Deposit Insurance Coverage; Stored Value Cards and Other Nontraditional Access Mechanisms, 45571-45581 [05-15568]

Agencies

• FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45571-45581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15568]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

12 CFR Part 330


Deposit Insurance Coverage; Stored Value Cards and Other 
Nontraditional Access Mechanisms

AGENCY: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FDIC is proposing to promulgate a regulation that would 
clarify the insurance coverage of funds subject to transfer or 
withdrawal through the use of stored value cards and other 
nontraditional access mechanisms. This proposed rule is a revision of a 
proposed rule published by the FDIC in April of 2004 (the ``First 
Proposed Rule''). See 69 FR 20558 (April 16, 2004). The purpose of the 
revised proposed rule (the ``Second Proposed Rule'') is to address 
certain issues raised by commenters in response to the original 
proposal. Through the Second Proposed Rule, the FDIC would add a new 
subsection to part 330 of title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 
The new subsection would promote accuracy and consistency by insured 
depository institutions in reporting ``deposits'' for inclusion in an 
institution's assessment base. Also, the new subsection would provide 
guidance to the public about the insurance coverage of funds underlying 
nontraditional access mechanisms.

DATES: Written comments must be received by the FDIC no later than 
November 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments to 
the FDIC by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Agency Web site: https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/
federal/propose.html. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: comments@fdic.gov. Include ``Part 330--Stored 
Value Cards'' in the subject line of the message.
     Mail: Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary, Attention: 
Comments/Legal ESS, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20429.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Comments may be hand-delivered to 
the guard station located at the rear of the FDIC's 550 17th Street 
building (accessible from F Street) on business days between 7 a.m. and 
5 p.m.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and use 
the title ``Part 330--Stored Value Cards.'' All comments received will 
be posted without change to https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/
federal/propose.html, including any personal information

[[Page 45572]]

provided. Comments may be inspected and photocopied in the FDIC Public 
Information Center, Room 100, 801 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC, 
between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on business days.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher L. Hencke, Counsel, Legal 
Division, (202) 898-8839, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 
17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20429.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. The Statutory Definition of ``Deposit''

    In the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (``FDI Act''), the term 
``deposit'' is defined at section 3(l) (12 U.S.C. 1813(l)). This 
section includes several paragraphs. At paragraph 3(l)(1), the term 
``deposit'' is defined in part as ``the unpaid balance of money or its 
equivalent received or held by a bank or savings association in the 
usual course of business and for which it has given or is obligated to 
give credit, either conditionally or unconditionally, to a commercial, 
checking, savings, time, or thrift account, or which is evidenced by 
its certificate of deposit, thrift certificate, investment certificate, 
certificate of indebtedness, or other similar name * * *.'' 12 U.S.C. 
1813(l)(1).
    At paragraph 3(l)(3), the term ``deposit'' is defined in part as 
``money received or held by a bank or savings association, or the 
credit given for money or its equivalent received or held by a bank or 
savings association, in the usual course of business for a special or 
specific purpose, regardless of the legal relationship thereby 
established, including without being limited to, escrow funds, funds 
held as security for an obligation due to the bank or savings 
association or others (including funds held as dealers reserves) or for 
securities loaned by the bank or savings association, funds deposited 
by a debtor to meet maturing obligations, funds deposited as advance 
payment on subscriptions to United States Government securities, funds 
held for distribution or purchase of securities, funds held to meet its 
acceptances or letters of credit, and withheld taxes * * *.'' 12 U.S.C. 
1813(l)(3).
    Finally, paragraph 3(l)(5) provides that the FDIC, in consultation 
with the other federal banking agencies, may define ``deposit'' through 
regulation. See 12 U.S.C. 1813(l)(5). In accordance with paragraph 
3(l)(5), the FDIC is consulting with the other agencies in connection 
with this proposed rulemaking.

II. General Counsel's Opinion No. 8

    In 1996, the FDIC applied the statutory definition of ``deposit'' 
to funds at insured depository institutions underlying stored value 
cards. The FDIC concluded that the funds in some stored value card 
systems are ``deposits'' but that the funds in other systems are not 
``deposits.'' The FDIC's interpretation was set forth in General 
Counsel's Opinion No. 8 (``GC8''). See 61 FR 40490 (August 2, 1996).
    In GC8, the FDIC identified four types of stored value card systems 
that involve banks: (1) A ``Bank Primary-Reserve System'' (2) a ``Bank 
Primary-Customer Account System''; (3) a ``Bank Secondary-Advance 
System''; and (4) a ``Bank Secondary-Pre-Acquisition System.'' Each of 
these systems is described below.
    In a ``Bank Primary-Reserve System,'' the insured depository 
institution issues stored value cards in exchange for cash from the 
cardholders. The depository institution does not maintain an individual 
account for each cardholder; rather, the institution maintains a pooled 
``reserve account'' for all cardholders. In making payments to 
merchants or other payees (as the cardholders use their cards to 
purchase goods or services), the depository institution disburses funds 
from this ``reserve account.'' In GC8, the FDIC determined that such 
funds held by the insured depository institution do not satisfy the 
statutory definition of ``deposit'' at section 3(l) of the FDI Act. In 
making this determination, the FDIC specifically addressed the 
applicability of paragraphs 3(l)(1) and 3(l)(3) (quoted above). First, 
in finding that the funds do not satisfy paragraph 3(l)(1), the FDIC 
found that the stored value cards are not structured so that the 
institution credits a conventional commercial, checking, savings, time 
or thrift account. Rather, the institution credits the pooled ``reserve 
account.'' See 61 FR at 40492. Second, in finding that the funds do not 
satisfy paragraph 3(l)(3), the FDIC determined that the purpose of the 
funds is insufficiently ``special or specific'' because the cardholder 
might ``engage in any of a number of unrelated transactions'' with the 
result that the funds ``could be associated with general or 
miscellaneous unrelated transactions.'' 61 FR at 40493. On the basis of 
this reasoning, the FDIC concluded that the funds in this type of 
system are not ``deposits.'' See 61 FR at 40493, 40494.
    A ``Bank Primary-Customer Account System'' is similar to a ``Bank 
Primary-Reserve System'' in that the insured depository institution 
issues stored value cards in exchange for cash from the cardholders. 
The two systems differ, however, in their accounting techniques. In a 
``Bank Primary-Customer Account System,'' the depository institution 
does not maintain a pooled ``reserve account'' for all cardholders. 
Rather, the institution maintains an individual account for each 
cardholder. Citing paragraph 3(l)(1) of the statutory definition 
(quoted above), the FDIC in GC8 determined that the funds in these 
individual accounts are ``deposits.'' See 61 FR at 40492, 40494.
    In a ``Bank Secondary-Advance System,'' the insured depository 
institution acts as an intermediary in collecting funds from 
cardholders in exchange for stored value cards issued by a third party 
or sponsoring company. The funds are held by the depository institution 
for a short period of time, then forwarded to the sponsoring company. 
See 61 FR at 40490. Later, when the cardholder uses the stored value 
card to make a purchase from a merchant, the sponsoring company (and 
not the depository institution) sends the appropriate amount of money 
to the merchant. In GC8, the FDIC determined that the funds collected 
by the depository institution are ``deposits'' belonging to the 
sponsoring company for the brief period before the funds are forwarded 
to the sponsoring company. The funds are not ``deposits'' belonging to 
the cardholders because the institution's liability for these funds is 
owed to the sponsoring company for whom the institution is temporarily 
holding the funds. See 61 FR at 40490-91, 40494.
    Similarly, in a ``Bank Secondary-Pre-Acquisition System,'' the 
insured depository institution provides cardholders with cards issued 
by a third party or sponsoring company. Prior to selling the cards to 
the cardholders, however, the depository institution purchases the 
cards from the sponsoring company. See 61 FR at 40490. In this respect, 
the system is different than a ``Bank Secondary-Advance System.'' When 
the depository institution resells the cards to the cardholders, no 
money is owed to the sponsoring company. For this reason, the 
depository institution is free to retain the funds collected from the 
cardholders. Later, when a cardholder uses his/her stored value card to 
make a purchase from a merchant, the sponsoring company and not the 
depository institution sends the appropriate amount of funds to the 
merchant. In GC8, the FDIC determined that the funds collected by the 
depository institution in this system are not ``deposits.'' See 61 FR 
at 40491, 40494. This conclusion was based upon the fact that the 
depository institution, in collecting funds from cardholders, does not 
assume a responsibility to

