Investopedia

Automatic Transfer Service - ATS

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Automatic Transfer Service - ATS'

A banking service offered to customers that has both a general and specific meaning. On a general level, it can mean any automatic transfer of funds between customer accounts. For example, a regular transfer from a checking account to pay off a bank loan, or a monthly transfer from a checking account to a savings account.

More specifically, it describes the overdraft protection provided when there is an automatic transfer of funds from a customer's savings account to his or her checking account when there are insufficient funds to cover unpaid checks or maintain a minumum balance. Ordinarily, the bank will transfer the exact amount of funds required to cover unpaid checks. The customer avoids any overdraft fees and all the hassle associated with returned checks.

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Automatic Transfer Service - ATS'

ATS accounts were first introduced by savings and loans and mutual savings banks in the 1970s to compete with traditional commercial banks. According to the Federal Reserve, in defining the money stock ATS accounts are included in M1, which also includes travelers' checks, demand deposits and other checkable deposits (i.e., negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts and credit union share drafts).

Given the low rates of interest paid on checking accounts, these arrangements are the norm rather the exception, particularly for checking accounts at brokerage firms. Automatic transfer accounts are available to individuals and sole proprietors; organizations, units of government and other entities are not eligible for these accounts.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Money Market Mutual Funds: A Better Savings Account

    An good alternative to the traditional savings account is the money market mutual fund. It's easy, safe and has better returns.
  2. The Ins And Outs Of Bank Fees

    These service charges could nickel and dime you right out of your nest egg.
  3. Your First Checking Account

    This owner's manual will show you what to expect from your bank.
  4. Demystification Of Bank Accounts

    Find out which type of account suits your specific needs.
  5. Financial Career Options For Professionals

    Find out if spreading your wings to try a new career will make you soar or fall flat.
  6. If I want to have some cash in a liquid account for unexpected emergencies, what is best? A savings account or another type?

    It's always a good idea to keep some money set aside in a liquid form, but it's a double-edged sword, because the more liquid your money, the less it's earning. If you never have an emergency, ...
  7. 3 Banking Moves You Should Make Before Traveling

    Putting your finances in order should be one of your top priorities before traveling out of the country.
  8. Clearing Up Tax Confusion For College Savings Accounts

    Put your kids through school without being hounded by the tax man.
  9. Besides a savings account, where is the safest place to keep my money?

    Savings accounts are safe because investors' deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for bank accounts or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for ...
  10. Changes To Your Checking Account

    Checking accounts have evolved a lot over the years. Here are the five biggest changes that can affect your wallet.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  2. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  3. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  4. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
  5. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
  6. Consequential Loss

    The amount of loss incurred as a result of being unable to use business property or equipment.
Trading Center