CORVALLIS, Ore. – Credit union data processor Summit Information Systems has partnered with overdraft protection firm John M. Floyd & Associates. Summit will interface its Spectrum core processing system with Floyd's overdraft protection. The Summit system already has NSF functionality that allows credit unions to set limits and criteria to track and pay NSF items and to charge members a fee for each NSF paid. "The powerful combination of the Summit system capabilities and JMFA's program and services can generate substantial non-interest income for the credit union," said Kevin Sparks, president of Summit. "But, a greater value may be the member goodwill that is created when the credit union honors NSF items, saving members the embarrassment of returned checks and the cost of high fees levied by merchants and banks for NSF items." Proponents of overdraft protection say the service saves consumers from being hit with two fees, one from the creditor and one from their financial institution, and prevents black marks on their credit report. Critics say overdraft protection promotes poor financial management and is being used by financials to increase fee income.