Fee
The CFPB treats debit card swipes and ATM withdrawals differently from checks and recurring payments. Knowing which one caused your fee shapes what you ask for.
Devon MercerJul 3, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
What Checking Account Maintenance Fees Cover and the Conditions That Waive Them
Monthly maintenance fees on checking accounts are set by each institution, and the waiver rules that avoid them, along with the disclosure protections around changes, are spelled out in the account agreement.
Devon MercerJun 26, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
How Checking Account Screening Works and How to Read Your Records
Banks rely on specialty deposit histories rather than credit files, so knowing what those reports contain, how to obtain them, and how to compare accounts helps consumers open and keep a basic checking account.
Devon MercerJun 18, 2026
Banking & Savings Education
How to Find Out Whether Your Prepaid Card Balance Is FDIC-Insured
The logo on the card does not say who holds your money. The bank named in your cardholder agreement is where to start.
Devon MercerJun 11, 2026

Devon Mercer

Articles by Devon Mercer

When a Deposited Check Bounces: How Provisional Credits Get Reversed

How the Overdraft Opt-In Rule Works, and What It Leaves Out

Overdraft Protection Compared: Opt Out, Link Savings or Use Credit

How to Ask a Bank to Refund an Overdraft Fee

What Checking Account Maintenance Fees Cover and the Conditions That Waive Them

How Checking Account Screening Works and How to Read Your Records

How to Find Out Whether Your Prepaid Card Balance Is FDIC-Insured