Share-Draft Account: What it Means, How it Works (2024)

What Is a Share-Draft Account?

A share-draft account is a version of a checking account, except it is offered by a credit union instead of a bank. In order to understand what a share-draft account is, it is first important to know the difference between a bank and a credit union.

Banks are businesses that exist to make a profit from offering financial products, such as loans, savings and checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and credit cards, to consumers. Credit unions are financial institutions that are owned jointly by all members or account holders. They do not exist to make a profit but rather to benefit the account holders. When you deposit money into a credit union share-draft account, you're technically buying shares in that credit union.

Key Takeaways

  • A share-draft account is a credit union account that is similar to a bank's checking account, except it is equivalent to buying a share in the credit union.
  • Share-draft accounts do not have minimum balance requirements or charge account maintenance fees. They also earn interest, compounded on a quarterly basis.
  • Share-draft accounts were created under the Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979.
  • Share-draft accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), come with bank cards to withdraw money from ATMs and make point-of-sale (POS) purchases, and checkbooks to write checks for any payment.

Understanding a Share-Draft Account

A share-draft account refers to a credit union account that is similar to a bank's checking account. Share-draft accounts were created under the Consumer Checking Account Equity Act of 1979.

Share-draft accounts allow credit union members to access their share balances by writing drafts on their accounts. Share-draft accounts allow for an unlimited number of checks to be written, and one of their primary benefits is that they are secured with federal insurance by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Insurance for bank deposits is provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Both NCUA and FDIC deposits are ensured for up to $250,00 per individual. Bank deposits are insured to prevent bank runs in the event that a bank fails.

Interest earned on share-draft accounts is compounded quarterly. These accounts are similar to negotiable order of withdrawal (NOW) accounts, which are basically interest-bearing savings accounts against which drafts can be written. However, share-draft accounts are offered by credit unions, whereas NOW accounts are bank products.

In practice, a share-draft account operates almost exactly like a checking account. Account holders can write unlimited checks against the account, and credit unions typically issue debit cards that can be used to make purchases and withdrawals using the shares in the accounts.

Account holders can use their debit cards to make point-of-sale (POS) purchases, withdraw money from ATMs, or shop online. Account holders can also go into a credit union branch to deposit or withdraw money from a share-draft account.

Share-Draft Accounts vs. Checking Accounts

A key difference between share-draft accounts and many checking accounts is that the former earns interest. Credit unions pay interest and dividends on shares held by account holders, so the money deposited into a credit union earns dividends and interest that is compounded quarterly.

Between 1933 and 2011 in the U.S., demand deposit checking accounts were not allowed to earn interest. Now that the prohibition on demand deposit interest has been lifted, some bank checking accounts offer interest. Conversely, bank checking accounts often come with savings accounts associated with them, almost as one account, where deposits can earn interest.

Another key difference between share-draft accounts and checking accounts is that many banks require a monthly minimum balance or charge monthly fees for the maintenance of a checking account.

Credit unions do not charge their members any monthly fees or require minimum balances in share-draft accounts, or at the most, low fees. This makes them an attractive option for consumers looking to avoid paying fees or having to maintain minimum balances, especially now that many credit unions have opened their doors to the general public.

Overall, credit unions provide many benefits over banks, seen through better interest rates on deposit and savings accounts, mortgages, and certificates of deposit (CDs), and the aforementioned low or no-fee accounts.

Share-Draft Account: What it Means, How it Works (2024)

FAQs

Share-Draft Account: What it Means, How it Works? ›

A share-draft

draft
A bank draft is a payment that is like a check, but its amount is guaranteed by the issuing bank. The funds are drawn from the requesting payer's account and are then placed in the bank's reserve account until the draft is cashed by the payee.
https://www.investopedia.com › terms › bank_draft
account is a credit union account that is similar to a bank's checking account, except it is equivalent to buying a share in the credit union. Share-draft accounts do not have minimum balance requirements or charge account maintenance fees. They also earn interest, compounded on a quarterly basis.

What is the purpose of a share account? ›

A share savings account is a credit union version of a savings account. Share savings accounts allow you to deposit money and earn dividends on your balance. These dividends are a portion of the credit union's profits that are paid out to its members.