[[Page 45573]]

return or disburse the funds to the cardholders or the sponsoring 
company or any other party. Rather, the depository institution merely 
sells the right to collect funds from the sponsoring company (i.e., the 
issuer of the cards). Thus, the funds underlying the stored value cards 
are held by the sponsoring company, not by the depository institution. 
Under these circumstances, no ``deposits'' exist at the depository 
institution. See 12 U.S.C. 1813(l)(1) (defining ``deposit'' as an 
``unpaid balance of money or its equivalent''); 12 U.S.C. 1813(l)(3) 
(providing that the term ``deposit'' does not include ``funds which are 
received by the bank or savings association for immediate application 
to the reduction of an indebtedness to the receiving bank or savings 
association, or under condition that the receipt thereof immediately 
reduces or extinguishes such an indebtedness'').

III. The First Proposed Rule

    Following the publication of GC8, the banking industry developed 
new types of stored value cards and stored value card systems. Indeed, 
stored value cards are one of the fastest growing products in the 
financial industry.
    Certain types of cards are being marketed to lower-income 
consumers, especially the unbanked and the underbanked. The use of 
stored value cards can serve as a point of entry into the banking 
system for consumers without bank accounts, as well as provide asset-
building and credit-building opportunities. Industry innovation in this 
area is of considerable interest to regulatory agencies and banks 
reaching out to underserved markets.
    With more than 10 million unbanked households in the United States, 
prepaid debit products such as stored value cards or reloadable 
``payroll cards'' are increasingly being used by employers to remit 
wages electronically to their employees. These cards have been used to 
provide consumers with a viable means of accessing funds and making 
financial transactions. Payroll cards have also served as an 
alternative to paying high fees at non-bank check cashers. Functioning 
as ``checkless bank accounts,'' payroll debit cards have provided a 
convenient and safer way to store funds, pay for purchases, access 
automated teller machines (``ATMs'') and pay bills. In addition, 
foreign remittance services are one of the ways in which banks use 
debit cards to build relationships with a large population of unbanked 
customers. The ability of banks to reach out to low- and moderate-
income consumers with products such as low-cost debit accounts, 
remittance services and individual development accounts may receive 
favorable consideration during Community Reinvestment Act examinations.
    The evolving and increasing use of stored value cards is important 
to the banking industry. The FDIC and others in the banking industry 
recognize the importance of these cards to all consumers, including the 
underbanked. These cards provide banks with an opportunity to reach 
underserved markets.
    While serving important needs, the development of new types of 
stored value cards has raised legal issues that the FDIC did not 
address in GC8. One of the new stored value card systems could be 
described as a ``hybrid system'' in that it combines the ``Bank 
Primary-Reserve System'' with the ``Bank Primary-Customer Account 
System.'' In this hybrid system, the insured depository institution 
issues stored value cards against a pooled ``reserve account'' but also 
maintains individual accounts or subaccounts for the various 
cardholders. In some cases, the individual accounts or subaccounts are 
maintained by a processing agent. GC8 did not address such hybrid 
systems.
    The banking industry also developed a system in which stored value 
cards are issued by a sponsoring company against an account at an 
insured depository institution. The issuance of cards by a sponsoring 
company (as opposed to a depository institution) is not a new 
development: the ``Bank Secondary-Advance System'' and the ``Bank 
Secondary-Pre-Acquisition System'' both involve the issuance of stored 
value cards by sponsoring companies. The new development (or at least 
the feature of ``secondary systems'' not discussed by the FDIC in GC8) 
is the funding of a bank account by the sponsoring company for the 
purpose of making payments on the stored value cards. When a cardholder 
uses his/her card to make a purchase from a merchant, the funds are 
disbursed to the merchant from this bank account. In GC8, the FDIC 
never addressed the question of whether the funds in such an account 
qualify as ``deposits.''
    The ``payroll card'' is another type of card not specifically 
addressed in GC8. Such cards are distributed by employers to employees 
in lieu of paychecks. Prior to distributing the cards (or prior to 
activating the cards), the employer (directly or through a processing 
agent) places funds at a depository institution. After the distribution 
of the cards and the placement of the funds, the employees transfer or 
withdraw the funds through the use of their cards. In some cases, 
payroll cards are reloadable.
    GC8 also included no specific discussion of ``gift cards.'' A 
person might buy a gift card from a retail store. In some cases, the 
gift card may be used to purchase goods or services wherever a major 
credit card may be used. Prior to the sales of such cards, the retail 
store (or some company under an agreement with the retail store) may 
place funds at a depository institution. After the sales of the cards 
and the placement of the funds, the cardholders transfer or withdraw 
the funds through the use of the cards.
    In response to the development of these new types of stored value 
cards and stored value card systems, the FDIC published the First 
Proposed Rule. See 69 FR 20558 (April 16, 2004). The FDIC recognized 
the existence of three types of stored value card systems. First, the 
FDIC recognized systems in which an insured depository institution 
receives funds from cardholders, or receives funds from others on 
behalf of cardholders, in exchange for stored value cards issued by the 
depository institution. Under the First Proposed Rule, the funds held 
by the institution would be ``deposits'' unless (1) the institution 
records its liabilities for such funds in an account representing 
multiple cardholders; and (2) the institution (directly or through an 
agent) maintains no supplemental records or subaccounts reflecting the 
amount owed to each cardholder. Thus, in regard to ``Bank Primary-
Reserve Systems'' and ``Bank Primary-Customer Account Systems,'' the 
First Proposed Rule followed GC8. In addition, the First Proposed Rule 
provided that the funds in a hybrid system (not addressed in GC8) would 
be ``deposits.''
    Second, the FDIC recognized systems in which an insured depository 
institution receives funds from cardholders in exchange for stored 
value cards issued by a sponsoring company (e.g., a ``Bank Secondary-
Advance System'' or a ``Bank Secondary-Pre-Acquisition System''). Under 
the First Proposed Rule, the funds would be ``deposits'' if the 
depository institution bears an obligation to forward the funds to the 
sponsoring company or to hold the funds for the sponsoring company. 
After the forwarding or withdrawal of such funds, of course, the funds 
would cease to be ``deposits.'' Also, the funds would never be 
``deposits'' if the depository institution never bears an obligation to 
forward or hold the funds (e.g., the depository institution purchases 
stored value cards from the sponsoring company and then resells the 
cards to the cardholders). In other

