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FDIC Law, Regulations, Related Acts

[Main Tabs]     [Table of Contents - 6500]     [Index]     [Previous Page]     [Next Page]     [Search] 6500 - Consumer Protection Section 226.14—Determination of Annual Percentage Rate   14(a)  General rule.   1.  Tolerance.  The tolerance of 1;8 of 1 percentage point above or below the annual percentage rate applies to any required disclosure of the annual percentage rate. The disclosure of the annual percentage rate is required in §§ 226.6, 226.7, 226.9, 226.15, 226.16, and 226.26.   2.  Rounding.  The regulation does not require that the annual percentage rate be calculated to any particular number of decimal places; rounding is permissible within the 1/8 of 1 percent tolerance. For example, an exact annual percentage rate of 14.33333% may be stated as 14.33% or as 14.3%, or even as 141/4%; but it could not be stated as 14.2% or 14%, since each varies by more than the permitted tolerance.   3.  Periodic rates.  No explicit tolerance exists for any periodic rate as such; a disclosed periodic rate may vary from precise accuracy (for example, due to rounding) only to the extent that its annualized equivalent is within the tolerance permitted by § 226.14(a). Further, a periodic rate need not be calculated to any particular number of decimal places.   4.  Finance charges.  The regulation does not prohibit creditors from assessing finance charges on balances that include prior, unpaid finance charges; state or other applicable law may do so, however.   5.  Good faith reliance on faulty calculation tools.  Footnote 31a absolves a creditor of liability for an error in the annual percentage rate or finance charge that resulted from a corresponding error in a calculation tool used in good faith by the creditor. Whether or not the creditor's use of the tool was in good faith must be determined on a case-by-case basis, but the creditor must in any case have taken reasonable steps to verify the accuracy of the tool, including any instructions, before using it. Generally, the footnote is available only for errors directly attributable to the calculation tool itself, including software programs; it is not intended to absolve a creditor of liability for its own errors, or for errors arising from improper use of the tool, from incorrect data entry, or from misapplication of the law.   14(b) Annual percentage rate §§ 226.5a and 226.5b disclosures, for initial disclosures and for advertising purposes.   1.  Corresponding annual percentage rate computation.  For purposes of §§ 226.5a, 226.5b, 226.6 and 226.16, the annual percentage rate is determined by multiplying the periodic rate by the number of periods in the year. This computation reflects the fact that, in such disclosures, the rate (known as the corresponding annual percentage {{4-28-00 p.6925}}rate) is prospective and does not involve any particular finance charge or periodic balance. This computation also is used to determine any annual percentage rate for oral disclosures under § 226.26(a).   14(c) Annual percentage rate for periodic statements.   1.  General rule.  Section 226.14(c) requires disclosure of the corresponding annual percentage rate for each periodic rate (under § 226.7(d)). It is figured by multiplying each periodic rate by the number of periods per year. This disclosure is like that provided on the initial disclosure statement. The periodic statement also must reflect (under § 226.7(g)) the annualized equivalent of the rate actually applied during a particular cycle (the historical rate); this rate may differ from the corresponding annual percentage rate because of the inclusion of fixed, minimum, or transaction charges. Sections 226.14(c)(1) through (c)(4) state the computation rules for the historical rate.   2.  Periodic rates.  Section 226.14(c)(1) applies if the only finance charge imposed is due to the application of a periodic rate to a balance. The creditor may compute the annual percentage rate either:   • By multiplying each periodic rate by the number of periods in the year; or   • By the "quotient" methods. This method refers to a composite annual percentage rate when different periodic rates apply to different balances. For example, a particular plan may involve a periodic rate of 11/2% on balances up to $500, and 1% on balances over $500. If, in a given cycle, the consumer has a balance of $800, the finance charge would consist of $7.50 (500 × .015) plus $3.00 (300 × .01), for a total finance charge of $10.50. The annual percentage rate for this period may be disclosed either as 18% on $500 and 12% on $300, or as 15.75% on a balance of $800 (the quotient of $10.50 divided by $800, multiplied by 12).   3.  Charges not based on periodic rates.  Section 226.14(c)(2) applies if the finance charge imposed includes a charge not due to the application of a periodic rate (other than a charge relating to a specific transaction). For example, if the creditor imposes a minimum $1 finance charge on all balances below $50, and the consumer's balance was $40 in a particular cycle, the creditor would disclose an annual percentage rate of 30% (1/40 × 12).   4.  No balance.  Footnote 32 to § 226.14(c)(2) would apply not only when minimum charges are imposed on an account with no balance, but also to a plan in which a periodic rate is applied to advances from the date of the transaction. For example, if on May 19 the consumer pays the new balance in full from a statement dated May 1, and has no further transactions reflected on the June 1 statement, that statement would reflect a finance charge with no account balance.   5.  Transaction charges.  i.  Section 226.14(c)(3) transaction charges include, for example:   A.  A loan fee of $10 imposed on a particular advance.   B.  A charge of 3% of the amount of each transaction.   ii.  The reference to avoiding duplication in the computation requires that the amounts of transactions on which transaction charges were imposed not be included both in the amount of total balances and in the "other amounts on which a finance charge was imposed" figure. In a multifeatured plan, creditors may consider each bona fide feature separately in the calculation of the denominator. A creditor has considerable flexibility in defining features for open-end plans, as long as the creditor has a reasonable basis for the distinctions. For further explanation and examples of how to determine the components of this formula, see appendix F.   6.  Daily rate with specific transaction charge.  Section 226.14(c)(3) sets forth an acceptable method for calculating the annual percentage rate if the finance charge results from a charge relating to a specific transaction and the application of a daily periodic rate. This section includes the requirement that the creditor follow the rules in Appendix F in calculating the annual percentage rate, especially footnote 1 to Appendix F which addresses the daily rate/transaction charge situation by providing that the "average of daily balances" shall be used instead of the "sum of the balances." {{4-28-00 p.6926}}   7.  