Joint Guidance on Overdraft Protection Programs, 9127-9132 [05-3499]

Agencies

• FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
• FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
• National Credit Union Administration
• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
• Comptroller of the Currency

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 36 (Thursday, February 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9127-9132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3499]



[[Page 9127]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

[Docket No. 05-03]

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

[Docket No. OP-1198]

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION


Joint Guidance on Overdraft Protection Programs

AGENCIES: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury (OCC); 
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board); Federal 
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); and National Credit Union 
Administration (NCUA).

ACTION: Final guidance.

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SUMMARY: The OCC, Board, FDIC, and NCUA (the Agencies), are issuing 
final Joint Guidance on Overdraft Protection Programs (guidance). This 
guidance is intended to assist insured depository institutions in the 
responsible disclosure and administration of overdraft protection 
services.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    OCC: Michael Bylsma, Director, Margaret Hesse, Special Counsel, or 
Deana Lee, Attorney, Community and Consumer Law Division, (202) 874-
5750; or Kim Scherer, National Bank Examiner/Credit Risk Specialist, 
Credit Risk Policy, (202) 874-5170.
    Board: Minh-Duc T. Le, Senior Attorney, Daniel Lonergan, Counsel, 
or Elizabeth Eurgubian, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Community 
Affairs, (202) 452-3667; or William H. Tiernay, Supervisory Financial 
Analyst, Division of Bank Supervision and Regulation, (202) 452-2412. 
For users of Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (``TDD'') only, 
contact (202) 263-4869.
    FDIC: Mark Mellon, Counsel, (202) 898-3884, Legal Division; James 
Leitner, Examination Specialist, (202) 898-6790; Patricia Cashman, 
Senior Policy Analyst, (202) 898-6534; or April Breslaw, Chief, 
Compliance Section, (202) 898-6609, Division of Supervision and 
Consumer Protection.
    NCUA: Elizabeth A. Habring, Program Officer, Office of Examination 
and Insurance, (703) 518-6392; or Ross P. Kendall, Staff Attorney, 
Office of the General Counsel, (703) 518-6562.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Agencies have developed this final joint guidance to address a 
service offered by insured depository institutions commonly referred to 
as ``bounced-check protection'' or ``overdraft protection.'' This 
service is sometimes offered to transaction account customers as an 
alternative to traditional ways of covering overdrafts (e.g., overdraft 
lines of credit or linked accounts).
    While both the availability and customer acceptance of these 
overdraft protection services have increased, aspects of the marketing, 
disclosure, and implementation of some of these programs have raised 
concerns with the Agencies. In a 2001 letter, the OCC identified some 
of these particular concerns.\1\ In November 2002, the Board sought 
comment about the operation of overdraft protection programs.\2\
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    \1\ OCC Interpretive Letter 914, September 2001.
    \2\ 67 FR 72618, December 6, 2002. The Board received 
approximately 350 comments; most were from industry representatives 
describing how the programs work.
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    In response to concerns raised about overdraft protection products, 
the Agencies published for comment proposed Interagency Guidance on 
Overdraft Protection Programs, 69 FR 31858 (June 7, 2004).\3\ The 
proposed guidance identified the historical and traditional approaches 
to providing consumers with protection against account overdrafts, and 
contrasted these approaches with the more recent overdraft protection 
programs that are marketed to consumers. The Agencies also identified 
some of the existing and potential concerns surrounding the offering 
and administration of such overdraft protection programs that have been 
identified by federal and state bank regulatory agencies, consumer 
groups, financial institutions, and their trade representatives.
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    \3\ The Office of Thrift Supervision joined the Agencies 
proposing the interagency guidance.
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    In response to these concerns, the Agencies provided guidance in 
three primary sections: Safety and Soundness Considerations, Legal 
Risks, and Best Practices. In the section on Safety and Soundness 
Considerations, the Agencies sought to ensure that financial 
institutions offering overdraft protection services adopt adequate 
policies and procedures to address the credit, operational, and other 
risks associated with these services. The Legal Risks section of the 
proposed guidance outlined several federal consumer compliance laws, 
generally alerted institutions offering overdraft protection services 
of the need to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, and 
advised institutions to have their overdraft protection programs 
reviewed by legal counsel to ensure overall compliance prior to 
implementation. Finally, the proposed guidance set forth best practices 
that serve as positive examples of practices that are currently 
observed in, or recommended by, the industry. Broadly, these best 
practices address the marketing and communications that accompany the 
offering of overdraft protection services, as well as the disclosure, 
and operation, of program features.
    The Agencies together received over 320 comment letters in response 
to the proposed guidance. Comment letters were received from depository 
institutions, trade associations, vendors offering overdraft protection 
products, and other industry representatives, as well as government 
officials, consumer and community groups, and individual consumers.