[[Page 45574]]

words, in regard to ``Bank Secondary-Advance Systems'' and ``Bank 
Secondary-Pre-Acquisition Systems,'' the First Proposed Rule simply 
followed GC8.
    Third, the FDIC recognized systems in which funds are placed at an 
insured depository institution by a sponsoring company for the purpose 
of making payments on stored value cards issued by that company. As 
discussed above, this type of system was not addressed in GC8. Under 
the First Proposed Rule, the funds in such a system would be 
``deposits.''
    The First Proposed Rule did not set forth specific rules for 
``payroll cards'' or ``gift cards.'' Thus, under the First Proposed 
Rule, the funds underlying such cards would be subject to the general 
rules summarized above.
    Finally, assuming that the funds in a particular system are 
``deposits,'' the First Proposed Rule set forth no specific rules for 
determining whether the insured depositor is the cardholder as opposed 
to some other party (such as the employer in the case of payroll 
cards). Rather, the First Proposed Rule simply provided that the 
insurance coverage of the deposits would be governed by the same rules 
that apply to any other deposits. See 12 CFR part 330.
    A separate issue is whether stored value cards should include 
mandatory disclosures as to whether the underlying funds are insured by 
the FDIC. In publishing the First Proposed Rule, the FDIC raised this 
issue but did not set forth any specific rules. Rather, the FDIC merely 
requested comments.

IV. The Comments

    In response to the First Proposed Rule, the FDIC received 36 
comments.\1\ Approximately eight comments supported the proposed rule 
while approximately twenty comments opposed the rule. The other 
comments could be characterized as neutral.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Though a few of the comments were untimely, the FDIC has 
considered all of the comments in revising the proposed rule.
    \2\ Some comments represented multiple parties. For example, one 
comment represented 26 consumer groups. Comments from banking trade 
associations represented multiple banks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In supporting the First Proposed Rule, some commenters emphasized 
the importance of protecting consumers (i.e., the persons who hold 
stored value cards). Others simply endorsed the proposed classification 
scheme (in which most funds held by banks would be ``deposits'' but 
some funds might not be ``deposits'').
    Those commenters who opposed the First Proposed Rule presented a 
variety of objections. One of the objections was that the scope of the 
First Proposed Rule was too narrow. This particular objection is 
discussed in section A below. This objection warrants a separate 
discussion because the FDIC agrees that the scope of the proposed rule 
must be reconsidered. In section B, the commenters' additional 
objections and arguments are discussed. These arguments include the 
following: (1) The proposed rule will trigger other laws and 
regulations; (2) the proposed rule is inconsistent with GC8; (3) 
cardholders do not expect to be insured; (4) the FDIC should recognize 
distinctions among types of stored value cards; (5) the funds 
underlying payroll cards should be insured but the funds underlying 
gift cards should not be insured; (6) adoption of the proposed rule 
will have a ``chilling effect'' on the development of stored value 
products; and (7) the adoption of a regulation is ``premature.''

A. The Scope of the Proposed Rule

    The stated purpose of the First Proposed Rule was ``to clarify the 
meaning of `deposit' as that term relates to funds at insured 
depository institutions underlying stored value cards.'' The term 
``stored value card'' was defined as ``a device that enables the 
cardholder to transfer the underlying funds (i.e., the funds received 
by the issuer of the card in exchange for the issuance or reloading of 
the card) to a merchant at the merchant's point of sale terminal.'' 69 
FR at 20565-66. This stated purpose and this definition were based upon 
language in GC8. See 61 FR at 40490-91.
    A number of commenters expressed the opinion that the proposed 
definition of ``stored value card'' is too narrow. They noted, for 
example, that some cards not only enable cardholders to transfer funds 
to merchants at point of sale terminals but also enable cardholders to 
make withdrawals at ATMs. Moreover, a device or mechanism that enables 
the user to make such transfers or withdrawals may not be a ``card'' at 
all. The mechanism could be a code or computer. Finally, some 
commenters noted that the term ``stored value card'' may be less common 
today than the term ``prepaid card.''
    Response: The FDIC agrees with these comments and is reconsidering 
the scope of the proposed rule.
    Of course, no rule at all may be necessary if the funds underlying 
``stored value cards'' or similar mechanisms do not differ in any 
material respects from the funds underlying ordinary checks or ATM 
cards (i.e., the funds in ordinary checking accounts). Although some of 
the literature suggests that stored value cards are different than 
checks because the funds are stored ``on the card,'' nothing is 
actually stored on the card except information (such as information 
about the amount available to the cardholder for transfers to 
merchants). In this respect, a stored value card is similar to a paper 
check. Both a card and a check serve as the means of transferring funds 
held at a bank. In both cases, the funds are delivered to merchants 
through a ``clearing'' process. This similarity was recognized in GC8. 
See 61 FR at 40490.
    If a particular stored value card may be used to make withdrawals 
from ATM machines, then the card is similar to an ordinary ATM card. 
The use of a bank ATM machine to make withdrawals is a demonstration of 
the fact that the underlying funds are held at a bank, not ``on the 
card.''
    In short, stored value cards are very similar to traditional 
mechanisms for transferring or withdrawing funds from a bank. To the 
extent that the underlying funds have been placed at a bank, a self-
described ``stored value card'' can serve as an access mechanism.\3\ In 
this regard, a stored value card is no different than a check or bank-
issued traveler's check or money order. None of these mechanisms 
actually stores money. All of these mechanisms merely provide access to 
money stored at a bank.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ To the extent that the card or other mechanism does not 
involve the placement of funds at a bank, the FDIC's regulations are 
inapplicable. For example, the FDIC's regulations do not apply to 
``closed systems'' in which the cardholder deals directly with a 
merchant without the involvement of a bank. In such a system, the 
cardholder typically purchases his/her card directly from the 
merchant. The card enables the holder, at a later point in time, to 
collect goods or services from the same merchant. At that time, 
payment is not received by the merchant through a bank. On the 
contrary, the merchant has been prepaid through the sale of the 
card. Following the sale of the card, the merchant might place the 
funds into a deposit account at an FDIC-insured depository 
institution but any such placement of funds would have no effect on 
the ``value'' of the card or the cardholder's ability to use the 
card to collect the promised goods or services. To the extent that 
the merchant places the funds into an account at an insured 
depository institution, the funds would be insurable to the merchant 
(not the cardholder) as the deposit of a corporation. See 12 CFR 
330.11(a) (providing that the deposit accounts of a corporation are 
added together and insured up to $100,000).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Perhaps the major difference between stored value cards and 
traditional access mechanisms is that the holder of a stored value 
card, unlike the holder of a book of checks or the holder of an ATM 
card, need not deal directly with a bank. Rather, the holder of a 
stored