Charges related to opening, renewing, or continuing an account. Footnote 33 is applicable to § 226.14(c)(2) and (c)(3). The charges involved here do not relate to a specific transaction or to specific activity on the account, but relate solely to the opening, renewing, or continuing of the account. For example, an annual fee to renew an open-end credit account that is a percentage of the credit limit on the account, or that is charged only to consumers that have not used their credit card for a certain dollar amount in transactions during the preceding year, would not be included in the calculation of the annual percentage rate, even though the fee may not be excluded from the finance charge under § 226.4(c)(4). (See comment 4(c)(4)--2.) Inclusion of these charges in the annual percentage rate calculation results in significant distortions of the annual percentage rate and delivery of a possibly misleading disclosure to consumers. The rule in footnote 33 applies even if the loan fee, points, or similar charges are billed on a subsequent periodic statement or withheld from the proceeds of the first advance on the account.   8.  Classification of charges.  If the finance charge includes a charge not due to the application of a periodic rate, the creditor must determine the proper annual percentage rate computation method according to the type of charge imposed. If the charge is tied to a specific transaction (for example, 3% of the amount of each transaction), then the method in § 226.14(c)(3) must be used. If a fixed or minimum charge is applied, that is, one not tied to any specific transaction, then the formula in § 226.14(c)(2) is appropriate.   9.  Small finance charges.  Section 226.14(c)(4) gives the creditor an alternative to § 226.14(c)(2) and (c)(3) if small finance charges (50 cents or less) are involved; that is, if the finance charge includes minimum or fixed fees not due to the application of a periodic rate and the total finance charge for the cycle does not exceed 50 cents. For example, while a monthly activity fee of 50 cents on a balance of $20 would produce an annual percentage rate of 30 percent under the rule in § 226.14(c)(2), the creditor may disclose an annual percentage rate of 18 percent if the periodic rate generally applicable to all balances is 11/2 percent per month. This option is consistent with the provision in footnote 11 to §§ 226.6 and 226.7 permitting the creditor to disregard the effect of minimum charges in disclosing the ranges of balances to which periodic rates apply.   10.  Prior-cycle adjustments.  i.  The annual percentage rate reflects the finance charges imposed during the billing cycle. However, finance charges imposed during the billing cycle may relate to activity in a prior cycle. Examples of circumstances when this may occur are:   A.  A cash advance occurs on the last day of a billing cycle on an account that uses the transaction date to figure finance charges, and it is impracticable to post the transaction until the following cycle.   B.  An adjustment to the finance charge is made following the resolution of a billing error dispute.   C.  A consumer fails to pay the purchase balance under a deferred payment feature by the payment due date, and finance charges are imposed from the date of purchase.   ii.  Finance charges relating to activity in prior cycles should be reflected on the periodic statement as follows:   A.  If a finance charge imposed in the current billing cycle is attributable to periodic rates applicable to prior billing cycles (such as when a deferred payment balance was not paid in full by the payment due date and finance charges from the date of purchase are now being debited to the account, or when a cash advance occurs on the last day of a billing cycle on an account that uses the transaction date to figure finance charges and it is impracticable to post the transaction until the following cycle), and the creditor uses the quotient method to calculate the annual percentage rate, the numerator would include the amount of any transaction charges plus any other finance charges posted during the billing cycle. At the creditor's option, balances relating to the finance charge adjustment may be included in the denominator if permitted by the legal obligation, if it was impracticable to post the transaction in the previous cycle because of timing, or if the adjustment is covered by comment 14(c)10.11.B.   B.  If a finance charge that is posted to the account relates to activity for which a finance charge was debited or credited to the account in a previous billing cycle (for {{4-28-00 p.6926.01}}example, if the finance charge relates to an adjustment such as the resolution of a billing error dispute, or an unintentional posting error, or a payment by check that was later returned unpaid for insufficient funds or other reasons), the creditor shall at its option:   1.  Calculate the annual percentage rate in accord with ii.A. of this paragraph, or   2.  Disclose the finance charge adjustment on the periodic statement and calculate the annual percentage rate for the current billing cycle without including the finance charge adjustment in the numerator and balances associated with the finance charge adjustment in the denominator.   14(d) Calculations where daily periodic rate applied.   1.  Quotient method.  Section 226.14(d) addresses use of a daily periodic rate(s) to determine some or all of the finance charge and use of the quotient method to determine the annual percentage rate. Since the quotient formula in § 226.14(c)(1)(ii) does not work when a daily rate is being applied to a series of daily balances, § 226.14(d) gives the creditor two alternative ways to figure the annual percentage rate--either of which satisfies the requirement in § 226.7(g).   2.  Daily rate with specific transaction charge.  If the finance charge results from a charge relating to a specific transaction and the application of a daily periodic rate, see comment 14(c)-6 for guidance on an appropriate calculation method.   References   Statute:  Section 107.   Other sections:  §§ 226.6, 226.7, 226.9, 226.15, 226.16, and 226.26.   Previous regulation:  § 226.5(a) and interpretation §§ 226.501 and 226.506.   1981 changes:  Section 226.14 reflects the statutory amendment permitting a 1/8 of 1 percent tolerance for annual percentage rates. The revised regulation no longer reflects the provision dealing with finance charges imposed on specified ranges or brackets of balances. The revised regulation includes a footnote providing that loan fees, points, or similar charges unrelated to any specific transaction are not figured into the annual percentage rate computation. Section 226.15—Right of Rescission   1.  Transactions not covered.  Credit extensions that are not subject to the regulation are not covered by § 226.15 even if the customer's principal dwelling is the collateral securing the credit. For this purpose, "credit extensions" also would include the occurrences listed in comment 15(a)(1)-1. For example, the right of rescission does not apply to the opening of a business-purpose credit line, even though the loan is secured by the customer's principal dwelling.   15(a) Consumer's right to rescind.   Paragraph 15(a)(1).   1.  Occurrences subject to right.  Under an open-end credit plan secured by the consumer's principal dwelling, the right of rescission generally arises with each of the following occurrences:   • Opening the account.   • Each credit extension.   • Increasing the credit limit.   • Adding to an existing account a security interest in the consumer's principal dwelling.   • Increasing the dollar amount of the security interest taken in the dwelling to secure the plan. For example, a consumer may open an account with a $10,000 credit limit, $5,000 of which is initially secured by the consumer's principal dwelling. The consumer has the right to rescind at that time and (except as noted in § 226.15(a)(1)(ii)) with each extension on the account. Later, if the creditor decides that it wants the credit line fully secured, and increases the amount of its interest in the consumer's dwelling, the consumer has the right to rescind the increase.   2.  Exceptions.  Although the consumer generally has the right to rescind with each transaction on the account, section 125(e) of the act provides an exception: the creditor need not provide the right to rescind at the time of each credit extension made under an {{4-28-00 p.6926.02}}open-end credit plan secured by the consumer's principal dwelling to the extent that the credit extended is in accordance with a previously established credit limit for the plan. This limited rescission option is available whether or not the plan existed prior to the effective date of the act. {{4-30-04 p.6927}}   3.  Security interest arising from transaction.  In order for the right of rescission to apply, the security interest must be retained as part of the credit transaction. For example:   •  A security interest that is acquired by a contractor who is also extending the credit in the transaction.   •  A mechanic's or materialman's lien that is retained by a subcontractor or supplier of a contractor-creditor, even when the latter has waived its own security interest in the consumer's home.   The security interest is not part of the credit transaction, and therefore the transaction is not subject to the right of rescission when, for example:   •  A mechanic's or materialman's lien is obtained by a contractor who is not a party to the credit transaction but merely is paid with the proceeds of the consumer's cash advance.   •  All security interests that may arise in connection with the credit transaction are validly waived.   •  The creditor obtains a lien and completion bond that in effect satisfies all liens against the consumer's principal dwelling as a result of the credit transaction.   Although liens arising by operation of law are not considered security interests for purposes of disclosure under § 226.2, that section specifically includes them in the definition for purposes of the right of rescission. Thus, even though an interest in the consumer's principal dwelling is not a required disclosure under § 226.6(c), it may still give rise to the right of rescission.   4.  Consumer.  To be a consumer within the meaning of § 226.2, that person must at least have an ownership interest in the dwelling that is encumbered by the creditor's security interest, although that person need not be a signatory to the credit agreement. For example, if only one spouse enters into a secured plan, the other spouse is a consumer if the ownership interest of that spouse is subject to the security interest.   5.  Principal dwelling.  A consumer can only have one principal dwelling at a time. (But see comment 15(a)(1)--6.) A vacation or other second home would not be a principal dwelling. A transaction secured by a second home (such as a vacation home) that is not currently being used as the consumer's principal dwelling is not rescindable, even if the consumer intends to reside there in the future. When a consumer buys or builds a new dwelling that will become the consumer's principal dwelling within one year or upon completion of construction, the new dwelling is considered the principal dwelling if it secures the open-end credit line. In that case, the transaction secured by the new dwelling is a residential mortgage transaction and is not rescindable. For example, if a consumer whose principal dwelling is currently A builds B, to be occupied by the consumer upon completion of construction, an advance on an open-end line to finance B and secured by B is a residential mortgage transaction. Dwelling, as defined in § 226.2, includes structures that are classified as personalty under state law. For example, a transaction secured by a mobile home, trailer, or houseboat used as the consumer's principal dwelling may be rescindable.   6.  Special rule for principal dwelling.  Notwithstanding the general rule that consumers may have only one principal dwelling, when the consumer is acquiring or constructing a new principal dwelling, a credit plan or extension that is subject to Regulation Z and is secured by the equity in the consumer's current principal dwelling is subject to the right of rescission regardless of the purpose of that loan (for example, an advance to be used as a bridge loan). For example, if a consumer whose principal dwelling is currently A builds B, to be occupied by the consumer upon completion of construction, a loan to finance B and secured by A is subject to the right of rescission. Moreover, a loan secured by both A and B is, likewise, rescindable.   Paragraph 15(a)(2).   1.  Consumer's exercise of right.  The consumer must exercise the right of rescission in writing but not necessarily on the notice supplied under § 226.15(b). Whatever the means of sending the notification of rescission--mail, telegram or other written means--the time period for the creditor's performance under § 226.15(d)(2) does not begin to run until the notification has been received. The creditor may designate an agent to receive the notification so long as the agent's name and address appear on the notice provided to the consumer under § 226.15(b). Where the creditor fails to provide the consumer with a designated address for sending the notification of rescission, delivery of the notification to the person or address to which the consumer has been directed to send payments consitutes {{4-30-04 p.6928}}delivery to the creditor or assignee. State law determines whether delivery of the notification to a third party other than the person to whom payments are made is delivery to the creditor or assignee, in the case where the creditor fails to designate an address for sending the notification of rescission.   Paragraph 15(a)(3).   1.  Rescission period.  The period within which the consumer may exercise the right to rescind runs for three business days from the last of three events:   •  The occurrence that gives rise to the right of rescission.   •  Delivery of all material disclosures that are relevant to the plan.   •  Delivery to the consumer of the required rescission notice.   For example, an account is opened on Friday, June 1, and the disclosures and notice of the right to rescind were given on Thursday, May 31; the rescission period will expire at midnight of the third business day after June 1--that is, Tuesday, June 5. In another example, if the disclosures are given and the account is opened on Friday, June 1, and the rescission notice is given on Monday, June 4, the rescission period expires at midnight of the third business day after June 4--that is Thursday, June 7. The consumer must place the rescission notice in the mail, file it for telegraphic transmission, or deliver it to the creditor's place of business within that period in order to exercise the right.   2.  Material disclosures.  