II. Overview of Public Comments

    The Agencies received comments that addressed broad aspects of the 
guidance, as well as its specific provisions. Many industry commenters, 
for instance, were concerned about the overall scope of the guidance 
and whether it would apply to financial institutions that do not market 
overdraft protection programs to consumers but do cover the occasional 
overdraft on a case-by-case basis. Commenters also addressed the three 
specific sections of the proposed guidance.
    In regard to the Safety and Soundness section, for example, many 
industry commenters suggested extending the proposed charge-off period 
from 30 days to a longer period such as 45 or 60 days, in part because 
they believed a longer charge-off period would provide consumers with 
more time to repay overdrafts and avoid being reported to credit 
bureaus as delinquent on their accounts. Comments were also received 
addressing technical reporting and accounting issues.
    The Agencies received numerous comments regarding the Legal Risks 
section--particularly the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Truth in 
Lending Act (TILA) discussions. For instance, many consumer and 
consumer group comments stated that overdraft protection should be 
considered credit covered by TILA's disclosures and other required 
protections. Some of these comments likened the product to payday 
lending, which is covered by TILA. Many industry commenters argued 
against the coverage of overdraft programs by TILA and Regulation Z, 
and argued that the payment of

[[Page 9128]]

overdrafts does not involve credit and finance charges requiring TILA 
disclosures and protections.
    Lastly, many commenters also offered specific criticism or 
recommended edits with respect to particular best practices identified 
in the proposal. Several industry commenters sought general 
clarification on whether examiners would treat the best practices as 
law or rules when examining institutions offering overdraft protection 
services.

III. Final Joint Guidance

    The final joint guidance incorporates changes made by the Agencies 
to provide clarity and address many commenter concerns. In particular, 
language has been added to clarify the scope of the guidance. The 
Safety and Soundness section expressly states that it applies to all 
methods of covering overdrafts. The introduction to the Best Practices 
section clarifies that while the Agencies are concerned about promoted 
overdraft protection programs, the best practices may also be useful 
for other methods of covering overdrafts.
    In response to the comments regarding the Safety and Soundness 
section, the Agencies have extended the charge-off requirement to 60 
days.\4\ Other technical edits have been made to further clarify 
reporting and accounting aspects of this section of the guidance.
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    \4\ Federal credit unions are required by regulation to 
establish a time limit, not to exceed 45 calendar days, for a member 
to either deposit funds or obtain an approved loan from the credit 
union to cover each overdraft. 12 CFR 701.21(c)(3).
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    The discussion regarding the applicability of TILA has been 
shortened to more closely focus on the relevant, existing regulatory 
provisions. In the proposed guidance, the discussion of TILA and 
Regulation Z, like the individual discussions of other laws and 
regulations (e.g., the Federal Trade Commission Act), was not intended 
to represent a full explication of the scope, terms, and exceptions to 
those provisions. Rather, it was intended to highlight that, commonly, 
fees charged in connection with overdraft protection programs and 
traditional methods of paying overdrafts fall within an existing 
regulatory exception to the ``finance charge'' definition. Disparate 
commenters urged the Board to take positions on various aspects of TILA 
and Regulation Z that are unnecessary in light of the exception 
addressed and the appropriate scope of the guidance. The revisions to 
this section, and the addition of language to the Safety and Soundness 
section to address the credit nature of overdrafts, is not intended as 
a commentary on the statute, nor the adoption of any particular 
commenter point of view. As indicated in the proposal, the existing 
regulatory exceptions were created for the occasional payment of 
overdrafts, and as such could be reevaluated by the Board in the 
future, if necessary. Were the Board to address these issues more 
specifically, it would do so separately under its clear authority.
    Lastly, in the final joint guidance, the Agencies reaffirm that the 
best practices are practices that have been recommended or implemented 
by financial institutions and others, as well as practices that may 
otherwise be required by applicable law. The best practices, or 
principles within them, are enforceable to the extent they are required 
by law. In addition, as mentioned above, the final guidance explicitly 
states that while the Agencies are particularly concerned about 
promoted overdraft protection programs, these practices may be useful 
in connection with other methods of covering overdrafts. The Agencies 
have also revised numerous best practices for clarity, in response to 
particular commenter suggestions.
    The text of the final Joint Guidance on Overdraft Protection 
Programs follows:

Joint Guidance on Overdraft Protection Programs

    The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Board of 
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and National Credit Union Administration 
(NCUA), collectively ``the Agencies,'' are issuing this joint guidance 
concerning a service offered by insured depository institutions that is 
commonly referred to as ``bounced-check protection'' or ``overdraft 
protection.'' This credit service is sometimes offered on both consumer 
and small business transaction accounts as an alternative to 
traditional ways of covering overdrafts. This joint guidance is 
intended to assist insured depository institutions in the responsible 
disclosure and administration of overdraft protection services, 
particularly those that are marketed to consumers.\5\
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    \5\ Federal credit unions are already subject to certain 
regulatory requirements governing the establishment and maintenance 
of overdraft programs. 12 CFR 701.21(c)(3). This regulation requires 
a federal credit union offering an overdraft program to adopt a 
written policy specifying the dollar amount of overdrafts that the 
credit union will honor (per member and overall); the time limits 
for a member to either deposit funds or obtain a loan to cover an 
overdraft; and the amount of the fee and interest rate, if any, that 
the credit union will charge for honoring overdrafts. This joint 
guidance supplements but does not change these regulatory 
requirements for federal credit unions.
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Introduction

    To protect against account overdrafts, some consumers obtain an 
overdraft line of credit, which is subject to the disclosure 
requirements of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). If a consumer does not 
have an overdraft line of credit, the institution may accommodate the 
consumer and pay overdrafts on a discretionary, ad-hoc basis. 
Regardless of whether the overdraft is paid, institutions typically 
have imposed a fee when an overdraft occurs, often referred to as a 
nonsufficient funds or ``NSF'' fee. Over the years, this accommodation 
has become automated by many institutions. Historically, institutions 
have not promoted this accommodation. This approach has not raised 
significant concerns.
    More recently, some depository institutions have offered 
``overdraft protection'' programs that, unlike the discretionary 
accommodation traditionally provided to those lacking a line of credit 
or other type of overdraft service (e.g., linked accounts), are 
marketed to consumers essentially as short-term credit facilities. 
These marketed programs typically provide consumers with an express 
overdraft ``limit'' that applies to their accounts.
    While the specific details of overdraft protection programs vary 
from institution to institution, and also vary over time, those 
currently offered by institutions incorporate some or all of the 
following characteristics:
     Institutions inform consumers that overdraft protection is 
a feature of their accounts and promote the use of the service. 
Institutions also may inform consumers of their aggregate dollar limit 
under the overdraft protection program.
     Coverage is automatic for consumers who meet the 
institution's criteria (e.g., account has been open a certain number of 
days; deposits are made regularly). Typically, the institution performs 
no credit underwriting.
     Overdrafts generally are paid up to the aggregate limit 
set by the institution for the specific class of accounts, typically 
$100 to $500.
     Many program disclosures state that payment of an 
overdraft is discretionary on the part of the institution, and may 
disclaim any legal obligation of the institution to pay any overdraft.
     The service may extend to check transactions as well as 
other transactions, such as withdrawals at automated teller machines 
(ATMs), transactions using debit cards, pre-authorized automatic debits 
from a consumer's account, telephone-initiated

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funds transfers, and on-line banking transactions.\6\
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    \6\ Transaction accounts at credit unions are called share draft 
accounts. For purposes of this joint guidance, the use of the term 
``check'' includes share drafts.
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     A flat fee is charged each time the service is triggered 
and an overdraft item is paid. Commonly, a fee in the same amount would 
be charged even if the overdraft item was not paid. A daily fee also 
may apply for each day the account remains overdrawn.
     Some institutions offer closed-end loans to consumers who 
do not bring their accounts to a positive balance within a specified 
time period. These repayment plans allow consumers to repay their 
overdrafts and fees in installments.

