Banks’ Billions in Overdraft Fees Seen Dodging Tough U.S. Rules

U.S. banks are poised to score a victory in their fight to keep regulators from pinching the billions of dollars in fees they charge consumers who overdraw their accounts.

After studying overdraft fees for more than three years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is leaning against subjecting banks to tough new rules that would cap the size of charges or limit how frequently they can be imposed on consumers, said two people briefed on the agency’s work.

More likely, when the CFPB proposes regulations later this year or in early 2016, it will probably bar lenders from reordering transactions in ...