Footnote 36 sets forth the material disclosures that must be provided before the rescission period can begin to run. The creditor must provide sufficient information to satisfy the requirements of § 226.6 for these disclosures. A creditor may satisfy this requirement by giving an initial disclosure statement that complies with the regulation. Failure to give the other required initial disclosures (such as the billing rights statement) does not prevent the running of the rescission period, although that failure may result in civil liability or administrative sanctions. Failure to give the other required initial disclosures (such as the billing rights statement) or the information required under section 226.5b, does not prevent the running of the rescission period, although that failure may result in civil liability or administrative sanctions. The payment terms set forth in footnote 36 apply to any repayment phase set forth in the agreement. Thus, the payment terms described in § 226.6(e)(2) for any repayment phase as well as for the draw period are "material disclosures."   3.  Material disclosures--variable rate program.  For a variable rate program, the material disclosures also include the disclosures listed in footnote 12 to § 226.6(a)(2):  the circumstances under which the rate may increase; the limitations on the increase; and the effect of an increase. The disclosures listed in footnote 12 to section 226.6(a)(2) for any repayment phase also are material disclosures for variable-rate programs.   4.  Unexpired right of rescission.  When the creditor has failed to take the action necessary to start the three-day rescission period running, the right to rescind automatically lapses on the occurrence of the earliest of the following three events:   • The expiration of three years after the occurrence giving rise to the right of rescission.   • Transfer of all the consumer's interest in the property.   • Sale of the consumer's interest in the property, including a transaction in which the consumer sells the dwelling and takes back a purchase money note and mortgage or retains legal title through a device such as an installment sale contract.   Transfer of all the consumer's interest includes such transfer as bequests and gifts. A sale or transfer of the property need not be voluntary to terminate the right to rescind. For example, a foreclosure sale would terminate an unexpired right to rescind. As provided in § 125 of the act, the three-year limit may be extended by an administrative proceeding to enforce the provisions of § 226.15. A partial transfer of the consumer's interest, such as a transfer bestowing co-ownership on a spouse, does not terminate the right of rescission.   Paragraph 15(a)(4).   1.  Joint owners.  When more than one consumer has the right to rescind a transaction, any one of them may exercise that right and cancel the transaction on behalf of all. For example, if both a husband and wife have the right to rescind a transaction, either spouse acting alone may exercise the right and both are bound by the rescission. {{12-31-07 p.6929}}   15(b)  Notice of right to rescind.   1.  Who receives notice.  Each consumer entitled to rescind must be given:   •  Two copies of the rescission notice.   •  The material disclosures.   In a transaction involving joint owners, both of whom are entitled to rescind, both must receive the notice of the right to rescind and disclosures. For example, if both spouses are entitled to rescind a transaction, each must receive two copies of the rescission notice (one copy to each if the notice is provided in electronic form in accordance with the consumer consent and other applicable provisions of the E-Sign Act) and one copy of the disclosures.   2.  Format.  The rescission notice may be physically separated from the material disclosures or combined with the material disclosures, so long as the information required to be included on the notice is set forth in a clear and conspicuous manner. See the model notices in appendix G.   3.  Content.  The notice must include all of the information outlined in § 226.15(b)(1) through (5). The requirement in § 226.15(b) that the transaction or occurrence be identified may be met by providing the date of the transaction or occurrence. The notice may include additional information related to the required information, such as:   •  A description of the property subject to the security interest.   •  A statement that joint owners may have the right to rescind and that a rescission by one is effective for all.   •  The name and address of an agent of the creditor to receive notice of rescission.   4.  Time of providing notice.  The notice required by § 226.15(b) need not be given before the occurrence giving rise to the right of rescission. The creditor may deliver the notice after the occurrence, but the rescission period will not begin to run until the notice is given. For example, if the creditor provides the notice on May 15, but disclosures were given and the credit limit was raised on May 10, the three-business-day rescission period will run from May 15.   15(c)  Delay of creditor's performance.   1.  General rule.  Until the rescission period has expired and the creditor is reasonably satisfied that the consumer has not rescinded, the creditor must not, either directly or through a third party:   •  Disburse advances to the consumer.   •  Begin performing services for the consumer.   •  Deliver materials to the consumer.   A creditor may, however, continue to allow transactions under an existing open-end credit plan during a rescission period that results solely from the addition of a security interest in the consumer's principal dwelling. (See comment 15(c)-3 for other actions that may be taken during the delay period.)   2.  Escrow.  The creditor may disburse advances during the rescission period in a valid escrow arrangement. The creditor may not, however, appoint the consumer as "trustee" or "escrow agent" and distribute funds to the consumer in that capacity during the delay period.   3.  Actions during the delay period.  Section 226.15(c) does not prevent the creditor from taking other steps during the delay, short of beginning actual performance. Unless otherwise prohibited, such as by state law, the creditor may, for example:   •  Prepare the cash advance check.   •  Perfect the security interest.   •  Accrue finance charges during the delay period.   4.  Performance by third party.  The creditor is relieved from liability for failure to delay performance if a third party with no knowledge that the rescission right has been activated provides materials or services, as long as any debt incurred for materials or services obtained by the consumer during the rescission period is not secured by the security interest in the consumer's dwelling. For example, if a consumer uses a bank credit card to purchase materials from a merchant in an amount below the floor limit, the {{12-31-07 p.6930}}merchant might not contact the card issuer for authorization and therefore would not know that materials should not be provided.   5.  Delay beyond rescission period.  The creditor must wait until it is reasonably satisfied that the consumer has not rescinded. For example, the creditor may satisfy itself by doing one of the following:   •  Wait a reasonable time after expiration of the rescission period to allow for delivery of a mailed notice.   •  Obtaining a written statement from the consumer that the right has not been exercised.   When more than one consumer has the right to rescind, the creditor cannot reasonably rely on the assurance of only one consumer, because other consumers may exercise the right.   15(d)  Effects of rescission.   Paragraph 15(d)(1).   1.  Termination of security interest.  Any security interest giving rise to the right of rescission becomes void when the consumer exercises the right of rescission. The security interest is automatically negated, regardless of its status and whether or not it was recorded or perfected. Under § 226.15(d)(2), however, the creditor must take any action necessary to reflect the fact that the security interest no longer exists.   2.  Extent of termination.  The creditor's security interest is void to the extent that it is related to the occurrence giving rise to the right of rescission. For example, upon rescission:   •  If the consumer's right to rescind is activated by the opening of a plan, any security interest in the principal dwelling is void.   •  If the right arises due to an increase in the credit limit, the security interest is void as to the amount of credit extensions over the prior limit, but the security interest in amounts up to the original credit limit is unaffected.   •  If the right arises with each individual credit extension, then the interest is void as to that extension, and other extensions are unaffected.   Paragraph 15(d)(2).   1.  Refunds to consumer.  The consumer cannot be required to pay any amount in the form of money or property either to the creditor or to a third party as part of the occurrence subject to the right of rescission. Any amounts of this nature already paid by the consumer must be refunded. "Any amount" includes finance charges already accrued, as well as other charges such as broker fees, application and commitment fees or fees for a title search or appraisal, whether paid to the creditor, paid by the consumer directly to a third party, or passed on from the creditor to the third party. It is irrelevant that these amounts may not represent profit to the creditor. For example:   •  If the occurrence is the opening of the plan, the creditor must return any membership or application fee paid.   •  If the occurrence is the increase in a credit limit or the addition of a security interest, the creditor must return any fee imposed for a new credit report or filing fees.   •  If the occurrence is a credit extension, the creditors must return fees such as application, title, and appraisal or survey fees, as well as any finance charges related to the credit extension.   2.  Amounts not refundable to consumer.   Creditors need not return any money given by the consumer to a third party outside of the occurrence, such as costs incurred for a building permit or for a zoning variance. Similarly, the term "any amount" does not apply to money or property given by the creditor to the consumer; those amounts must be tendered by the consumer to the creditor under § 226.15(d)(3).   3.  Reflection of security interest termination.  The creditor must take whatever steps are necessary to indicate that the security interest is terminated. Those steps include the cancellation of documents creating the security interest, and the filing of release or termination statements in the public record. In a transaction involving subcontractors or suppliers that also hold security interests related to the occurrence rescinded by the consumer, the creditor must insure that the termination of their security interests is also reflected. The 20-day period for the creditor's action refers to the time within which the creditor must begin the process. It does not require all necessary steps to have been {{4-28-95 p.6930.01}}completed within that time, but the creditor is responsible for seeing the process through to completion.   Paragraph 15(d)(3).   1.  Property exchange.  Once the creditor has fulfilled its obligation under § 226.15(d)(2), the consumer must tender to the creditor any property or money the creditor has already delivered to the consumer. At the consumer's option, property may be tendered at the location of the property. For example, if fixtures or furniture have been delivered to the consumer's home, the consumer may tender them to the creditor by making them available for pick-up at the home, rather than physically returning them to the creditor's premises. Money already given to the consumer must be tendered at the creditor's place of business. For purpose of property exchange, the following additional rules apply:   •  A cash advance is considered money for purposes of this section even if the creditor knows what the consumer intends to purchase with the money.   •  In a three-party open-end credit plan (that is, if the creditor and seller are not the same or related persons), extensions by the creditor that are used by the consumer for purchases from third-party sellers are considered to be the same as cash advances for purposes of tendering value to the creditor, even though the transaction is a purchase {{8-29-08 p.6931}}     for other purposes under the regulation. For example, if a consumer exercises the unexpired right to rescind after using a three-party credit card for one year, the consumer would tender the amount of the purchase price for the items charged to the account, rather than tendering the items themselves to the creditor.   2.  Reasonable value.  If returning the property would be extremely burdensome to the consumer, the consumer may offer the creditor its reasonable value rather than returning the property itself. For example, if building materials have already been incorporated into the consumer's dwelling, the consumer may pay their reasonable value.   Paragraph 15(d)(4).   1.  Modifications.  The procedures outlined in § 226.15(d)(2) and (3) may be modified by a court. For example, when a consumer is in bankruptcy proceedings and prohibited from returning anything to the creditor, or when the equities dictate, a modification might be made. The sequence of procedures under § 226.15(d)(2) and (3), or a court's modification of those procedures under § 226.15(d)(4), does not affect a consumer's substantive right to rescind and to have the loan amount adjusted accordingly. Where the consumer's right to rescind is contested by the creditor, a court would normally determine whether the consumer has a right to rescind and determine the amounts owed before establishing the procedures for the parties to tender any money or property.   15(e)  Consumer's waiver of right to rescind.   1.  Need for waiver.  To waive the right to rescind, the consumer must have a bona fide personal financial emergency that must be met before the end of the rescission period. The existence of the consumer's waiver will not, of itself, automatically insulate the creditor from liability for failing to provide the right of rescission.   2.  Procedure.  To waive or modify the right to rescind, the consumer must give a written statement that specifically waives or modifies the right, and also includes a brief description of the emergency. Each consumer entitled to rescind must sign the waiver statement. In a transaction involving multiple consumers, such as a husband and wife using their home as collateral, the waiver must bear the signatures of both spouses.   15(f)  Exempt transactions.   1.  