[[Page 45575]]

value card may deal with either a bank or a third party.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ Even this difference may be overstated. While the purchaser 
of a stored value card might not deal directly with a bank, the 
purchaser of a traditional money order also might not deal directly 
with a bank. Rather, the purchaser might deal with an express 
company or money transmitter. If the money transmitter places funds 
into a bank, the funds will be ``deposits'' of the money-
transmitting company and not ``deposits'' of the purchasers. See, 
e.g., FDIC Advisory Opinion No. 91-21 (March 21, 1991). Under the 
Second Proposed Rule, funds underlying stored value cards would be 
treated in a similar fashion (i.e., the funds placed in a bank would 
be ``deposits'' but not necessarily ``deposits'' of the purchasers).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For example, in the case of payroll cards, the cardholders receive 
their cards from their employer (or agent company on behalf of the 
employer). The underlying funds are placed at a depository institution 
by the employer. After the distribution of the cards and the placement 
of the funds, the cards are used by the cardholders to transfer or 
withdraw the funds.
    Similarly, in the case of gift cards, the cardholders may buy their 
cards from a retail store. Prior to selling the cards, the retail store 
(or some other company under an agreement with the retail store) may 
place the underlying funds at a depository institution. After the 
selling of the cards and the placement of the funds, the cards are used 
by the cardholders to transfer or withdraw the funds.
    The fact that a depository institution holds the funds but might 
not deal directly with the cardholders creates the possibility that the 
institution will maintain no records as to the identities of the 
cardholders. In the event of the failure of the depository institution, 
the anonymity of the cardholders would create an obvious problem for 
the FDIC in attempting to pay deposit insurance to the cardholders. 
Concerns about the possible anonymity of cardholders played a large 
role in the FDIC's issuance of GC8 in 1996.
    The problem of anonymity is not limited to persons with stored 
value cards. The same problem might exist in the case of persons who 
use other nontraditional means of transferring funds. For example, a 
company might provide customers with the service of purchasing goods or 
transferring funds over the Internet. In order to effectuate such 
transfers, the company might place funds at banks without providing the 
bank with information as to the identities of the customers. In such a 
scenario, an issue would exist as to whether the funds at the bank are 
``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(1) of the statutory definition (as 
interpreted in GC8) because the funds would not be held in conventional 
checking or savings accounts. In addition, an issue would exist as to 
whether the funds are ``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(3) of the 
statutory definition (as interpreted in GC8) because the funds might be 
used by the customers to make general and miscellaneous purchases over 
the Internet. Finally, assuming that the funds are ``deposits,'' an 
issue would exist as to whether the funds should be insured to the 
company as opposed to the anonymous customers.
    In short, the issues that exist with respect to the funds 
underlying stored value cards also exist with respect to the funds 
underlying other nontraditional access mechanisms. In order to resolve 
this broader set of issues, the FDIC has decided to replace the First 
Proposed Rule (dealing solely with funds underlying stored value cards) 
with the Second Proposed Rule (dealing with funds underlying all types 
of nontraditional access mechanisms). The Second Proposed Rule is 
explained in detail in section V, infra.

B. Other Objections

    In response to the First Proposed Rule, commenters presented a 
number of objections that also might apply to the Second Proposed Rule. 
Each of the principal objections and arguments is discussed in turn 
below.
    The Effect Upon Other Laws. Some commenters objected to the First 
Proposed Rule on the grounds that the adoption of a broad definition of 
``deposit'' would trigger various laws and regulations that the 
commenters characterized as burdensome. Several commenters stated that 
the applicability of these laws and regulations could stifle 
development and increase costs of stored value products. The given 
examples of such laws and regulations included the Federal Reserve Act 
as implemented by Regulation D and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act as 
implemented by Regulation E. Commenters also cited Regulation P 
(privacy of consumer financial information), Regulation CC 
(availability of funds), Regulation DD (truth in savings), laws 
involving branches and mergers, the USA Patriot Act, and state laws 
involving escheat and liens.
    Response: The laws and regulations cited by the commenters do not 
incorporate the definition of ``deposit'' in the FDI Act. Therefore, 
the FDIC's interpretation of ``deposit'' does not necessarily determine 
the applicability of these laws and regulations.
    Regulation E is illustrative. This regulation provides certain 
protections to consumers who use electronic fund transfer services. See 
12 CFR part 205. Nothing in Regulation E limits its application to 
consumers with ``deposits'' as defined in the FDI Act. Rather, 
Regulation E protects consumers with ``a demand deposit (checking), 
savings, or other consumer asset account (other than an occasional or 
incidental credit balance in a credit plan) held directly or indirectly 
by a financial institution and established primarily for personal, 
family, or household purposes.'' 12 CFR 205.2(b)(1) (emphasis added).
    In September of 2004, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System published a proposed rule that would provide that ``payroll card 
accounts'' are covered by Regulation E. See 69 FR 55996 (September 17, 
2004). The proposed rule does not provide that Regulation E shall apply 
to all types of stored value card accounts or that Regulation E shall 
apply to all ``deposits'' as defined in the FDI Act. Thus, on its face, 
the proposed rule indicates that the applicability of Regulation E to 
consumers' accounts need not be coextensive with the insurance coverage 
of ``deposits'' as defined in the FDI Act.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The applicability of Regulation E or other regulations 
administered by the Board of Governors lies within the jurisdiction 
of the Board of Governors, not within the jurisdiction of the FDIC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Consistency With GC8. Some commenters who opposed the First 
Proposed Rule presented legal arguments based on the statutory 
definition of ``deposit'' at 12 U.S.C. 1813(l). Most of these 
commenters objected to the FDIC's proposed treatment of funds in hybrid 
systems (i.e., systems in which the depository institution maintains a 
pooled ``reserve account'' for all cardholders as in a ``Bank Primary-
Reserve System'' but also maintains an account or subaccount for each 
cardholder as in a ``Bank Primary-Customer Account System''). Under the 
First Proposed Rule, the funds in a hybrid system would be classified 
as ``deposits.''
    In objecting to the FDIC's proposed treatment of funds in hybrid 
systems, the commenters relied in large part upon the FDIC's analysis 
of ``Bank Primary-Reserve Systems'' in GC8. As previously discussed, 
the FDIC in GC8 found that the funds in such systems do not qualify as 
``deposits'' under either paragraph 3(l)(1) or paragraph 3(l)(3) of the 
statutory definition (previously quoted). First, the FDIC found that 
the funds do not qualify as ``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(1) 
because the funds are not credited to conventional commercial, 
checking, savings, time or thrift accounts. Rather, the funds are 
credited to a pooled self-described

