State laws vary, but if your account is dormant for a long time -- usually three or five years -- the bank hands the proceeds to the state, but not before deducting a hefty fee. Some accounts charge a monthly fee no matter what the balance as a form of "account maintenance". Banks differ but, generally, if you close an account within 90 or 180 days, you'll be charged a fee. If you overdraw your account and the bank pays the check or debit, it will charge you a fee. The benefit is your check doesn't bounce and you don't get charged a fee by the business that accepted your check.