Source: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr;rgn=div2;view=text;node=20090129%3A1.68;idno=12;cc=ecfr;start=1;size=25
Timestamp: 2014-07-28 22:40:57
Document Index: 68319693

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§226', '§227']

12 CFR--PART 226 View Printed Federal Register page 74 FR 5412 in PDF format.
Amendment(s) published January 29, 2009, in 74 FR 5412
11. Section 226.9 is revised to read as follows:
§226.9 Subsequent disclosure requirements.(a)Furnishing statement of billing rights. (1)Annual statement. The creditor shall mail or deliver the billing rights statement required by §226.6(a)(5) and (b)(5)(iii) at least once per calendar year, at intervals of not less than 6 months nor more than 18 months, either to all consumers or to each consumer entitled to receive a periodic statement under §226.5(b)(2) for any one billing cycle.(2)Alternative summary statement.As an alternative to paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the creditor may mail or deliver, on or with each periodic statement, a statement substantially similar to Model Form G-4 or Model Form G-4(A) in Appendix G to this part, as applicable. Creditors offering home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b may use either Model Form, at their option.(b)Disclosures for supplemental credit access devices and additional features.(1) If a creditor, within 30 days after mailing or delivering the account-opening disclosures under §226.6(a)(1) or (b)(3)(ii)(A), as applicable, adds a credit feature to the consumer's account or mails or delivers to the consumer a credit access device, including but not limited to checks that access a credit card account, for which the finance charge terms are the same as those previously disclosed, no additional disclosures are necessary. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, after 30 days, if the creditor adds a credit feature or furnishes a credit access device (other than as a renewal, resupply, or the original issuance of a credit card) on the same finance charge terms, the creditor shall disclose, before the consumer uses the feature or device for the first time, that it is for use in obtaining credit under the terms previously disclosed.(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, whenever a credit feature is added or a credit access device is mailed or delivered, and the finance charge terms for the feature or device differ from disclosures previously given, the disclosures required by §226.6(a)(1) or (b)(3)(ii)(A), as applicable, that are applicable to the added feature or device shall be given before the consumer uses the feature or device for the first time.(3)Checks that access a credit card account.(i)Disclosures.For open-end plans not subject to the requirements of §226.5b, if checks that can be used to access a credit card account are provided more than 30 days after account-opening disclosures under §226.6(b) are mailed or delivered, or are provided within 30 days of the account-opening disclosures and the finance charge terms for the checks differ from the finance charge terms previously disclosed, the creditor shall disclose on the front of the page containing the checks the following terms in the form of a table with the headings, content, and form substantially similar to Sample G-19 in Appendix G to this part:(A) If a promotional rate, as that term is defined in §226.16(g)(2)(i) applies to the checks:(1) The promotional rate and the time period during which the promotional rate will remain in effect;(2) The type of rate that will apply (such as whether the purchase or cash advance rate applies) after the promotional rate expires, and the annual percentage rate that will apply after the promotional rate expires. For a variable-rate account, a creditor must disclose an annual percentage rate based on the applicable index or formula in accordance with the accuracy requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section; and(3) The date, if any, by which the consumer must use the checks in order to qualify for the promotional rate. If the creditor will honor checks used after such date but will apply an annual percentage rate other than the promotional rate, the creditor must disclose this fact and the type of annual percentage rate that will apply if the consumer uses the checks after such date.(B) If no promotional rate applies to the checks:(1) The type of rate that will apply to the checks and the applicable annual percentage rate. For a variable-rate account, a creditor must disclose an annual percentage rate based on the applicable index or formula in accordance with the accuracy requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section.(C) Any transaction fees applicable to the checks disclosed under §226.6(b)(2)(iv), (b)(2)(vii), or (b)(2)(x); and(D) Whether or not a grace period is given within which any credit extended by use of the checks may be repaid without incurring a finance charge due to a periodic interest rate. When disclosing whether there is a grace period, the phrase “How to Avoid Paying Interest on Check Transactions” shall be used as the row heading when a grace period applies to credit extended by the use of the checks. When disclosing the fact that no grace period exists for credit extended by use of the checks, the phrase “Paying Interest” shall be used as the row heading.(ii)Accuracy.The disclosures in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section must be accurate as of the time the disclosures are mailed or delivered. A variable annual percentage rate is accurate if it was in effect within 60 days of when the disclosures are mailed or delivered.(c)Change in terms.(1)Rules affecting home-equity plans.(i)Written notice required.For home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b, whenever any term required to be disclosed under §226.6(a) is changed or the required minimum periodic payment is increased, the creditor shall mail or deliver written notice of the change to each consumer who may be affected. The notice shall be mailed or delivered at least 15 days prior to the effective date of the change. The 15-day timing requirement does not apply if the change has been agreed to by the consumer; the notice shall be given, however, before the effective date of the change.