[[Page 45576]]

``reserve account.'' See 61 FR 40490. Second, the FDIC found that the 
funds do not qualify as ``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(3) because 
the purpose of the funds is insufficiently ``special or specific.'' In 
reaching this conclusion, the FDIC noted that the funds might be 
disbursed to any number of merchants as the cardholders use their cards 
in miscellaneous and unrelated transactions. See id.
    On the basis of the same reasoning, some commenters argued that the 
funds in a hybrid system are not ``deposits.'' First, these commenters 
noted that the funds in a hybrid system are not credited to 
conventional commercial, checking, savings, time or thrift accounts (as 
those terms are interpreted in GC8). Rather, the funds are credited to 
the pooled ``reserve account'' and the individual stored value card 
subaccounts. Second, these commenters noted that the funds in the 
``reserve account'' and the subaccounts are not ``special or specific'' 
in purpose (as that term is interpreted in GC8) because the funds might 
be disbursed to any number of merchants as the cardholders use their 
cards in miscellaneous and unrelated transactions. These commenters 
therefore argued that under the FDIC's own interpretation in GC8 of 
paragraphs 3(l)(1) and 3(l)(3), the funds should not be ``deposits.''
    Response: The commenters' interpretation as summarized above is not 
the only possible interpretation of GC8 as to whether the funds in 
hybrid systems are ``deposits.'' As explained in the preamble to the 
First Proposed Rule, the issue simply was not resolved in GC8. See 69 
FR 20558, 20562 (April 16, 2004).
    The confusion regarding the applicability of GC8 is an important 
reason for replacing GC8 with a regulation. In the end, the question is 
not whether certain funds are ``deposits'' under GC8 but whether 
certain funds are ``deposits'' under the statute and regulations 
implementing and interpreting the statute. In publishing the First 
Proposed Rule, the FDIC attempted to clarify the meaning of the 
statute. In regard to funds in hybrid systems, the FDIC concluded that 
such funds are ``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(3) of the statutory 
definition because the funds in each subaccount are held for the 
``special or specific purpose'' of satisfying the bank's obligations to 
a specific customer, i.e., the individual cardholder.\6\ See 69 FR at 
20562. This conclusion is consistent with GC8, in which the FDIC found 
that the funds in a ``Bank Primary-Customer Account System'' are 
``deposits.'' No apparent difference exists between the funds in an 
individual subaccount and the funds in an individual account.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ The FDIC also stated that the funds in individual 
subaccounts might be ``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(1) of the 
statutory definition. See 12 69 FR at 20562.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In summary, the FDIC continues to believe that the funds in hybrid 
systems are ``deposits.'' The FDIC is not persuaded by the comments to 
the contrary. Moreover, even if the funds in a particular type of 
system (such as a hybrid system) are not ``deposits'' under paragraph 
3(l)(1) or paragraph 3(l)(3), the FDIC may classify the funds as 
``deposits'' under paragraph 3(l)(5) (subject to the FDIC's 
consultations with the other federal banking agencies). In light of the 
similarity between debit cards or ATM cards (providing access to 
traditional bank accounts) and stored value cards in a hybrid system 
(providing access to bank subaccounts), the FDIC believes that the 
funds in a hybrid system should be classified as ``deposits.''
    Cardholders' Expectations. Another argument advanced by some 
commenters is that the funds underlying certain types of stored value 
cards--especially gift cards--should not be classified as ``deposits'' 
because the cardholders do not perceive themselves as depositors.
    Response: Whether cardholders expect their cards to be supported by 
insured deposits is a significant practical issue (discussed further 
below), but it is not determinative. First, the issue for the FDIC is 
not simply whether the funds underlying gift cards are ``deposits.'' 
Assuming that the funds are ``deposits,'' an additional issue is 
whether the insurance coverage protects the cardholders as opposed to 
some other party. For example, the funds underlying certain gift cards 
might be placed at an insured depository institution by a retail store. 
Assuming that the retail store retains control of the funds, or the 
store fails to satisfy the FDIC's requirements for obtaining ``pass-
through'' insurance coverage, the FDIC would treat the store and not 
the cardholder as the depositor. Thus, the cardholders' alleged 
perceptions and expectations would be fulfilled (they would not be 
treated as depositors) and yet the funds held by the bank could be 
classified as ``deposits'' (insurable not to the cardholders but to the 
retail store).
    Second, the commenters' argument does not address the fact that 
some cardholders receive periodic statements or balances from the 
depository institution (or such statements or balances are made 
available by the depository institution). The FDIC is concerned that a 
stored value cardholder who receives a statement or balance from an 
FDIC-insured depository institution would expect his or her funds to be 
protected by the FDIC. In other words, the cardholders may perceive 
themselves as depositors.
    Third, the statutory definitions of ``deposit'' and ``insured 
deposit'' are very broad. They do not make reference to customers' 
perceptions and expectations. See 12 U.S.C. 1813(l); 12 U.S.C. 1813(m). 
In light of the foregoing, the FDIC is reluctant to adopt a regulation 
that would rely on customers' alleged perceptions and expectations.
    Distinctions Among Types of Cards. In response to the First 
Proposed Rule, some commenters argued that the FDIC should base deposit 
insurance determinations on certain characteristics of stored value 
cards. For example, one commenter stated that the underlying funds 
should be treated as ``deposits'' only in the case of ``funds on cards 
that are the functional equivalent of a deposit in terms of longevity, 
purpose, usability, and ownership.'' This commenter further argued that 
the funds should not be treated as ``deposits'' in the case of ``funds 
on cards that are the functional equivalent of a payment mechanism more 
akin to cash.''
    Response: Two points must be emphasized. First, under the FDI Act, 
insurance of ``deposits'' is not limited to funds owned by bank 
customers with formal or long-term relationships with the bank. For 
example, the term ``deposit'' includes funds underlying bank-issued 
travelers' checks, official checks and money orders. See 12 U.S.C. 
1813(l)(1); 1813(l)(4). Even though the payee of such an instrument may 
have established no formal relationship with the bank, the FDIC will 
provide insurance to the payee (in the event of the bank's failure) 
because the funds held by the bank are ``deposits.''
    Second, a stored value card is not ``akin to cash.'' Rather, a 
stored value card is more closely related to payment instruments such 
as checks or travelers' checks or money orders because the card must be 
backed-up by money at a bank. As previously explained, this money moves 
to merchants through a ``clearing'' process. In contrast, no 
``clearing'' takes place in the case of cash.
    Payroll Cards Versus Gift Cards. Some commenters argued that the 
FDIC should expressly differentiate between payroll cards and gift 
cards. These commenters suggested that the FDIC

