Bank of the West Bogus Fees Nationwide, Nationwide

It isn't keeping a low balance that is causing you problems, it is you NOT managing your account correctly.

The most important thing you can do is keep a Written Register.  That is every time you make a transaction write it down and deduct it from your balance.  Then NEVER go negative.  Because on-line banking was never meant to replace a register, it is just another "tool" in managing your account.  There are times when your on-line banking won't know of a purchase for a day or so, because it may take that long for the merchant to submit the actual debit.  It also has no idea of any Checks or ACH transactions until they are submited by the merchant. 

You didn't say what the overdraft items were and or your exact situation.  But one thing you need to check is if you are "opted-in" to Automatic Overdraft protection.  If you are you need to immediatly "opt-out".  What that will do is decline your ATM/Debit Card at the Point of Sale if you do not have enough currently AVAILABLE to complete the transaction.  Now this does not mean you can never get ovedraft fees, it just minimizes the chances.  This also does not apply to Checks or ACH transactions, so if you have a Check or ACH that causes an overdraft they still have the option to pay it and charge you a fee, or return it unpaid and still charge you a fee.

If you do the exact same thing at your new bank, the exact same thing will happen again.