Bank deposits expected to grow 5%-8% in next six months Nov 5, 2009
He said banks were running promotions and offered hybrid products like tiered interest-bearing checking accounts, flexible savings accounts, higher-yield term deposits with flexibility for withdrawal and a no-frill preferred rate-savings product to cater to different customer segments. Convenience of transactional payments like debit cards is one form of attraction to depositors. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Initiative 1033 Loses Badly Nov 5, 2009
Initiative 1033 -- the latest in a long line of measures sponsored by Eyman since the 1990s -- proposed a growth cap on revenue flowing into the main checking accounts of city, county and state government. Eyman acknowledged defeat Tuesday night as unofficial returns showed I-1033 being defeated by about 55 percent to 45 percent, with 48 percent of the expected vote counted. (KIRO TV, WA)
Do parents get a say on finances? Nov 5, 2009
The woman said her parents didn t know how much she had in savings and checking accounts. They didn t know her current debt amount. (Boston Globe)
News analysis: Tax activists lose, but roll on Nov 5, 2009
But he clearly overreached with Initiative 1033, which would have slapped growth caps on state, county and city checking accounts while doling out property tax cuts and putting any tax hikes on the ballot. As anti-Eyman activist Andrew Villeneuve happily pointed out on Election Night, I-1033 was Eyman's first loss on an anti-tax initiative, his first defeat in an off-year election, and the first time he's lost at the ballot two years in a row. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Programs help 'unbanked' avoid high fees Nov 5, 2009
Bank On programs encourage residents to open low- or no-cost checking accounts ... Public scrutiny of overdraft fees on checking accounts, which in 2009 are expected to reach $38. (USA Today)
BNY Mellon, US Bancorp Opt out of FDIC Extension Nov 3, 2009
The program, part of the wider effort to shore up banks during the height of last year's crisis, offers Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. coverage for non-interest bearing accounts, like checking accounts, with balances above $250,000. Meanwhile, Regions Financial Corp. said Monday it had extended its participation in the program, which provides unlimited coverage on certain NOW checking accounts and interest on lawyers trust accounts. (ABC News -- Wire)
Congress prepares to curb bank overdraft fees Nov 2, 2009
By Kathy Chu, USA TODAY The movement to reform bank fees is accelerating as Congress takes aim at controversial industry policies that encourage consumers to fall into debt on their checking accounts. The House Financial Services Committee blasted banks and credit unions at a hearing Friday for routinely paying consumers' overdrawn transactions, then charging them steep fees. (USA Today -- Money)
What to know if your bank fails Oct 31, 2009
A: The FDIC covers money deposited in savings accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposit up to $250,000. But that limit can apply to the same person in several different ownership categories, like single, joint, held-in-trust and retirement accounts. (MSNBC -- Business)
State Officials Look For Owners Of $400 Million Oct 30, 2009
The state treasurer's office says the unclaimed funds include dormant balances in savings and checking accounts, unclaimed wages and uncashed checks for insurance benefits. The agency says the money belongs to 887,000 people. (FOX61, CT)
Tower Financial Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results Oct 30, 2009
8 million of growth in our non-interest bearing checking accounts, $34 ... 9 million in interest bearing checking accounts. (Primezone Releases)
WPSO substation in Bogalusa closed down Oct 29, 2009
sharon achord wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:25 PM:" What a croc! Someone needs to shake the pockets of politications and look into their checking accounts. There you will probably find taxpayer money with plenty for the fine people that protect and serve us. ". Red wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:38 PM:" I don't blame the sheriff for closing the Bogalusa officce. You can't spend money you don't have. The people of washington parish only want the best services they can get somebody else to pay for. ". (Bogalusa Daily News, LA)
Federal complaint: Filipino teachers held in 'servitude' Oct 28, 2009
After a series of flights lasting up to 16 hours, they say, Universal's president Navarro and her employees met the teachers at LAX and took them to get Social Security cards and U.S. checking accounts. Then Navarro, herself a Filipino, presented them with a second contract this time for Universal's share of their placement. (USA Today -- News)
Cisneros right man for San Francisco treasurer Oct 28, 2009