Concerns

    Aspects of the marketing, disclosure, and implementation of some 
overdraft protection programs, intended essentially as short-term 
credit facilities, are of concern to the Agencies. For example, some 
institutions have promoted this credit service in a manner that leads 
consumers to believe that it is a line of credit by informing consumers 
that their account includes an overdraft protection limit of a 
specified dollar amount without clearly disclosing the terms and 
conditions of the service, including how fees reduce overdraft 
protection dollar limits, and how the service differs from a line of 
credit.
    In addition, some institutions have adopted marketing practices 
that appear to encourage consumers to overdraw their accounts, such as 
by informing consumers that the service may be used to take an advance 
on their next paycheck, thereby potentially increasing the 
institutions' credit exposure with little or no analysis of the 
consumer's creditworthiness. These overdraft protection programs may be 
promoted in a manner that leads consumers to believe that overdrafts 
will always be paid when, in reality, the institution reserves the 
right not to pay some overdrafts. Some institutions may advertise 
accounts with overdraft protection coverage as ``free'' accounts, and 
thereby lead consumers to believe that there are no fees associated 
with the account or the overdraft protection program.
    Furthermore, institutions may not clearly disclose that the program 
may cover instances when consumers overdraw their accounts by means 
other than check, such as at ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. 
Some institutions may include overdraft protection amounts in the sum 
that they disclose as the consumer's account ``balance'' (for example, 
at an ATM) without clearly distinguishing the funds that are available 
for withdrawal without overdrawing the account. Where the institution 
knows that the transaction will trigger an overdraft fee, such as at a 
proprietary ATM, institutions also may not alert the consumer prior to 
the completion of the transaction to allow the consumer to cancel the 
transaction before the fee is triggered.
    Institutions should weigh carefully the risks presented by the 
programs including the credit, legal, reputation, safety and soundness, 
and other risks. Further, institutions should carefully review their 
programs to ensure that marketing and other communications concerning 
the programs do not mislead consumers to believe that the program is a 
traditional line of credit or that payment of overdrafts is guaranteed, 
do not mislead consumers about their account balance or the costs and 
scope of the overdraft protection offered, and do not encourage 
irresponsible consumer financial behavior that potentially may increase 
risk to the institution.

Safety and Soundness Considerations

    When overdrafts are paid, credit is extended. Overdraft protection 
programs may expose an institution to more credit risk (e.g., higher 
delinquencies and losses) than overdraft lines of credit and other 
traditional overdraft protection options to the extent these programs 
lack individual account underwriting. All overdrafts, whether or not 
subject to an overdraft protection program, are subject to the safety 
and soundness considerations contained in this section.
    Institutions providing overdraft protection programs should adopt 
written policies and procedures adequate to address the credit, 
operational, and other risks associated with these types of programs. 
Prudent risk management practices include the establishment of express 
account eligibility standards and well-defined and properly documented 
dollar limit decision criteria. Institutions also should monitor these 
accounts on an ongoing basis and be able to identify consumers who may 
represent an undue credit risk to the institution. Overdraft protection 
programs should be administered and adjusted, as needed, to ensure that 
credit risk remains in line with expectations. This may include, where 
appropriate, disqualification of a consumer from future overdraft 
protection. Reports sufficient to enable management to identify, 
measure, and manage overdraft volume, profitability, and credit 
performance should be provided to management on a regular basis.
    Institutions also are expected to incorporate prudent risk 
management practices related to account repayment and suspension of 
overdraft protection services. These include the establishment of 
specific timeframes for when consumers must pay off their overdraft 
balances. For example, there should be established procedures for the 
suspension of overdraft services when the account holder no longer 
meets the eligibility criteria (such as when the account holder has 
declared bankruptcy or defaulted on another loan at the bank) as well 
as for when there is a lack of repayment of an overdraft. In addition, 
overdraft balances should generally be charged off when considered 
uncollectible, but no later than 60 days from the date first 
overdrawn.\7\ In some cases, an institution may allow a consumer to 
cover an overdraft through an extended repayment plan when the consumer 
is unable to bring the account to a positive balance within the 
required time frames. The existence of the repayment plan, however, 
would not extend the charge-off determination period beyond 60 days (or 
shorter period if applicable) as measured from the date of the 
overdraft. Any payments received after the account is charged off (up 
to the amount charged off against allowance) should be reported as a 
recovery.
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    \7\ Federal credit unions are required by regulation to 
establish a time limit, not to exceed 45 calendar days, for a member 
to either deposit funds or obtain an approved loan from the credit 
union to cover each overdraft. 12 CFR 701.21(c)(3).
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    Some overdrafts are rewritten as loan obligations in accordance 
with an institution's loan policy and supported by a documented 
assessment of that consumer's ability to repay. In those instances, the 
charge-off timeframes described in the Federal Financial Institutions 
Examination Council (FFIEC) Uniform Retail Credit Classification and 
Account Management Policy would apply.\8\
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    \8\ For federally insured credit unions, charge-off policy for 
booked loans is described in NCUA Letter to Credit Unions No. 03-CU-
01, ``Loan Charge-off Guidance,'' dated January 2003.
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    With respect to the reporting of income and loss recognition on 
overdraft protection programs, institutions should follow generally 
accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the instructions for the 
Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report), and NCUA 5300 Call 
Report. Overdraft balances should be reported on