Residential mortgage transaction.   Although residential mortgage transactions would seldom be made on bona fide open-end credit plans (under which repeated transactions must be reasonably contemplated), an advance on an open-end plan could be for a downpayment for the purchase of a dwelling that would then secure the remainder of the line. In such a case, only the particular advance for the downpayment would be exempt from the rescission right.   2.  State creditors.  Cities and other political subdivisions of states acting as creditors are not exempt from § 226.15.   3.  Spreader clause.  When the creditor holds a mortgage or deed of trust on the consumer's principal dwelling and that mortgage or deed of trust contains a "spreader clause" (also known as a "dragnet" or cross-collateralization clause), subsequent occurrences such as the opening of a plan or individual credit extensions are subject to the right of rescission to the same degree as if the security interest were taken directly to secure the open-end plan, unless the creditor effectively waives its security interest under the spreader clause with respect to the subsequent open-end credit extensions. References   Statute:  Secs. 113, 125, 130, and the Housing and Community Development Technical Amendments Act of 1984, Sec. 205 (Pub. L. 98-479).   Other sections:  §§ 226.2 and appendix G.   Previous regulation:  § 226.9.   1981 changes:  Section 226.15 reflects the statutory amendments of 1980, providing for a limited right of rescission when individual credit extensions are made in accordance with a previously established credit limit for an open-end credit plan. The 1980 amendments provided that this limited rescission right be available for a three-year trial period. However, Pub. L. 98-479 now permanently exempts such individual credit extensions from the right of rescission.   The right to rescind applies not only to real property used as the consumer's principal dwelling, but to personal property as well. The regulation provides no specific text or format for the rescission notice. {{8-29-08 p.6932}}   When a consumer exercises the right to rescind, the creditor now has 20 days to return a consumer's money or property and take the necessary action to terminate the security interest. The creditor has 20 days to take possession of the money or property after the consumer's tender before the consumer may keep it without further obligation.   Under the revised regulation, the waiver provision has been relaxed. The lien status of the mortgage is irrelevant for purposes of the residential mortgage transaction exemption. The exemption for agricultural loans from the right to rescind has been deleted. Section 226.16—Advertising   1.  Clear and conspicuous standard--general.  Section 226.16 is subject to the general "clear and conspicuous" standard for subpart B (see § 226.5(a)(1)) but prescribes no specific rules for the format of the necessary disclosures, aside from the format requirements related to the disclosure of a promotional rate under § 226.16(d)(6). Aside from the terms described in § 226.16(d)(6), the credit terms need not be printed in a certain type size nor need they appear in any particular place in the advertisement.   2.  Clear and conspicuous standard--promotional rates or payments for home-equity plans.  For purposes of § 226.16(d)(6), a clear and conspicuous disclosure means that the required information in § 226.16(d)(6)(ii)(A)--(C) is disclosed with equal prominence and in close proximity to the promotional rate or payment to which it applies. If the information in § 226.16(d)(6)(ii)(A)--(C) is the same type size and is located immediately next to or directly above or below the promotional rate or payment to which it applies, without any intervening text or graphical displays, the disclosures would be deemed to be equally prominent and in close proximity. Notwithstanding the above, for electronic advertisements that disclose promotional rates or payments, compliance with the requirements of § 226.16(c) is deemed to satisfy the clear and conspicuous standard.   3.  Clear and conspicuous standard--Internet advertisements for home-equity plans.  For purposes of this section, a clear and conspicuous disclosure for visual text advertisements on the Internet for home-equity plans subject to the requirements of § 226.5b means that the required disclosures are not obscured by techniques such as graphical displays, shading, coloration, or other devices and comply with all other requirements for clear and conspicuous disclosures under § 226.16(d). See also comment 16(c)(1)--2.   4.  Clear and conspicuous standard--televised advertisements for home-equity plans.  For purposes of this section, including alternative disclosures as provided for by § 226.16(e), a clear and conspicuous disclosure in the context of visual text advertisements on television for home-equity plans subject to the requirements of § 226.5b means that the required disclosures are not obscured by techniques such as graphical displays, shading, coloration, or other devices, are displayed in a manner that allows for a consumer to read the information required to be disclosed, and comply with all other requirements for clear and conspicuous disclosures under § 226.16(d). For example, very fine print in a television advertisement would not meet the clear and conspicuous standard if consumers cannot see and read the information required to be disclosed.   5.  Clear and conspicuous standard--oral advertisements for home-equity plans.  For purposes of this section, including alternative disclosures as provided for by § 226.16(e), a clear and conspicuous disclosure in the context of an oral advertisement for home-equity plans subject to the requirements of § 226.5b, whether by radio, television, the Internet, or other medium, means that the required disclosures are given at a speed and volume sufficient for a consumer to hear and comprehend them. For example, information stated very rapidly at a low volume in a radio or television advertisement would not meet the clear and conspicuous standard if consumers cannot hear and comprehend the information required to be disclosed.   6.  Expressing the annual percentage rate in abbreviated form.  Whenever the annual percentage rate is used in an advertisement for open-end credit, it may be expressed using a readily understandable abbreviation such as "APR".   7.  Effective date.  For guidance on the applicability of the Board's revisions to § 226.16 published on July 30, 2008, see comment 1(d)(5)--1.   16(a)  Actually available terms.   1.  General rule.  To the extent that an advertisement mentions specific credit terms, it may state only those terms that the creditor is actually prepared to offer. For example, a creditor may not advertise a very low annual percentage rate that will not in fact be {{8-29-08 p.6933}}available at any time. Section 226.16(a) is not intended to inhibit the promotion of new credit programs, but to bar the advertising of terms that are not and will not be available. For example, a creditor may advertise terms that will be offered for only a limited period, or terms that will become available at a future date.   2.  Specific credit terms.  "Specific credit terms" is not limited to the disclosures required by the regulation but would include any specific components of a credit plan, such as the minimum periodic payment amount or seller's points in a plan secured by real estate.   