(ii)Notice not required.For home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b, a creditor is not required to provide notice under this section when the change involves a reduction of any component of a finance or other charge or when the change results from an agreement involving a court proceeding.(iii)Notice to restrict credit.For home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b, if the creditor prohibits additional extensions of credit or reduces the credit limit pursuant to §226.5b(f)(3)(i) or (f)(3)(vi), the creditor shall mail or deliver written notice of the action to each consumer who will be affected. The notice must be provided not later than three business days after the action is taken and shall contain specific reasons for the action. If the creditor requires the consumer to request reinstatement of credit privileges, the notice also shall state that fact.(2)Rules affecting open-end (not home-secured) plans.(i)Changes where written advance notice is required.For plans other than home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b, except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2)(ii) and (c)(2)(iv) of this section, when a term required to be disclosed under §226.6(b)(3), (b)(4) or (b)(5) is changed or the required minimum periodic payment is increased, a creditor must provide a written notice of the change at least 45 days prior to the effective date of the change to each consumer who may be affected. The 45-day timing requirement does not apply if the consumer has agreed to a particular change; the notice shall be given, however, before the effective date of the change. Increases in the rate applicable to a consumer's account due to delinquency, default or as a penalty described in paragraph (g) of this section that are not due to a change in the contractual terms of the consumer's account must be disclosed pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section instead of paragraph (c)(2) of this section.(ii)Charges not covered by §226.6(b)(1) and (b)(2).Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of this section, if a creditor increases any component of a charge, or introduces a new charge, required to be disclosed under §226.6(b)(3) that is not required to be disclosed under §226.6(b)(1) and (b)(2), a creditor may either, at its option:(A) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section; or(B) Provide notice of the amount of the charge before the consumer agrees to or becomes obligated to pay the charge, at a time and in a manner that a consumer would be likely to notice the disclosure of the charge. The notice may be provided orally or in writing.(iii)Disclosure requirements.(A)Changes to terms described in account-opening table.If a creditor changes a term required to be disclosed pursuant to §226.6(b)(1) and (b)(2), the creditor must provide the following information on the notice provided pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section:(1) A summary of the changes made to terms required by §226.6(b)(1) and (b)(2);(2) A statement that changes are being made to the account;(3) A statement indicating the consumer has the right to opt out of these changes, if applicable, and a reference to additional information describing the opt-out right provided in the notice, if applicable;(4) The date the changes will become effective;(5) If applicable, a statement that the consumer may find additional information about the summarized changes, and other changes to the account, in the notice;(6) If the creditor is changing a rate on the account, other than a penalty rate, a statement that if a penalty rate currently applies to the consumer's account, the new rate described in the notice will not apply to the consumer's account until the consumer's account balances are no longer subject to the penalty rate; and(7) If the change in terms being disclosed is an increase in an annual percentage rate, the balances to which the increased rate will be applied. If applicable, a statement identifying the balances to which the current rate will continue to apply as of the effective date of the change in terms.(B)Format requirements.(1)Tabular format.The summary of changes described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section must be in a tabular format, with headings and format substantially similar to any of the account-opening tables found in G-17 in Appendix G to this part. The table must disclose the changed term and information relevant to the change, if that relevant information is required by §226.6(b)(1) and (b)(2). The new terms shall be described in the same level of detail as required when disclosing the terms under §226.6(b)(2).(2)Notice included with periodic statement.If a notice required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section is included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section must be disclosed on the front of any page of the statement. The summary of changes described in paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A)(1) of this section must immediately follow the information described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(2) through (c)(2)(iii)(A)(7) of this section, and be substantially similar to the format shown in Sample G-20 in Appendix G to this part.(3)Notice provided separately from periodic statement.If a notice required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section is not included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section must, at the creditor's option, be disclosed on the front of the first page of the notice or segregated on a separate page from other information given with the notice. The summary of changes required to be in a table pursuant to paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section may be on more than one page, and may use both the front and reverse sides, so long as the table begins on the front of the first page of the notice and there is a reference on the first page indicating that the table continues on the following page. The summary of changes described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section must immediately follow the information described in paragraph (c)(1)(iii)(A)(2) through (c)(1)(iii)(A)(7) of this section, substantially similar to the format shown in Sample G-20 in Appendix G to this part.