[[Page 45577]]

should adopt a rule that provides as follows: (1) the funds underlying 
payroll cards are ``deposits''; but (2) the funds underlying gift cards 
are not ``deposits.''
    Response: Although the FDIC has not incorporated this suggestion in 
the Second Proposed Rule, additional comments are requested as to 
whether the FDIC should recognize a distinction between the funds 
underlying payroll cards and the funds underlying gift cards. In the 
case of gift cards, the insurance of the underlying funds may depend on 
whether the funds are held in an account solely in the name of the 
retail store (i.e., the party that places the funds into the bank) as 
opposed to being held in a custodial account that satisfies the FDIC's 
requirements for ``pass-through'' insurance coverage (i.e., coverage 
that ``passes through'' the retail store to the cardholders). If the 
gift cards have been issued by the bank itself and not issued by or 
through a retail store or other sponsoring company, one possibility 
might be to create a ``de minimis'' rule. For example, the FDIC could 
create a rule providing that the funds underlying cards with small 
balances (e.g., up to $100) are not ``deposits.'' Assuming that the 
gift cards have been issued directly by the bank (and not by or through 
a retail store or sponsoring company or any other party), another 
possibility might be to create a rule under which the funds underlying 
gift cards are not ``deposits'' if the insured depository institution 
maintains no records as to the identities of the cardholders or any 
other parties. Such an exception to the definition of ``deposit'' was 
included in the First Proposed Rule. Although the Second Proposed Rule 
does not include such exceptions to the definition of ``deposit,'' 
comments are requested.
    In the case of funds underlying payroll cards, one possibility is 
to create a rule mandating satisfaction of the FDIC's ``pass-through'' 
requirements so that the funds always would be insured to the 
employees. For example, the FDIC might forbid insured depository 
institutions from accepting funds underlying payroll cards unless (1) 
the employer (or agent company on behalf of the employer) maintains 
records reflecting the identities of the employees and the amount 
payable to each employee; and (2) the employer relinquishes ownership 
of the funds to the employees so that the employer cannot recover the 
funds under any circumstances (e.g., upon the expiration of a card). 
Although the Second Proposed Rule does not include such a provision, 
comments are requested. The purpose of such a provision would be to 
protect the wages and salaries of employees. Assuming that the FDIC 
adopts such a provision, comments are requested as to whether this type 
of provision should apply only to payroll cards or whether the FDIC 
should extend this treatment to other cards such as those used to 
deliver welfare or medical benefits.
    The manner in which an employer uses payroll cards may be affected 
by state labor laws and regulations. Most notably, it appears that at 
least some state labor laws, though perhaps written to address a 
different issue, would effectively require employers to satisfy ``pass-
through'' requirements. Comments are requested as to the applicability 
of any such state laws, with particular focus on whether they 
effectively insure that employees will receive ``pass-through'' 
coverage in the absence of FDIC rules requiring satisfaction of ``pass-
through'' requirements.
    ``Chilling Effect.'' Some commenters argued that the adoption of a 
broad definition of ``deposit'' would have a ``chilling effect'' on the 
development of stored value products. This argument is based upon the 
proposition that the definition of ``deposit'' under the FDI Act is a 
trigger with respect to the operation of other laws and regulations 
(such as Regulation E or the USA Patriot Act).
    Response: As previously explained, a determination by the FDIC that 
certain funds held by a bank are insurable as ``deposits'' under the 
FDI Act would not automatically trigger application of various other 
laws and regulations. Conversely, a determination by the FDIC that the 
funds underlying some, or all, classes of stored value cards are not 
``deposits'' would not preclude application of these other laws and 
regulations.
    ``Premature.'' Some commenters argued that the adoption of a rule 
is ``premature.'' These commenters urged the FDIC--together with the 
other banking agencies--to conduct a study of stored value products.
    Response: The timeliness of this rulemaking must be viewed in light 
of the fact that the FDIC has not addressed many of the issues relating 
to stored value cards since 1996 (when GC8 was published). Since that 
time, the development of new types of stored value products and systems 
(such as hybrid systems) has created uncertainty as to the insurance 
coverage of the underlying funds. If the FDIC fails to provide 
guidance, the holders of access mechanisms will not know whether they 
are insured. Moreover, insured depository institutions will not know 
whether to report the funds as ``deposits'' in Call Reports. Under 
these circumstances, the FDIC believes that rulemaking may be necessary 
now.