16(b)  Advertisement of terms that require additional disclosures.   1.  Terms requiring additional disclosures.   In § 226.16(b) the phrase "the terms required to be disclosed under § 226.6" refers to the terms in § 226.6(a) and § 226.6(b).   2.  Use of positive terms.  An advertisement must state a credit term as a positive number in order to trigger additional disclosures. For example, "no annual membership fee" would not trigger the additional disclosures required by § 226.16(b). (See, however, the rules in § 226.16(d) relating to advertisements for home equity plans.)   3.  Implicit terms.  Section 226.16(b) applies even if the triggering term is not stated explicitly, but may be readily determined from the advertisement.   4.  Membership fees.  A membership fee is not a triggering term nor need it be disclosed under § 226.16(b)(3) if it is required for participation in the plan whether or not an open-end credit feature is attached. (See comment 6(b)--1.)   5.  Variable rate plans.  In disclosing the annual percentage rate in an advertisement for a variable-rate plan, as required by § 226.16(b)(2), the creditor may use an insert showing the current rate; may give the rate as of a specified recent date; or may disclose an estimated rate under § 226.5(c). The additional requirement in § 226.16(b)(2) to disclose the variable-rate feature may be satisfied by disclosing that "the annual percentage rate may vary" or a similar statement, but the advertisement need not include the information required by footnote 12 to § 226.6(a)(2).   6.  Discounted variable-rate plans--disclosure of the annual percentage rates.  The advertised annual percentage rates for discounted variable-rate plans must, in accordance with comment 6(a)(2)-10, include both the initial rate (with the statement of how long it will remain in effect) and the current indexed rate (with the statement that this second rate may vary). The options listed in comment 16(b)--5 may be used in disclosing the current indexed rate.   7.  Triggering terms.  The following are examples of terms that trigger additional disclosures:   •  "Small monthly service charge on the remaining balance," which describes how the amount of a finance charge will be determined.   •  "12 percent Annual Percentage Rate" or "A $15 annual membership fee buys you $2,000 in credit," which describe required disclosures using positive numbers.   8.  Minimum, fixed, transaction, activity, or similar charge.  The charges to be disclosed under § 226.16(b)(1) are those that are considered finance charges under § 226.4.   9.  Deferred billing and deferred payment programs.   Statements such as "Charge it--you won't be billed until May" or "You may skip your January payment" are not in themselves triggering terms, since the timing for initial billing or for monthly payments are not terms required to be disclosed under § 226.6. However, a statement such as "No finance charge until May" or any other statement regarding when finance charges begin to accrue is a triggering term, whether appearing alone or in conjunction with a description of a deferred billing or deferred payment program such as the examples above.   16(c)  Catalogs or Other Multiple-page Advertisements; Electronic Advertisements.   1.  Definition.  The multiple-page advertisements to which § 226.16(c) refers are advertisements consisting of a series of sequentially numbered pages-- for example, a supplement to a newspaper. A mailing consisting of several separate flyers or pieces of promotional material in a single envelope does not constitute a single multiple-page advertisement for purposes of § 226.16(c).   Paragraph 16(c)(1).   1.  General.  Section 226.16(c)(1) permits creditors to put credit information together in one place in a catalog or other multiple-page advertisement or an electronic advertisement (such as an advertisement appearing on an Internet Web site). The rule applies only if the advertisement contains one or more of the triggering terms from § 226.16(b). {{8-29-08 p.6934}}   2.  Electronic advertisement.  If an electronic advertisement (such as an advertisement appearing on an Internet Web site) contains the table or schedule permitted under § 226.16(c)(1), any statement of terms set forth in § 226.6 appearing anywhere else in the advertisement must clearly direct the consumer to the location where the table or schedule begins. For example, a term triggering additional disclosures may be accompanied by a link that directly takes the consumer to the additional information.   Paragraph 16(c)(2).   1.  Table or schedule if credit terms depend on outstanding balance.  If the credit terms of a plan vary depending on the amount of the balance outstanding, rather than the amount of any property purchased, a table or schedule complies with § 226.16(c)(2) if it includes the required disclosures for representative balances. For example, a creditor would disclose that a periodic rate of 1.5% is applied to balances of $500 or less, and a 1% rate is applied to balances greater than $500.   16(d) Additional Requirements for Home Equity Plans   1.  Trigger terms.  Negative as well as affirmative references trigger the requirement for additional information. For example, if a creditor states "no annual fee," "no points," or "we waive closing costs" in an advertisement, additional information must be provided. (See comment 16(d)--4 regarding the use of a phrase such as "no closing costs.") Inclusion of a statement such as "low fee," however, would not trigger the need to state additional information. References to payment terms include references to the draw period or any repayment period, to the length of the plan, to how the minimum payments are determined and to the timing of such payments.   2.  Fees to open the plan.  Section 226.16(d)(1)(i) requires a disclosure of any fees imposed by the creditor or a third party to open the plan. In providing the fee information required under this paragraph, the corresponding rules for disclosure of this information apply. For example, fees to open the plan may be stated as a range. Similarly, if property insurance is required to open the plan, a creditor either may estimate the cost of the insurance or provide a statement that such insurance is required. (See the commentary to § 226.5b(d)(7) and (8).)   3.  Statements of tax deductibility.  An advertisement that refers to deductibility for tax purposes is not misleading if it includes a statement such as "consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest." An advertisement distributed in paper form or through the Internet (rather than by radio or television) that states that the advertised extension of credit may exceed the fair market value of the consumer's dwelling is not misleading if it clearly and conspicuously states the required information in §§ 226.16(d)(4)(i) and (ii).   4.  Misleading terms prohibited.  Under § 226.16(d)(5), advertisements may not refer to home equity plans as "free money" or use other misleading terms. For example, an advertisement could not state "no closing costs" or "we waive closing costs" if consumers may be required to pay any closing costs, such as recordation fees. In the case of property insurance, however, a creditor may state, for example, "no closing costs" even if property insurance may be required, as long as the creditor also provides a statement that such insurance may be required. (See the commentary to this section regarding fees to open a plan.)   5.  