What are differences between share draft accounts and checking accounts? ›

Share draft accounts earn interest — often called dividends, at credit unions — while most bank checking accounts do not. The not-for-profit nature of credit unions means that all profits are distributed to members in the form of dividends.

What are shared drafts? ›

A share draft is a type of draft, which credit unions use, as a way to access funds in individual accounts. Share draft accounts at credit unions are the equivalent of personal checking accounts at standard banks.

What does draft account mean? ›

Draft account means an account upon which funds are withdrawn through a properly payable instrument or an electronic transaction. Based on 26 documents. 26. Draft account means an account upon which funds are disbursed through a properly payable instrument.

How does a share draft account work? ›

A share-draft account is a credit union account that is similar to a bank's checking account, except it is equivalent to buying a share in the credit union. Share-draft accounts do not have minimum balance requirements or charge account maintenance fees. They also earn interest, compounded on a quarterly basis.

What are the benefits of a shared account? ›

Ease of bill pay.

When you're sharing rent and utilities, it's a lot easier to write one check and have it come out of a shared account. The same applies for other bills such as car payments and insurance costs. When your money is shared, you don't have to worry about who is buying groceries or dinner-you both are.

When opening a regular checking or share draft account? ›

The most important consideration when opening a checking or share draft account is understanding the types of fees associated with maintaining and using the account. While incentives and interest rates may be attractive, fees could significantly affect your balance.

Is draft the same as checking? ›

The term "bank draft" (also called a banker's draft, bank check, or teller's check) is a paper document that resembles a traditional paper check. But unlike personal checks, a draft is guaranteed by the issuing bank, with no chance that the check could bounce.

Is a share account also known as a checking account? ›

A checking account is also known as a “share draft account” at a credit union. These accounts serve your short-term cash needs as you deposit and withdraw money. You add money via paychecks, cash gifts, transfers, or direct deposit.

What does "regular share account" mean? ›

Definition. A share account is a savings or checking account at a credit union. Share savings accounts pay variable dividends, the equivalent of a bank account's interest. Share checking accounts, called draft accounts, are liquid and meant for payments and everyday spending.

What is the purpose of drafts in email? ›

Drafts represent unsent messages with the DRAFT system label applied. The message contained within the draft cannot be edited once created, but it can be replaced.

What is a draft withdrawal? ›

With a bank draft, the funds are withdrawn from your bank account and then the check is made out from the bank, which guarantees it. Your funds are placed into the bank's reserve account. With a certified check, the money is also guaranteed by the bank, but your funds are not withdrawn until the check is cashed.

Can I deposit a bank draft into someone else's account? ›

A draft is a negotiable instrument. However, if it is marked Account Payee only, then it can only be deposited into the account of person in whose favor draft has been issued. Otherwise, it can be endorsed by the payee of the draft and can be deposited into the account of person in whose favor draft has been endorsed.

Can a bank cancel a draft? ›

Canceling a Bank Draft

Since the buyer has already paid the funds represented by the bank draft, the only means of effectively canceling the draft is to have the seller cash it and return the funds to the buyer.

What is the difference between ACH and draft? ›

* ACH payments are electronic payments that allow businesses to transfer funds between bank accounts. It's a convenient and cost-effective way of sending payments. * Bank drafts, on the other hand, are a form of payment where the bank draws funds directly from your bank account to make a payment.

Why do people share accounts? ›

Account sharing is a common practice, especially among younger users who may not have the financial resources to pay for multiple accounts or subscriptions. It is also commonly used among families or groups of friends who want to access a shared account or service.

What is the point of owning shares? ›

The potential benefits of investing in stocks include: Potential capital gains from owning a stock that grows in value over time. Potential income from dividends paid by the company. Lower tax rates on long-term capital gains.

Should you have a shared account? ›

A joint bank account can be a good idea as long as you and the other account holder have a strong, trusting relationship. Whether you're planning to share an account with a child, significant other or aging parent, communication is essential. That may mean having difficult discussions about spending and saving habits.

Why have a shared bank account? ›

Joint bank accounts can be a great way for couples to manage their finances together. Some people will only have a joint account for the mortgage or rent and household bills (housemates might do this too), while other couples might combine all their finances.

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