V. The Second Proposed Rule

    The FDIC has considered the comments submitted by the public in 
response to the First Proposed Rule. These comments have increased the 
FDIC's understanding of the issues relating to stored value cards and 
other nontraditional access mechanisms.
    As discussed in the preceding section, the funds underlying some 
nontraditional access mechanisms are placed at an insured depository 
institution by a party other than the holder of the mechanism. For 
example, in the case of payroll cards, the funds will be placed at the 
insured depository institution by the employer (or agent company on 
behalf of the employer) while the cards will be held by employees.\7\ 
Similarly, in the case of gift cards, the funds may be placed at the 
insured depository institution by a retail store (or other company 
pursuant to an agreement with the retail store) while the cards may be 
held by customers of the retail store. These arrangements create the 
possibility that the insured depository institution will possess no 
records as to the identities of the holders of the access mechanisms. 
An absence of such records appears especially likely in the case of 
low-denomination, transferable gift cards. In the event of the failure 
of the insured depository institution, the anonymity of the holders of 
the access mechanisms would create an obvious problem for the FDIC in 
attempting to pay deposit insurance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Of course, the same arrangement exists in the case of direct 
deposits: the funds are placed at the bank by the employer for the 
benefit of the employees. In the case of direct deposits, the funds 
are placed into accounts maintained by (and in the name of) the 
various employees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The issue described above is not addressed in section 3(l) of the 
FDI Act (defining ``deposit''). The issue is addressed in section 
12(c), which provides that the FDIC--in paying deposit insurance--is 
entitled to rely on the account records of the insured depository 
institution in identifying the owners of deposits. See 12 U.S.C. 
1822(c).\8\
    In accordance with section 12(c), the FDIC has promulgated certain 
rules regarding the identification of the owners of deposits. These 
rules are set forth in section 330.5 of the insurance regulations. See 
12 CFR 330.5. Section

[[Page 45578]]

330.5 provides that ``the FDIC shall presume that deposited funds are 
actually owned in the manner indicated on the deposit account records 
of the insured depository institution.'' 12 CFR 330.5(a)(1). If the 
party that places funds at an insured depository institution is not the 
actual owner of the funds but a mere agent or custodian, then certain 
disclosure requirements must be satisfied in order for the insurance 
coverage to ``pass through'' the agent to the actual owner(s). See 12 
CFR 330.5(b); 12 CFR 330.7. First, the agency or custodial relationship 
must be disclosed in the account records of the insured depository 
institution. See 12 CFR 330.5(b)(1). Second, the interests of the 
actual owners must be disclosed in records of the insured depository 
institution or records maintained by the custodian or other party. See 
12 CFR 330.5(b)(2). If the disclosure requirements are not satisfied, 
the funds will be insured to the custodian (i.e., the party that places 
the funds at the insured depository institution).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ Determining the owner of a deposit is different than 
determining the existence of a deposit. Section 12(c) is applicable 
in determining the owner of a deposit, but is inapplicable in 
determining the existence of a deposit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FDIC is proposing to add a new paragraph to section 330.5. This 
new paragraph would extend the FDIC's rules regarding ownership of 
deposits to funds underlying nontraditional access mechanisms, 
including cards, codes, computers or other electronic means. This 
approach differs from the approach taken by the FDIC in the First 
Proposed Rule, which would have added a new section to 12 CFR part 303.
    The Second Proposed Rule would be codified at 12 CFR 330.5(c). This 
new paragraph would include three subsections, which are summarized 
below.
    Subsection 330.5(c)(1) would recognize that the term ``deposit'' 
includes ``funds subject to transfer or withdrawal solely through the 
use of nontraditional access mechanisms, including cards, codes, 
computers or other electronic means, to the extent that such mechanisms 
provide access to funds received and held by an insured depository 
institution for payment to others.'' This subsection also would state 
that the FDIC, in determining the owners of funds underlying such 
nontraditional access mechanisms, would apply the general disclosure 
rules in section 330.5 as well as the special rules set forth in 
subsections 330.5(c)(2) and 330.5(c)(3) (summarized below). To the 
extent that a stored value card does not provide access to funds at a 
bank (such as subway farecard), the FDIC's regulations would be 
inapplicable. See FDIC v. Philadelphia Gear Corporation, 476 U.S. 426 
(1986).
    Subsection 330.5(c)(2) would address cases in which funds are 
placed at an insured depository institution by one party for transfer 
or withdrawal by the same party. In such a case, no issue would exist 
as to whether the funds should be insured to the party that places the 
funds at the bank as opposed to the party holding the access mechanism. 
The parties would be the same person. Accordingly, the funds would be 
insured to that person. An example of funds covered by this subsection 
would be funds transferable by the customer through the Internet (as 
opposed to the funds in an ordinary checking account, which would be 
governed by the ordinary disclosure rules in section 330.5).
    Subsection 330.5(c)(3) would address cases in which funds are 
placed at an insured depository institution by one party for transfer 
or withdrawal by other parties. An example would be the funds 
underlying payroll cards, in which the funds are placed at the bank by 
the employer but the funds are subject to transfer or withdrawal by the 
employees. Another example would be the funds underlying gift cards, in 
which the funds may be placed at the bank by a retail store (or other 
company under an agreement with the retail store) but the funds are 
subject to transfer or withdrawal by customers of the retail store. 
Under this subsection, the funds would be insured to the first party 
(i.e., the party that places the funds at the bank \9\) unless (A) the 
account records of the insured depository institution reflect the fact 
that the first party is not the owner of the funds; and (B) either the 
first party or the depository institution (or an agent on behalf of the 
first party or the depository institution) maintains records reflecting 
the identities of the persons holding the access mechanisms and the 
amount payable to each such person. If both of these conditions are 
satisfied, then the funds would be insurable to the persons holding the 
access mechanisms.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ If the party that places the funds at the bank is merely an 
agent for some other party, then the funds would be insurable to the 
principal in accordance with the FDIC's ordinary rules for accounts 
held by agents or custodians. See 12 CFR 330.7(a); 12 CFR 330.5(b).
    \10\ Of course, the deposits cannot be insured to the persons 
holding the access mechanisms unless such persons are the actual 
owners. See 12 CFR 330.3(h); 12 CFR 330.5(a)(1). Thus, the party 
placing the funds at the bank must relinquish ownership. For 
example, in the case of payroll cards, the employer should surrender 
all rights to recover the funds. If the employer does not relinquish 
ownership, the employer will be treated as the insured depositor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under subsection 330.5(c)(3), the involvement of a third-party 
processor for the bank would not preclude ``pass-through'' insurance 
coverage. As stated above, ``pass-through'' coverage to the holders of 
the stored value cards or other access mechanisms would be available 
under both of the following circumstances: (1) the depository 
institution itself maintains records reflecting the identities of the 
cardholders and the amount payable to each cardholder; or (2) a third-
party processor on behalf of the depository institution maintains 
records reflecting the identities of the cardholders and the amount 
payable to each cardholder. In the latter case, the depository 
institution's own records (i.e., the records not maintained by the 
third-party processor) should reflect the fact that the funds are not 
owned by the party that placed the funds into the bank (e.g., the 
employer in the case of payroll cards or the retail store in the case 
of gift cards) but instead are owned by the cardholders.
    Unlike the First Proposed Rule, the Second Proposed Rule does not 
address the following scenario: (1) The stored value cards or other 
nontraditional access mechanisms are sold or issued directly by the 
insured depository institution to the public (and not issued by or 
through a third party or sponsoring company); and (2) the depository 
institution maintains no accounts or subaccounts or other records 
reflecting the identities of the purchasers. The First Proposed Rule 
provided that the funds held by the depository institution, in this 
scenario, would not be ``deposits.'' The FDIC has not addressed this 
scenario in the Second Proposed Rule, however, because the FDIC is 
unsure that such a scenario actually exists. Comments are requested on 
this point. The FDIC is interested in learning whether any insured 
depository institution is selling stored value products directly to the 
public without maintaining any records as to the identities of any 
parties.
    Assuming the existence of such a system, payment of insurance by 
the FDIC would be difficult in the event of the failure of the insured 
depository institution. In light of this difficulty, comments are 
requested as to whether the funds in any such system should be 
classified as ``deposits.''
    Arguably, the form of the access mechanism is unimportant. Whether 
the mechanism is traditional (such as an ATM card, book of checks or 
official check) or nontraditional (such as a stored value card), the 
access mechanism is merely a device for withdrawing or transferring the 
underlying money. The important thing is the underlying money. The 
receipt of money by the bank distinguishes a ``deposit'' liability from 
a ``non-deposit''