The program helps "unbanked" San Franciscans, who are disproportionately low-income, set up checking accounts. Cisneros said they've opened about 35,000 accounts and saved these residents about $2 million in check-cashing fees since the program launched nearly four years ago. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Collection agencies chase after empty checking accounts Oct 27, 2009
for free extra services. Subscribe to Sacramento Business Journal. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Consumer groups oppose Ohio phone deregulation Oct 24, 2009
Bank customers who overdraw their checking accounts would get new protections from excessive penalties under legislation proposed Monday by the Senate banking committee chairman. The measure unveiled by Sen. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Market Winners & Losers: Amazon, MEMC Electronic Materials Oct 24, 2009
Good), and usually amount to 10% of the total cash kept in checking accounts. These reserves are never exactly 10%, and banks like to keep a little extra in reserve not, as you might think, to make you more comfortable that theyre in good financial shape, but rather so they can take that excess and lend it to other banks and make money off it. (Fox News)
Local insurance firm facing another lawsuit after its license was taken away Oct 23, 2009
The Bank of Pontiac filed one in September over more than $1 million in unpaid loan extensions and fees from two checking accounts. A status hearing for that suit is scheduled for November. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Hawaii banks fee income up 6% in 2009 Oct 23, 2009
While Hawaii banks, especially the big two, make a significant amount of money from the fees they charge vacationers using their ATMs, they also make money from local customers who overdraw their checking accounts. USA Today reported this week that nationally, U.S. banks are expected to earn $38. (Pacific Business News, HI)
READ: Wells Fargo's press release Oct 22, 2009
Average consumer checking accounts at legacy Wells Fargo grew a net 6 ... -- Consumer checking accounts up a net 5 ... -- Business checking accounts up a net 4. (USA Today -- Money)
Pastries and finance: a match made in Bellingham Oct 21, 2009
Citizens is offering customers at the branch a $50 discount on home equity loans, a one-month coffee subscription for new checking accounts, and a raffle for one year of free Dunkin Donuts coffee. Citizens Bank and Dunkin Donuts executives are hosting an event to celebrate the opening on Oct. 29 that will feature a Cash Cube in which visitors have a chance to win as much cash as they can catch. (Boston Globe)
Banks target of lawsuits over fees Oct 21, 2009
by the found banks and credit unions raked in close to $24 billion in overdraft fees last year as an increasing number of Americans withdrew more from their checking accounts than they had in them. That s a 35 percent increase from just two years ago. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Bonne Terre Council hears complaints about water bill, opens bids Oct 21, 2009
Councilwoman Cindy Driemeier suggested additional officials names needed to be added to city checking accounts for times like now when the mayor is out of town. At Barton s recommendation, the council removed City Clerk Melinda Watson s name from the list and added Deputy Clerk Dawn Sens and Calvert. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Mercantile Bank Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results Oct 20, 2009
Local deposits increased $185 million during the first nine months of 2009, primarily in certificates of deposit and interest-bearing checking accounts. The increase in local deposits, combined with a $191 million decline in total assets, has allowed Mercantile to reduce brokered deposits by $334 million, or 29. (Primezone Releases)
SunTrust No. 1 in deposits in Atlanta, though lead shrinks Oct 20, 2009
SunTrust officials said the decline in market share reflects the bank s effort to reduce the amount of wholesale brokered deposits, which are more expensive and volatile than checking accounts and other kinds of "core" customer deposits. The bank has been targeting those customers for the past year with its "Live Solid. Bank Solid" campaign, helping boost core deposits companywide by 11 percent over the past year, a SunTrust spokesman said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Bank overdraft bill would ease fees Oct 20, 2009
WASHINGTON - Bank customers who overdraw their checking accounts would get new protections from excessive penalties under legislation proposed yesterday by the Senate banking committee chairman. The measure unveiled by Senator Christopher Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut, would give people a choice in whether they want to participate in overdraft programs that charge fees for covering ATM withdrawals and debit card transactions. (Boston Globe)
Election Focus: Initiative 1033 would slap cap on government growth Oct 19, 2009
