Below is a link to a useful consumer brochure that provides tips for avoiding overdraft and bounced-check fees. Many banks, savings and loans, and credit unions offer "courtesy overdraft protection" or "bounce coverage" plans so checks do not bounce and ATM, debit card, and other electronic or automatic transactions go through.
Financial institution regulatory agencies want consumers to know that careful account management is the lowest-cost way to avoid overdraft and returned-check fees and protect your hard-earned money. If overdraft protection is needed every now and then, consumers should talk with their financial institution or a financial adviser about what choices and services are right for them. Financial institutions may provide other ways of covering overdrafts that may be less expensive. For example, consumers may be able to link a savings or other account to automatically transfer funds into their checking account. Consumers also may be able to establish an overdraft line of credit or link a checking account to a credit card. Read more...
Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced Check Fees (Federal Reserve Board)