Hi Anu and Campbell, This is a critical feature for regulatory compliance, especially for institutions handling automated service charges or tax deductions where rejecting the debit is not a legal option. I agree with Anu's architectural approach, particularly separating this into a distinct API command (withdrawal-force-post). Mixing this logic into the standard withdrawal flow could create dangerous loopholes where overdrafts happen accidentally. One additional consideration: If we enable allow-negative-balance, we should also consider if this requires a 'Limit' configuration (e.g., 'Max Overdraft Amount'). Allowing infinite negative balance might pose a risk if a force-post API is abused or looped. I am happy to pick up the implementation of the Global Configuration and the Permission structure if we have consensus on the design. Best, Mohammed Saifulhuq
On Thu, 5 Feb, 2026, 6:08 am Anu Omotayo via dev, <[email protected]> wrote: > Hello, > > I had a similar discussion with my colleague on savings account with > negative balance about two weeks ago. The ask was to debit customer savings > accounts for regulatory reasons even if the account balance is 0. > > Also, I had a negative balance in my account with a commercial bank days > ago due to a bank charge that I wasn't expecting. > > Below is a suggestion on how I think this feature can be implemented in > fineract. > > 1. An "allow-negative-balance-on-savings-account" can be added to the > global configuration to enable/disable this feature. > > 2. It should be implemented as a separate API due to its sensitive nature > e.g (e.g ~ > /fineract-provider/api/v1/savingsaccounts/14/transactions?command=withdrawal-force-post). > The "allow-negative-balance-on-savings-account" setting should be checked > before the transaction is posted. > > 3. New permissions such as WITHDRAW SAVINGSACCOUNT FORCE DEBIT, WITHDRAW > SAVINGSACCOUNT FORCE DEBIT CHECKER should be created and used for the new > API. > > Regards > Anu Omotayo > > > > On Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 01:12:07 AM GMT+1, Campbell Burgess < > [email protected]> wrote: > > > Paul.... Very well laid out. Thank you. > > Bottom line... negative consumer deposit (savings accounts in Fineract) > routinely go negative, with and without, formal arrangements and with (but > also without) account holder opt-in. > > If what I am now guessing is correct, that Fineract does not readily > support a force-post, what is the best path forward. > > Again, we are happy to do all the lifting and contribute the work product > to the community, of course, expecting independent review and oversight. > > Campbell > > > On 1/10/2026 10:37 AM, Paul wrote: > > *Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers):* For one-time debit card and > ATM transactions, banks cannot charge an overdraft fee unless the consumer > has explicitly *opted in*. However, even without an opt-in, a bank is > legally permitted to pay the transaction (creating a negative balance) as > long as it does *not* charge a fee. > > -- > > Herring BANCORP ® > > > *C. Campbell Burgess *President/CEO > Office: (806) 373-3921 | Direct: (806) 242-3704 > > [email protected] > > > *Herring Bancorp* > 2201 Civic Circle, Suite 1000 > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/2201+Civic+Circle,+Suite+1000+%0D%0A++++++++++++Amarillo,+TX+79109?entry=gmail&source=g> > Amarillo, TX 79109 > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/2201+Civic+Circle,+Suite+1000+%0D%0A++++++++++++Amarillo,+TX+79109?entry=gmail&source=g> > > www.herringbank.com > > CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This e-mail is intended only for the use of the > individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information > that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under > applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended > recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message > to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, > distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have > received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at > (303) 565-7001 and also indicate the sender's name. Thank you. > > > > > > > >