At its heart is a cap on revenue: The main checking accounts of city, county and state governments would only grow fast enough to keep pace with the rate of inflation and yearly population growth. Any tax money that comes in above the cap would automatically flow into a separate account, which would replace property tax revenue in the following year, cutting a taxpayer's expected bill. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Group claims overdraft programs still a risk Oct 17, 2009
"As a result, consumers are permitted to overspend their checking accounts without affirmative consent, do not get comparable cost-to-borrow information and are not warned when a transaction will trigger an overdraft," the consumer group said. Chi Chi Wu, an attorney for the National Consumer Law Center, said overdraft loans "are one of the most expensive and exploitative credit products on the market" and recently announced changes in those programs by some banks will do little to reduce costs... (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
As new banking rules take effect, banks will look to make up overdraft fees Oct 17, 2009
Rather than generic free checking accounts, you re going to see lots of different flavors of products, said Bob Meara, a senior analyst with Celent, a Boston consulting firm for the banking industry. That might mean the return of monthly fees or minimum balances for checking accounts or the bundling of accounts with other services for a fee. (Boston Globe)
Citizens opens record number of accounts Oct 15, 2009
Citizens Financial opens record number of checking accounts - Pittsburgh Business Times ... Citizens Financial opens record number of checking accounts ... Citizens Financial Group Inc., Providence, R.I., said Wednesday that it opened a record number of new checking accounts between Oct. 3 and Oct. 9, surpassing its previous one-week record set in 2007 by nearly 200 percent. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Topix Gains the Most in a Month on Rising Commodities Prices; Banks Climb Oct 7, 2009
M1 , which includes all currency held by consumers and companies for spending, money held in checking accounts and travelers checks, stayed at $1. 64 trillion in the week ended Sept. 21, the latest data available. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Bank overdraft fees up 35% Oct 7, 2009
U.S. banks and credit unions raked in nearly $24 billion in overdraft fees last year as an increasing number of Americans withdrew more from their checking accounts than they had available, according to a study by the. That s a 35 percent increase from just two years ago. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Consumer and bank relations strained Oct 7, 2009
In its most recent fee survey, the American Bankers Association found that 56 percent of customers pay nothing for checking accounts, ATMs and other basic services, and that 14 percent pay $3 or less a month. But banks do levy a lot of fees that can bite the unwary. (AZCentral -- Business)
Rival banks targeting TD customers after computer troubles Oct 6, 2009
Rival banks are targeting unhappy Philadelphia-area customers with promotional campaigns to get them to open checking accounts at their institutions ... Citizens said the offer had an unprecedented response from consumers who flocked to Citizens Bank branches over the weekend and opened thousands of new checking accounts ... According to bank executives, local Citizens Bank branches typically open several hundred checking accounts in a normal weekend, but this past weekend the volumes were seven... (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Treasurer Tim Cahill announces abandoned property listings Oct 2, 2009
Abandoned property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts; uncashed checks; insurance policy proceeds; stocks; dividends; and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. After three years of no customer-generated activity, most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the Treasury. (Needham Tab, MA)
ATM fees rising for other banks' customers Oct 1, 2009
Checking accounts that bear interest don't seem to be a good deal. The average minimum balance is $3,372. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Singletary: Who is protected on overdrafts? Oct 1, 2009
The national median for overdraft fees on consumer checking accounts, debit cards and ATMs increased to 26 per incident in 2009, up from 25 in 2008, according to Moebs Services, an economic research firm based in Lake Bluff, Ill. The firm collects and analyzes pricing trends for government agencies such as the Federal Reserve and the Government Accountability Office. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Bankrate: Fees at an all-time high Oct 1, 2009
The fees associated with checking accounts have risen this year to an all-time high, according to. Bankrate looked at average fees associated with savings and checking accounts, bounced checks, ATMs and monthly service fees. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Overdraft protection fees get a good look Sep 30, 2009
