The firm surveyed 2,000 credit unions and banks and discovered that 44.5%

Moebs Services conducted the research that led to the finding of the $38.5 billion figure. The firm surveyed 2,000 credit unions and banks and discovered that 44.5% of these financial institutions reported higher net revenue from overdraft fees than their net incomes. Increased overdraft fees have helped banks sustain profitability in the throes of the recession. Some experts point to government-mandated increases in overdraft fees as the culprit behind widespread increases. For instance, if your local post office increases its overdraft fee to $30, other retailers in the area will notice and raise their fees as well. Ultimately, banks do the same.