Checking accounts with high-cost overdraft fees are increasing older persons’ economic vulnerability, says a new report from Woodstock Institute, “Improving Economic Security Later in Life: Meeting the Credit and Financial Services Needs of Older Persons.” The controversial overdraft fees, recently under fire from Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), particularly burden beneficiaries of Social Security payments and low-income older persons.

As efforts to curb overdraft abuse gain traction in the Senate, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo last week announced a kinder, gentler bounced check loan – but are these changes enough to fend off sweeping reforms?  And will banks and regulators finally provide consumers with the full disclosure they need to make an informed decision?