Overdraft programs for checking accounts are now an industry standard, meaning most bank customers can accidentally spend more money than they have - and will be charged a fee when they do ... The national median for overdraft fees on consumer checking accounts, debit cards and ATMs has increased to $26 per incident in 2009, up from $25 in 2008, according to Moebs Services, an economic research firm based in Lake Bluff, Ill. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Overdraft policies to change at U.S. Bank Sep 25, 2009
U.S. Bank is the latest bank with a large Colorado presence to announce a change in its overdraft policies for checking accounts, following Wells Fargo and Chase. U.S. Bank -- third largest in Colorado by deposits -- said Thursday its changes would take effect at the beginning of 2010. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Bank of America, JPMorgan Trim Overdraft Fees Amid Criticism From Congress Sep 23, 2009
The two banks, which currently enroll all checking accounts in overdraft protection, will allow consumers to opt out of the service, eliminating the potential for paying overdraft fees ... will apply the changes to all current and new checking accounts, to take effect in the first quarter of 2010. (Bloomberg -- US)
Under scrutiny, Bank of America to scale down overdraft fees Sep 23, 2009
Bank of America's deposits segment, which includes checking accounts and other services, collected $3. 3 billion from all service charges in the first half of this year. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
No more free stuff for credit card applications Sep 23, 2009
As an alternative, parents can set up checking accounts for their kids, or get them a debit card that is tied to a pre-funded account. Once the young adult has demonstrated that he or she can be responsible with money, credit card talks can begin. (MSNBC -- Business)
Sen. Dodd Calls to Curb Overdraft Fees Sep 19, 2009
"You need to give them mortgages they can afford and credit cards they can understand, small-dollar loans at reasonable rates, checking accounts without those usurious overdraft fees," Bair said. The Center for Responsible Lending estimates that consumers pay some $17. (Newsmax)
State revokes the license of Pontiac insurance agent Sep 19, 2009
Bertsche and his company also face a lawsuit filed last week by the Bank of Pontiac for more than $1 million in unpaid loan extensions and fees from two checking accounts. Calls to the firm for comment were not immediately returned. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
For first time in two years Americans get wealthier Sep 18, 2009
Net worth - the value of assets such as homes, checking accounts and investments minus debts like mortgages and credit cards - came to $53. 1 trillion for the second quarter. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
US net worth grows Sep 18, 2009
Net worth -- the value of assets such as homes, checking accounts and investments minus debts like mortgages and credit cards -- rose nearly 4 percent from the first quarter, the Fed said ... Net worth -- the value of assets such as homes, checking accounts and investments minus debts like mortgages and credit cards -- rose nearly 4 percent from the first quarter, the Fed said. (New York Post -- Business)
Americans' Net Worth Rose in 2nd Quarter Sep 18, 2009
Net worth, or the value of assets such as homes, checking accounts and investments minus debts like mortgages and credit cards, rose nearly 4 percent from the first quarter, the Fed said. Even with the gain, Americans' net worth stands well below the $65. (CBS News -- US)
Money Fund Assets Fell to $3.482T in Latest Week Sep 18, 2009
-based unit of Bankrate Inc. said the annual percentage yield available on interest-bearing checking accounts fell to 0. 12 percent from 0. (ABC News -- Wire)
Financial Innovation Under Fire Sep 17, 2009
For example, prepaid debit cards allow people who don't have checking accounts to make electronic payments and avoid carrying around a lot of cash. But they're controversial with regulators because the convenience comes at a cost: high fees. (BusinessWeek)
End the Fed -- A Preview Sep 17, 2009
The bank loans out money that has been warehoused and stands ready to use in checking accounts or other forms of checkable deposits and that loaned money is deposited yet again in checkable deposits. It is loaned out again and deposited, with each depositor treating the loan money as an asset on the books. (The American Conservative)
Rangel a sign of the times Sep 13, 2009
Rangel also acknowledged that he improperly listed his assets, as required by law, and failed to report additional checking accounts valued between $250,000 and $500,000 -- princely sums acquired on a congressional salary. Try also hypocrisy. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Life skills for teens: Laundry, money management Sep 13, 2009