Promotional rates and payments in advertisements for home-equity plans.  Section 226.16(d) requires additional disclosures for promotional rates or payments.   i.  Variable-rate plans.  In advertisements for variable-rate plans, if the advertised annual percentage rate is based on (or the advertised payment is derived from) the index and margin that will be used to make rate (or payment) adjustments over the term of the loan, then there is no promotional rate or promotional payment. If, however, the advertised annual percentage rate is not based on (or the advertised payment is not derived from) the index and margin that will be used to make rate (or payment) adjustments, and a reasonably current application of the index and margin would result in a higher annual percentage rate (or, given an assumed balance, a higher payment) then there is a promotional rate or promotional payment.   ii.  Equal prominence, close proximity.  Information required to be disclosed in § 226.16(d)(6)(ii) that is immediately next to or directly above or below the promotional rate or payment (but not in a footnote) is deemed to be closely proximate to the listing. {{8-29-08 p.6934.01}}Information required to be disclosed in § 226.16(d)(6)(ii) that is in the same type size as the promotional rate or payment is deemed to be equally prominent.   iii.  Amounts and time periods of payments.  Section 226.16(d)(6)(ii)(C) requires disclosure of the amount and time periods of any payments that will apply under the plan. This section may require disclosure of several payment amounts, including any balloon payment. For example, if an advertisement for a home-equity plan offers a $100,000 five-year line of credit and assumes that the entire line is drawn resulting in a minimum payment of $800 per month for the first six months, increasing to $1,000 per month after month six, followed by a $50,000 balloon payment after five years, the advertisement must disclose the amount and time period of each of the two monthly payment streams, as well as the amount and timing of the balloon payment, with equal prominence and in close proximity to the promotional payment. However, if the final payment could not be more than twice the amount of other minimum payments, the final payment need not be disclosed.   iv.  Plans other than variable-rate plans.  For a plan other than a variable-rate plan, if an advertised payment is calculated in the same way as other payments based on an assumed balance, the fact that the minimum payment could increase solely if the consumer made an additional draw does not make the payment a promotional payment. For example, if a payment of $500 results from an assumed $10,000 draw, and the payment would increase to $1,000 if the consumer made an additional $10,000 draw, the payment is not a promotional payment.   v.  Conversion option.  Some home-equity plans permit the consumer to repay all or part of the balance during the draw period at a fixed rate (rather than a variable rate) and over a specified time period. The fixed-rate conversion option does not, by itself, make the rate or payment that would apply if the consumer exercised the fixed-rate conversion option a promotional rate or payment.   vi.  Preferred-rate provisions.  Some home-equity plans contain a preferred-rate provision, where the rate will increase upon the occurrence of some event, such as the consumer-employee leaving the creditor's employ, the consumer closing an existing deposit account with the creditor, or the consumer revoking an election to make automated payments. A preferred-rate provision does not, by itself, make the rate or payment under the preferred-rate provision a promotional rate or payment.   6.  Reasonably current index and margin.  For the purposes of this section, an index and margin is considered reasonably current if:   i.  For direct mail advertisements, it was in effect within 60 days before mailing;   ii.  For advertisements in electronic form it was in effect within 30 days before the advertisement is sent to a consumer's e-mail address, or in the case of an advertisement made on an Internet Web site, when viewed by the public; or   iii.  For printed advertisements made available to the general public, including ones contained in a catalog, magazine, or other generally available publication, it was in effect within 30 days before printing.   7.  Relation to other sections.  Advertisements for home-equity plans must comply with all provisions in § 226.16 not solely the rules in § 226.16(d). If an advertisement contains information (such as the payment terms) that triggers the duty under § 226.16(d) to state the annual percentage rate, the additional disclosures in § 226.16(b) must be provided in the advertisement. While § 226.16(d) does not require a statement of fees to use or maintain the plan (such as membership fees and transaction charges), such fees must be disclosed under § 226.16(b)(1) and (3).   8.  Inapplicability of closed-end rules.  Advertisements for home equity plans are governed solely by the requirements in § 226.16, and not by the closed-end advertising rules in § 226.24. Thus, if a creditor states payment information about the repayment phase, this will trigger the duty to provide additional information under § 226.16, but not under § 226.24. References   Statute:  Secs. 141 and 143.   Previous regulation:  § 226.10(a) through (c) and interpretation § 226.1002.   Other sections:  §§ 226.2 and 226.6.   1981 changes:  Section 226.16 reflects the statutory changes to § 143 of the act which reduce both the number of triggering terms and the additional disclosures required by the use of those terms. Membership or participation fees are included among the additional {{8-29-08 p.6934.02}}disclosures required when a triggering term is used. The substance of interpretation § 226.1002, requiring disclosure of representative amounts of credit in catalogs and multiple-page advertisements, has been incorporated in simplified form in paragraph (c).   9.  Balloon payment.  See comment 5b(d)(5)(ii)--3 for information not required to be stated in advertisements, and on situations in which the balloon payment requirement does not apply.)   16(e)  Alternative disclosures--television or radio advertisement.   1.  Multi-purpose telephone number.  When an advertised telephone number provides a recording, disclosures should be provided early in the sequence to ensure that the consumer receives the required disclosures. For example, in providing several options--such as providing directions to the advertiser's place of business--the option allowing the consumer to request disclosures should be provided early in the telephone message to ensure that the option to request disclosures is not obscured by other information.   2.  Statement accompanying telephone number.  Language must accompany a telephone number indicating that disclosures are available by calling the telephone number, such as "call 1--800--000--0000 for details about credit costs and terms." [Main Tabs]     [Table of Contents - 6500]     [Index]     [Previous Page]     [Next Page]     [Search]

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