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regulatory reports as loans. Accordingly, overdraft losses should be 
charged off against the allowance for loan and lease losses. The 
Agencies expect all institutions to adopt rigorous loss estimation 
processes to ensure that overdraft fee income is accurately measured. 
Such methods may include providing loss allowances for uncollectible 
fees or, alternatively, only recognizing that portion of earned fees 
estimated to be collectible.\9\ The procedures for estimating an 
adequate allowance should be documented in accordance with the Policy 
Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Methodologies and 
Documentation for Banks and Savings Institutions.\10\
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    \9\ Institutions may charge off uncollected overdraft fees 
against the allowance for loan and lease losses if such fees are 
recorded with overdraft balances as loans and estimated credit 
losses on the fees are provided for in the allowance for loan and 
lease losses.
    \10\ Issued by the Board, FDIC, OCC, and Office of Thrift 
Supervision. The NCUA provided similar guidance to credit unions in 
Interpretive Ruling and Policy Statement 02-3, ``Allowance for Loan 
and Lease Losses Methodologies and Documentation for Federally 
Insured Credit Unions,'' 67 FR 37445, May 29, 2002.
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    If an institution advises account holders of the available amount 
of overdraft protection, for example, when accounts are opened or on 
depositors' account statements or ATM receipts, the institution should 
report the available amount of overdraft protection with legally 
binding commitments for Call Report, and NCUA 5300 Call Report 
purposes. These available amounts, therefore, should be reported as 
``unused commitments'' in regulatory reports.
    The Agencies also expect proper risk-based capital treatment of 
outstanding overdrawn balances and unused commitments.\11\ Overdraft 
balances should be risk-weighted according to the obligor. Under the 
federal banking agencies' risk-based capital guidelines, the capital 
charge on the unused portion of commitments generally is based on an 
off-balance sheet credit conversion factor and the risk weight 
appropriate to the obligor. In general, these guidelines provide that 
the unused portion of a commitment is subject to a zero percent credit 
conversion factor if the commitment has an original maturity of one 
year or less, or a 50 percent credit conversion factor if the 
commitment has an original maturity over one year. Under these 
guidelines, a zero percent conversion factor also applies to the unused 
portion of a ``retail credit card line'' or ``related plan'' if it is 
unconditionally cancelable by the institution in accordance with 
applicable law.\12\ The phrase ``related plans'' in these guidelines 
includes overdraft checking plans. The Agencies believe that the 
overdraft protection programs discussed in this joint guidance fall 
within the meaning of ``related plans'' as a type of ``overdraft 
checking plan'' for the purposes of the federal banking agencies'' 
risk-based capital guidelines. Consequently, overdraft protection 
programs that are unconditionally cancelable by the institution in 
accordance with applicable law would qualify for a zero percent credit 
conversion factor.
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    \11\ Federally insured credit unions should calculate risk-based 
net worth in accordance with the rules contained in 12 CFR Part 702.
    \12\ See 12 CFR Part 3, Appendix A, Section 3 (b)(5) (OCC); 12 
CFR Part 208, Appendix A, Section III.D.5 (Board); and 12 CFR Part 
325, Appendix A, Section II.D.5 (FDIC).
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    Institutions entering into overdraft protection contracts with 
third-party vendors must conduct thorough due diligence reviews prior 
to signing a contract. The interagency guidance contained in the 
November 2000 Risk Management of Outsourced Technology Services 
outlines the Agencies' expectations for prudent practices in this area.

Legal Risks

    Overdraft protection programs must comply with all applicable 
federal laws and regulations, some of which are outlined below. State 
laws also may be applicable, including usury and criminal laws, and 
laws on unfair or deceptive acts or practices. It is important that 
institutions have their overdraft protection programs reviewed by 
counsel for compliance with all applicable laws prior to 
implementation. Further, although the guidance below outlines federal 
laws and regulations as of the date this joint guidance is published, 
applicable laws and regulations are subject to amendment. Accordingly, 
institutions should monitor applicable laws and regulations for 
revisions and to ensure that their overdraft protection programs are 
fully compliant.