For high school students, some banks offer checking accounts, and most allow parents to open joint accounts with their kids. Last year, I opened a checking account for my son where the paychecks from his after-school job could be automatically deposited, so he wouldn't have to rely on me to cash them. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Clinton puts hold on some new businesses Sep 12, 2009
"Our customers are average, working-class folks who are educated and have checking accounts. We are located in nice shopping centers. We're a financial institution just like a bank. Why are they picking on us?". "I've heard from many in the city that this (moratorium) is exactly the type thing they want to see," said Clinton dentist and Planning and Zoning commission member Ryan Tracy. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Pontiac bank sues local insurance firm over unpaid loans Sep 10, 2009
PONTIAC - The Bank of Pontiac is suing a local insurance firm for more than $1 million in unpaid loan extensions and fees from two checking accounts ... The bank alleges the firm owes about $886,000 in extended credit and seeks about $143,000 in overdraw fees from two checking accounts. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Beware Bogus Bargains Sep 2, 2009
Among the categories to take a close look at before signing on the dotted line: unlimited long distance, frequent-flier rewards cards, checking accounts that pay interest, extended warranty protection, and fraud alerts. MMIX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Teaching Children About Investing Sep 2, 2009
People under 18 generally do not have checking accounts, meaning that teens will not have to balance a check book. Rather, they will have a passbook with their updated balances. (Suite101.com)
Odessan faces federal charges Sep 1, 2009
The release said Curry then reportedly used the checking accounts to take thousands of dollars in money or goods. He also used IDs to obtain credit cards, according to the release. (Odessa American, TX)
Something's Got to Give Aug 30, 2009
Yes, you are due the programs, but it is not like the government has special checking accounts from SS, Medicare and Medicaid. Location: AR Reply # 2 Date: Aug 30, 2009 - 3:28 AM EST Connor's Untruth. (Townhall.com)
Startup raises $4M to take on credit cards, PayPal Aug 29, 2009
The year-old firm is taking on credit cards and with an online payment method that allows consumers to buy products and services securely with their checking accounts. Moneta leverages banks for customer acquisitions marketing its payment product to the bank s account holders. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Rangel Hides Income and Assets... Aug 29, 2009
When you're a powerful Congressman and working diligently to increase tax rates to pay for President Obama's health-care plan, we suppose it's easy to lose track of one of your checking accounts. That would be the one at the federal credit union with a balance somewhere between $250,001 and maybe as high as $500,000. (The Drudge Report)
National Suicide Aug 25, 2009
For most of us who think a $1,000 deposit in our checking accounts is a large amount and a $1,000 credit card balance is too much, $9 trillion is a figure that is almost beyond comprehension. It is certainly beyond defensible. (Townhall.com)
What is a credit union? (2) Aug 25, 2009
Credit unions offer most financial services found at banks, including loans, savings accounts, checking accounts, IRAs, and Internet account access. Because they exist primarily to serve their member-owners with low-cost financial services, consumers have ranked credit unions as the leaders among financial institutions in customer satisfaction for the last 21 years. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Dental Worker Accused Of Taking Patients' Money Aug 21, 2009
The suspect also allegedly used her employers' credit-card terminals to refund money to checking accounts to which she had access, according to Henton. Forbes was arraigned by Judge Francis Devaney, who ordered her to return to court Sept. 1 for a readiness conference and the following day for a preliminary hearing. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Prospect Mortgage Expands in Midwest Aug 21, 2009
"All we do is mortgages, not checking accounts or car loans. We are mortgage specialists. We can provide REO lists to clients to take advantage of a permanent interest rate buy-down and buyer's closing costs of up to 6% of the sale price offered on some of these properties.". For more information, visit or call Joe Perry (630) 675-1244, Mary Bane (630) 479-8200 or Cliff Theriault (847) 273-1096. (PR Newswire)
Big spending Fed's balance sheet tops $US2tn Aug 21, 2009
M1 includes all currency held by consumers and companies for spending, money held in checking accounts and travelers checks. M2, the more widely followed, adds savings and private holdings in money market mutual funds. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