[[Page 45579]]

liability. In the case of a ``non-deposit'' liability, the bank 
generally does not receive money from the creditor but instead receives 
goods or services.
    The appropriate model for the FDIC's treatment of funds underlying 
stored value cards and other nontraditional access mechanisms may be 
the FDIC's treatment of funds underlying traditional access mechanisms. 
In the case of traditional access mechanisms and payment instruments 
(such as checks, traveler's checks, cashier's checks and money orders), 
the underlying funds held at a bank are ``deposits'' with no exceptions 
except those limited exceptions expressly created by Congress (such as 
the exception for bank obligations payable solely outside the United 
States). See 12 U.S.C. 1813(l)(1); 12 U.S.C. 1813(l)(4); 12 U.S.C. 
1813(l)(5). This means that the funds are ``deposits'' irrespective of 
whether the bank maintains records as to the identities of customers 
and irrespective of account labels (such as ``reserve account'').
    The FDIC could extend this simple approach to funds underlying 
nontraditional access mechanisms. Of course, the results would be 
somewhat different than the results under GC8 (or the First Proposed 
Rule) but the FDIC is not bound to incorporate GC8 in the proposed 
rule.
    In short, the question is whether the FDIC should adopt a 
regulation that treats the funds underlying stored value cards and 
other nontraditional access mechanisms as ``deposits'' provided that 
the funds have been placed at an insured depository institution. This 
approach would be consistent with the FDIC's treatment of funds 
underlying traditional access mechanisms. An alternative approach would 
be to treat the funds as ``non-deposits'' in those cases (if any) in 
which the insured depository institution sells stored value cards 
directly to cardholders without keeping any information as to the 
identities of the cardholders or any other party. This approach would 
be different than the FDIC's treatment of funds underlying traditional 
access mechanisms. Comments are requested.
    Finally, some discussion may be warranted regarding a type of 
stored value card system addressed in the First Proposed Rule but not 
addressed in the Second Proposed Rule. This type of system was 
characterized in GC8 as a ``secondary system'' (i.e., the ``Bank 
Secondary-Advance System'' or the ``Bank Secondary-Pre-Acquisition 
System''). In this type of system, the insured depository institution 
collects funds from cardholders but does not hold the funds for the 
cardholders. Rather, the depository institution either forwards the 
funds to a sponsoring company or retains the funds as reimbursement for 
funds previously paid to the sponsoring company. In either case, the 
depository institution plays no role in the payment process. When the 
cardholders use their cards, funds are transferred or withdrawn from 
the sponsoring company and not transferred or withdrawn from the 
insured depository institution.
    Since the publication of GC8 in 1996, the FDIC has received few if 
any inquiries about ``secondary systems.'' The FDIC is unsure whether 
any such systems currently exist. Under these circumstances, no reason 
may exist for addressing such systems in the Second Proposed Rule. 
Comments are requested. Assuming the existence of such systems, the 
FDIC could add a subsection providing that the funds received by the 
insured depository institution are ``deposits'' belonging to the 
sponsoring company for the brief period before the funds are forwarded 
to the sponsoring company (consistent with GC8's treatment of funds in 
a ``Bank Secondary-Advance System''). This subsection also could 
provide that no ``deposits'' would exist if no obligation exists on the 
part of the depository institution to hold or forward any funds 
(consistent with GC8's treatment of funds in a ``Bank Secondary-Pre-
Acquisition System''). Assuming the existence of ``secondary systems,'' 
comments are requested as to whether the FDIC should add such 
provisions to the Second Proposed Rule.

VII. Disclosures

    The First Proposed Rule did not mandate that stored value cards 
disclose whether the underlying funds are insured by the FDIC. In 
publishing the First Proposed Rule, however, the FDIC discussed this 
question. See 69 FR 20558, 20564 (April 16, 2004). The FDIC stated that 
it ``expects insured depository institutions to clearly and 
conspicuously disclose to customers the insured or non-insured status 
of the stored-value cards they offer to the public.'' The Office of the 
Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has informed the institutions under 
its supervision that it has the same expectation when they implement 
payroll card systems. See OCC Advisory Letter 2004-6 (May 6, 2004).
    In response to the First Proposed Rule, a number of commenters 
addressed the issue of disclosures. Some commenters supported mandatory 
disclosures, but several commenters expressed the opinion that 
mandatory disclosures are unnecessary.
    The FDIC recognizes that mandatory disclosures would impose a 
degree of burden on depository institutions. On the other hand, this 
burden may be outweighed by consumers' need for accurate information. 
While not mandating specific disclosures in the Second Proposed Rule, 
the FDIC is interested in receiving comments on this subject.
    One option is to require specific disclosures when ``pass-through'' 
coverage is available to cardholders or when the depository institution 
has a good faith belief that the FDIC's requirements for ``pass-
through'' coverage have been satisfied. In such a case, the following 
could be printed on the card:

    ``Funds available through this card are individually insured by 
the FDIC to the Cardholder.''

    Such a disclosure would not be mandated when ``pass-through'' 
coverage is unavailable to cardholders. Indeed, when ``pass-through'' 
coverage is unavailable, any statement about FDIC insurance coverage 
(such as a statement to the effect that the funds underlying a 
particular gift card are insured to the retail store that sold the 
card, not to the cardholder) could be very confusing. F