(iv)Notice not required.For open-end plans (other than home equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b) a creditor is not required to provide notice under this section when the change involves charges for documentary evidence; a reduction of any component of a finance or other charge; suspension of future credit privileges (except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section) or termination of an account or plan; or when the change results from an agreement involving a court proceeding.(v)Reduction of the credit limit.For open-end plans that are not subject to the requirements of §226.5b, if a creditor decreases the credit limit on an account, advance notice of the decrease must be provided before an over-the-limit fee or a penalty rate can be imposed solely as a result of the consumer exceeding the newly decreased credit limit. Notice shall be provided in writing or orally at least 45 days prior to imposing the over-the-limit fee or penalty rate and shall state that the credit limit on the account has been or will be decreased.(d)Finance charge imposed at time of transaction.(1) Any person, other than the card issuer, who imposes a finance charge at the time of honoring a consumer's credit card, shall disclose the amount of that finance charge prior to its imposition.(2) The card issuer, other than the person honoring the consumer's credit card, shall have no responsibility for the disclosure required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and shall not consider any such charge for the purposes of §§226.5a, 226.6 and 226.7.(e)Disclosures upon renewal of credit or charge card.(1)Notice prior to renewal.Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, a card issuer that imposes any annual or other periodic fee to renew a credit or charge card account of the type subject to §226.5a, including any fee based on account activity or inactivity, shall mail or deliver written notice of the renewal to the cardholder. The notice shall be provided at least 30 days or one billing cycle, whichever is less, before the mailing or the delivery of the periodic statement on which the renewal fee is initially charged to the account. The notice shall contain the following information:(i) The disclosures contained in §226.5a(b)(1) through (b)(7) that would apply if the account were renewed;20aand
20a[Reserved]
(ii) How and when the cardholder may terminate credit availability under the account to avoid paying the renewal fee.(2)Delayed notice.Alternatively, the disclosures required by paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be provided later than the time in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, but no later than the mailing or the delivery of the periodic statement on which the renewal fee is initially charged to the account, if the card issuer also discloses at that time that:(i) The cardholder has 30 days from the time the periodic statement is mailed or delivered to avoid paying the fee or to have the fee recredited if the cardholder terminates credit availability under the account; and(ii) The cardholder may use the card during the interim period without having to pay the fee.(3)Notification on periodic statements.The disclosures required by this paragraph may be made on or with a periodic statement. If any of the disclosures are provided on the back of a periodic statement, the card issuer shall include a reference to those disclosures on the front of the statement.(f)Change in credit card account insurance provider.(1)Notice prior to change.If a credit card issuer plans to change the provider of insurance for repayment of all or part of the outstanding balance of an open-end credit card account of the type subject to §226.5a, the card issuer shall mail or deliver to the cardholder written notice of the change not less than 30 days before the change in provider occurs. The notice shall also include the following items, to the extent applicable:(i) Any increase in the rate that will result from the change;(ii) Any substantial decrease in coverage that will result from the change; and(iii) A statement that the cardholder may discontinue the insurance.(2)Notice when change in provider occurs.If a change described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section occurs, the card issuer shall provide the cardholder with a written notice no later than 30 days after the change, including the following items, to the extent applicable:(i) The name and address of the new insurance provider;(ii) A copy of the new policy or group certificate containing the basic terms of the insurance, including the rate to be charged; and(iii) A statement that the cardholder may discontinue the insurance.(3)Substantial decrease in coverage.For purposes of this paragraph, a substantial decrease in coverage is a decrease in a significant term of coverage that might reasonably be expected to affect the cardholder's decision to continue the insurance. Significant terms of coverage include, for example, the following:(i) Type of coverage provided;(ii) Age at which coverage terminates or becomes more restrictive;(iii) Maximum insurable loan balance, maximum periodic benefit payment, maximum number of payments, or other term affecting the dollar amount of coverage or benefits provided;(iv) Eligibility requirements and number and identity of persons covered;(v) Definition of a key term of coverage such as disability;(vi) Exclusions from or limitations on coverage; and(vii) Waiting periods and whether coverage is retroactive.(4)Combined notification.The notices required by paragraph (f)(1) and (2) of this section may be combined provided the timing requirement of paragraph (f)(1) of this section is met. The notices may be provided on or with a periodic statement.(g)Increase in rates due to delinquency or default or as a penalty.(1)Increases subject to this section.For plans other than home-equity plans subject to the requirements of §226.5b, except as provided in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, a creditor must provide a written notice to each consumer who may be affected when:(i) A rate is increased due to the consumer's delinquency or default; or(ii) A rate is increased as a penalty for one or more events specified in the account agreement, such as making a late payment or obtaining an extension of credit that exceeds the credit limit.(2)Timing of written notice.Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, the creditor shall provide written notice of the increase in rates at least 45 days prior to the effective date of the increase. The notice must be provided after the occurrence of the events described in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this section that trigger the imposition of the rate increase.(3)(i)Disclosure requirements for rate increases.If a creditor is increasing the rate due to delinquency or default or as a penalty, the creditor must provide the following information on the notice sent pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section:(A) A statement that the delinquency or default rate or penalty rate, as applicable, has been triggered;(B) The date on which the delinquency or default rate or penalty rate will apply;(C) The circumstances under which the delinquency or default rate or penalty rate, as applicable, will cease to apply to the consumer's account, or that the delinquency or default rate or penalty rate will remain in effect for a potentially indefinite time period;(D) A statement indicating to which balances the delinquency or default rate or penalty rate will be applied; and(E) If applicable, a description of any balances to which the current rate will continue to apply as of the effective date of the rate increase, unless a consumer fails to make a minimum periodic payment within 30 days from the due date for that payment.(ii)Format requirements.(A) If a notice required by paragraph (g)(1) of this section is included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section must be in the form of a table and provided on the front of any page of the periodic statement, above the notice described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A) of this section if that notice is provided on the same statement.(B) If a notice required by paragraph (g)(1) of this section is not included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this section must be disclosed on the front of the first page of the notice. Only information related to the increase in the rate to a penalty rate may be included with the notice, except that this notice may be combined with a notice described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A) or (g)(4)(ii) of this section.(4)Exceptions.(i)Workout arrangements.A creditor is not required to provide a notice pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section if a rate applicable to a category of transactions is increased as a result of the consumer's default, delinquency or as a penalty, in each case for failure to comply with the terms of a workout arrangement between the creditor and the consumer, provided that:(A) The rate following any such increase does not exceed the rate that applied to the category of transactions prior to commencement of the workout arrangement; or(B) If the rate that applied to a category of transactions prior to the commencement of the workout arrangement was a variable rate, the rate following any such increase is a variable rate determined by the same formula (index and margin) that applied to the category of transactions prior to commencement of the workout arrangement.(ii)Decrease in credit limit.A creditor is not required to provide, prior to increasing the rate for obtaining an extension of credit that exceeds the credit limit, a notice pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section, provided that:(A) The creditor provides at least 45 days in advance of imposing the penalty rate a notice, in writing, that includes:(1) A statement that the credit limit on the account has been or will be decreased.(2) A statement indicating the date on which the penalty rate will apply, if the outstanding balance exceeds the credit limit as of that date;(3) A statement that the penalty rate will not be imposed on the date specified in paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A)(2) of this section, if the outstanding balance does not exceed the credit limit as of that date;(4) The circumstances under which the penalty rate, if applied, will cease to apply to the account, or that the penalty rate, if applied, will remain in effect for a potentially indefinite time period;(5) A statement indicating to which balances the penalty rate may be applied; and(6) If applicable, a description of any balances to which the current rate will continue to apply as of the effective date of the rate increase, unless the consumer fails to make a minimum periodic payment within 30 days from the due date for that payment; and(B) The creditor does not increase the rate applicable to the consumer's account to the penalty rate if the outstanding balance does not exceed the credit limit on the date set forth in the notice and described in paragraph 9(g)(4)(ii)(A)(2) of this section.(C)(1) If a notice provided pursuant to paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A) of this section is included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A) of this section must be in the form of a table and provided on the front of any page of the periodic statement; or(2) If a notice required by paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A) of this section is not included on or with a periodic statement, the information described in paragraph (g)(4)(ii)(A) of this section must be disclosed on the front of the first page of the notice. Only information related to the reduction in credit limit may be included with the notice, except that this notice may be combined with a notice described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii)(A) or (g)(1) of this section.(iii)Certain rate increases applicable to outstanding balances.A creditor is not required to provide a notice pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section prior to increasing the rate applicable to an outstanding balance as defined in 12 CFR §227.24(a)(2), if:(A) The creditor previously provided a notice pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section containing the content specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this section;(B) After that notice is provided but prior to the effective date of the rate increase or rate increases disclosed in the notice pursuant to paragraph (g)(3)(i)(B) of this section, the consumer fails to make a required minimum periodic payment within 30 days from the due date for that payment; and(C) The rate increase applicable to outstanding balances takes effect on the effective date set forth in the notice. 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