Federal Trade Commission Act/Advertising Rules

    Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) prohibits 
unfair or deceptive acts or practices.\13\ The banking agencies enforce 
this section pursuant to their authority in section 8 of the Federal 
Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1818.\14\ An act or practice is unfair 
if it causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers that 
is not reasonably avoidable by consumers themselves and not outweighed 
by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition. An act or 
practice is deceptive if, in general, it is a representation, omission, 
or practice that is likely to mislead a consumer acting reasonably 
under the circumstances, and the representation, omission, or practice 
is material.
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    \13\ 15 U.S.C. 45.
    \14\ See OCC Advisory Letter 2002-3 (March 2002); and joint 
Board and FDIC Guidance on Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices by 
State-Chartered Banks (March 11, 2004).
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    In addition, the NCUA has promulgated similar rules that prohibit 
federally insured credit unions from using advertisements or other 
representations that are inaccurate or misrepresent the services or 
contracts offered.\15\ These regulations are broad enough to prohibit 
federally insured credit unions from making any false representations 
to the public regarding their deposit accounts.
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    \15\ 12 CFR 740.2.
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    Overdraft protection programs may raise issues under either the FTC 
Act or, in connection with federally insured credit unions, the NCUA's 
advertising rules, depending upon how the programs are marketed and 
implemented. To avoid engaging in deceptive, inaccurate, 
misrepresentative, or unfair practices, institutions should closely 
review all aspects of their overdraft protection programs, especially 
any materials that inform consumers about the programs.

Truth in Lending Act

    TILA and Regulation Z require creditors to give cost disclosures 
for extensions of consumer credit.\16\ TILA and the regulation apply to 
creditors that regularly extend consumer credit that is subject to a 
finance charge or is payable by written agreement in more than four 
installments.\17\
    Under Regulation Z, fees for paying overdraft items currently are 
not considered finance charges if the institution has not agreed in 
writing to pay overdrafts.\18\ Even where the institution agrees in 
writing to pay overdrafts as part of the deposit account agreement, 
fees assessed against a transaction account for overdraft protection 
services are finance charges only to the extent the fees exceed the 
charges imposed for paying or returning overdrafts on a similar 
transaction

[[Page 9131]]

account that does not have overdraft protection.
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    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. TILA is implemented by Regulation Z, 
12 CFR Part 226.
    \17\ See 15 U.S.C. 1602(f) and 12 CFR 226.2(a)(17). Institutions 
should be aware that whether a written agreement exists is a matter 
of state law. See, e.g., 12 CFR 226.5.
    \18\ See 12 CFR 226.4(c)(3). Traditional lines of credit, which 
generally are subject to a written agreement, do not fall under this 
exception.
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    Some financial institutions also offer overdraft repayment loans to 
consumers who are unable to repay their overdrafts and bring their 
accounts to a positive balance within a specified time period.\19\ 
These closed-end loans will trigger Regulation Z disclosures, for 
example, if the loan is payable by written agreement in more than four 
installments. Regulation Z will also be triggered where such closed-end 
loans are subject to a finance charge.\20\
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    \19\ For federal credit unions, this time period may not exceed 
45 calendar days. 12 CFR 701.21(c)(3).
    \20\ See 12 CFR 226.4.
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Equal Credit Opportunity Act

    Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B, 
creditors are prohibited from discriminating against an applicant on a 
prohibited basis in any aspect of a credit transaction.\21\ This 
prohibition applies to overdraft protection programs. Thus, steering or 
targeting certain consumers on a prohibited basis for overdraft 
protection programs while offering other consumers overdraft lines of 
credit or other more favorable credit products or overdraft services, 
will raise concerns under the ECOA.
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    \21\ 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. The ECOA is implemented by 
Regulation B, 12 CFR Part 202. The ECOA prohibits discrimination on 
the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital 
status, age (provided the applicant has the capacity to contract), 
the fact that all or part of the applicant's income derives from a 
public assistance program, and the fact that the applicant has in 
good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection 
Act.
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    In addition to the general prohibition against discrimination, the 
ECOA and Regulation B contain specific rules concerning procedures and 
notices for credit denials and other adverse action. Regulation B 
defines the term ``adverse action,'' and generally requires a creditor 
who takes adverse action to send a notice to the consumer providing, 
among other things, the reasons for the adverse action.\22\ Some 
actions taken by creditors under overdraft protection programs might 
constitute adverse action but would not require notice to the consumer 
if the credit is deemed to be ``incidental credit'' as defined in 
Regulation B. ``Incidental credit'' includes consumer credit that is 
not subject to a finance charge, is not payable by agreement in more 
than four installments, and is not made pursuant to the terms of a 
credit card account.\23\ Overdraft protection programs that are not 
covered by TILA would generally qualify as incidental credit under 
Regulation B.
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    \22\ See 12 CFR 202.2(c) and 9.
    \23\ See 12 CFR 202.3(c).
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Truth in Savings Act

