Opinion ID: 779698
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The HOLA and OTS Regulations Authorize ATM fees.

Text: 27 The HOLA empowers the OTS, under such rules and regulations as [it] may prescribe — to provide for the organization, incorporation, examination, operation, and regulation of ... Federal savings associations ..., giving primary consideration of the best practices of thrift institutions in the United States. 12 U.S.C. § 1464(a). The HOLA authorizes the OTS to promulgate regulations appropriate to carry out [its] responsibilities. 12 U.S.C. § 1463(a)(2). Pursuant to this authorization, the OTS regulates, inter alia, the enforcement of laws, regulations, or conditions against such associations. 12 C.F.R. § 500.1(b). 28 The HOLA also permits federal savings associations to establish remote service units for the purpose of crediting savings or demand accounts, debiting such accounts, crediting payments on loans, and [disposing] of related financial transactions as provided in regulations prescribed by the[OTS]. 12 U.S.C. § 1464(b)(1)(F). The OTS authorizes federal savings associations to use electronic means or facilities to perform any function, or provide any product or service, as part of an authorized activity. 12 C.F.R. § 555.200(a). Electronic means or facilities include ATMs. Id. The OTS also permits federal savings associations to transfer, with or without fee, [their] customers' funds from any account... of the customer at the Federal savings association or at another financial intermediary to third parties or other accounts of the customer on the customer's order or authorization by any mechanism or device. 12 C.F.R. § 545.17. 29 A federal savings association's authority to conduct electronic fund transfers is not limited to its own depositors. Rather, it applies to any customer. Compare id. with 12 C.F.R. § 555.200(b) (authorizing the marketing and sale of electronic capacities and by-products to third-parties). The OTS further permits federal savings associations to charge fees for deposit and lending-related services. See 12 C.F.R. § 545.17 (authorizing transfer of funds with or without fee); 12 C.F.R. § 557.12(f) (authorizing service charges and fees for deposit-related activities); 12 C.F.R. § 560.2(b)(5) (authorizing loan-related fees, including ... servicing fees). It follows that a federal savings association may charge non-depositors for ATM services. 30