    Under the Truth in Savings Act (TISA), deposit account disclosures 
must include the amount of any fee that may be imposed in connection 
with the account and the conditions under which the fee may be 
imposed.\24\ In addition, institutions must give advance notice to 
affected consumers of any change in a term that was required to be 
disclosed if the change may reduce the annual percentage yield or 
adversely affect the consumer.
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    \24\ 12 U.S.C. 4301 et seq. TISA is implemented by Regulation DD 
at 12 CFR Part 230 for banks and savings associations, and by NCUA's 
TISA regulation at 12 CFR Part 707 for federally insured credit 
unions.
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    When overdraft protection services are added to an existing deposit 
account, advance notice to the account holder may be required, for 
example, if the fee for the service exceeds the fee for accounts that 
do not have the service.\25\ In addition, TISA prohibits institutions 
from making any advertisement, announcement, or solicitation relating 
to a deposit account that is inaccurate or misleading or that 
misrepresents their deposit contracts.
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    \25\ An advance change in terms notice would not be required if 
the consumer's account disclosures stated that their overdraft check 
may or may not be paid and the same fee would apply.
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    Since these automated and marketed overdraft protection programs 
did not exist when most of the implementing regulations were issued, 
the regulations may be reevaluated.

Electronic Fund Transfer Act

    The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E require an 
institution to provide consumers with account-opening disclosures and 
to send a periodic statement for each monthly cycle in which an 
electronic fund transfer (EFT) has occurred and at least quarterly if 
no transfer has occurred.\26\ If, under an overdraft protection 
program, a consumer could overdraw an account by means of an ATM 
withdrawal or POS debit card transaction, both are EFTs subject to EFTA 
and Regulation E. As such, periodic statements must be readily 
understandable and accurate regarding debits made, current balances, 
and fees charged. Terminal receipts also must be readily understandable 
and accurate regarding the amount of the transfer. Moreover, readily 
understandable and accurate statements and receipts will help reduce 
the number of alleged errors that the institution must investigate 
under Regulation E, which can be time-consuming and costly to 
institutions.
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    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq. The EFTA is implemented by 
Regulation E, 12 CFR Part 205.
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Best Practices

    Clear disclosures and explanations to consumers of the operation, 
costs, and limitations of an overdraft protection program and 
appropriate management oversight of the program are fundamental to 
enabling responsible use of overdraft protection. Such disclosures and 
oversight can also minimize potential consumer confusion and 
complaints, foster good customer relations, and reduce credit, legal, 
and other potential risks to the institution. Institutions that 
establish overdraft protection programs should, as applicable, take 
into consideration the following best practices, many of which have 
been recommended or implemented by financial institutions and others, 
as well as practices that may otherwise be required by applicable law. 
While the Agencies are concerned about promoted overdraft protection 
programs, the best practices may also be useful for other methods of 
covering overdrafts. These best practices currently observed in or 
recommended by the industry include:

Marketing and Communications With Consumers

     Avoid promoting poor account management. Institutions 
should not market the program in a manner that encourages routine or 
intentional overdrafts. Institutions should instead present the program 
as a customer service that may cover inadvertent consumer overdrafts.
     Fairly represent overdraft protection programs and 
alternatives. When informing consumers about an overdraft protection 
program, inform consumers generally of other overdraft services and 
credit products, if any, that are available at the institution and how 
the terms, including fees, for these services and products differ. 
Identify for consumers the consequences of extensively using the 
overdraft protection program.
     Train staff to explain program features and other choices. 
Train customer service or consumer complaint processing staff to 
explain their overdraft protection program's features, costs, and 
terms, including how to opt out of the service. Staff also should be 
able to explain other available overdraft products offered by the 
institution and how consumers may qualify for them.
     Clearly explain discretionary nature of program. If 
payment of an overdraft is discretionary, make this clear. Institutions 
should not represent that the payment of overdrafts is guaranteed

[[Page 9132]]

or assured if the institution retains discretion not to pay an 
overdraft.
     Distinguish overdraft protection services from ``free'' 
account features. Institutions should not promote ``free'' accounts and 
overdraft protection programs in the same advertisement in a manner 
that suggests the overdraft protection program is free of charges.
     Clearly disclose program fees. In communications about 
overdraft protection programs, clearly disclose the dollar amount of 
the fee for each overdraft and any interest rate or other fees that may 
apply. For example, rather than merely stating that the institution's 
standard NSF fee will apply, institutions should restate the dollar 
amount of any applicable fee or interest charge.
     Clarify that fees count against the disclosed overdraft 
protection dollar limit. Consumers should be alerted that the fees 
charged for covering overdrafts, as well as the amount of the overdraft 
item, will be subtracted from any overdraft protection limit disclosed.
     Demonstrate when multiple fees will be charged. If 
promoting an overdraft protection program, clearly disclose, where 
applicable, that more than one overdraft fee may be charged against the 
account per day, depending on the number of checks presented on, and 
other withdrawals made from, the consumer's account.
     Explain impact of transaction clearing policies. Clearly 
explain to consumers that transactions may not be processed in the 
order in which they occurred, and that the order in which transactions 
are received by the institution and processed can affect the total 
amount of overdraft fees incurred by the consumer.
     Illustrate the type of transactions covered. Clearly 
disclose that overdraft fees may be imposed on transactions such as ATM 
withdrawals, debit card transactions, preauthorized automatic debits, 
telephone-initiated transfers or other electronic transfers, if 
applicable, to avoid implying that check transactions are the only 
transactions covered.

Program Features and Operation

     Provide election or opt-out of service. Obtain affirmative 
consent of consumers to receive overdraft protection. Alternatively, 
where overdraft protection is automatically provided, permit consumers 
to ``opt out'' of the overdraft program and provide a clear consumer 
disclosure of this option.
     Alert consumers before a transaction triggers any fees. 
When consumers attempt to withdraw or transfer funds made available 
through an overdraft protection program, provide a specific consumer 
notice, where feasible, that completing the withdrawal may trigger the 
overdraft fees (for example, it presently may be feasible at a branch 
teller window). This notice should be presented in a manner that 
permits consumers to cancel the attempted withdrawal or transfer after 
receiving the notice. If this is not feasible, then post notices (e.g., 
on proprietary ATMs) explaining that transactions may be approved that 
overdraw the account and fees may be incurred. Institutions should 
consider making access to the overdraft protection program unavailable 
through means other than check transactions, if feasible.
     Prominently distinguish balances from overdraft protection 
funds availability. When disclosing a single balance for an account by 
any means, institutions should not include overdraft protection funds 
in that account balance. The disclosure should instead represent the 
consumer's own funds available without the overdraft protection funds 
included. If more than one balance is provided, separately (and 
prominently) identify the balance without the inclusion of overdraft 
protection.
     Promptly notify consumers of overdraft protection program 
usage each time used. Promptly notify consumers when overdraft 
protection has been accessed, for example, by sending a notice to 
consumers the day the overdraft protection program has been accessed. 
The notification should identify the date of the transaction, the type 
of transaction, the overdraft amount, the fee associated with the 
overdraft, the amount necessary to return the account to a positive 
balance, the amount of time consumers have to return their accounts to 
a positive balance, and the consequences of not returning the account 
to a positive balance within the given timeframe. Notify consumers if 
the institution terminates or suspends the consumer's access to the 
service, for example, if the consumer is no longer in good standing.
     Consider daily limits on the consumer's costs. Consider 
imposing a cap on consumers' potential daily costs from the overdraft 
program. For example, consider limiting daily costs from the program by 
providing a numerical limit on the total overdraft transactions that 
will be subject to a fee per day or by providing a dollar limit on the 
total fees that will be imposed per day.
     Monitor overdraft protection program usage. Monitor 
excessive consumer usage, which may indicate a need for alternative 
credit arrangements or other services, and inform consumers of these 
available options.
     Fairly report program usage. Institutions should not 
report negative information to consumer reporting agencies when the 
overdrafts are paid under the terms of overdraft protection programs 
that have been promoted by the institutions.
    This concludes the text of the final Joint Guidance on Overdraft 
Protection Programs.

    Dated: February 15, 2005.
Julie L. Williams,
Acting Comptroller of the Currency.


    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, February 17, 2005.
Robert deV. Frierson,
Deputy Secretary of the Board.

    Dated at Washington, DC, the 16th day of February, 2005.

    By order of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.

    By the National Credit Union Administration Board on February 
17, 2005.
Mary F. Rupp,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 05-3499 Filed 2-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-33-P; 6210-01-P; 6714-01-P; 7535-01-P