Definition of "Truth-in-savings act"

Act passed by Congress in 1991, the purpose of which is to make it easier for consumers to compare deposit accounts among savings institutions (SI). Some of the act's more important provisions include: SI must pay interest on the full amount of a depositor's balance; SI must use a standardized formula for computing the annual percentage yield (APY). The APY is based on the interest rate and the method of compounding that interest; SI must disclose all fees imposed on checking, savings, money market, or Super NOW accounts as well as any other terms or restrictions. These disclosures are required before the account is opened, before automatic renewals, or upon the request of the savings customer. The savings institution must inform current savings account customers of the availability of the disclosures and include these disclosures with the savings customer's regular account statement; and SI must be in compliance with standardized rules concerning their promotional activities for advertising. All solicitations (whether in print, TV, radio, etc.) for savings deposits must state in a clear and conspicuous manner: annual percentage yield; period of time that the yield is in effect; minimum account balance required to earn the yield; minimum time period required to earn the yield; minimum amount required to open the account; interest penalty is required for early withdrawals; and the fact that fees may result in the reduction of the Annual Percentage Yield.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Insurance in which most of the premium (generally 80 to 90%) is invested in traditional fixed income securities. The remainder of the premium is invested in call option contracts tied to a ...

Coverage provided for individuals or businesses for loss due to forgery or alteration of such financial instruments as notes, checks, drafts, and promissory notes. ...

Arrangement between the buyer and the seller in which there is a mutual agreement to buy or sell a security at a given price at a stipulated future date. These contracts are effected on a ...

Property coverage for damage or destruction of structures in the course of construction. For example, the standing frame of a house destroyed by fire would be covered. ...

Authority derived from an agent's contract with an insurance company. ...

Organization of over 300 property and casualty insurance companies whose mission is to investigate fraudulent claims and bring to justice those making such claims. ...

Coverage such as HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY SECTION II On an all risks basis for personal acts and omissions by the insured and residents of the insured's household. Included are sports ...

Common exclusion in life and accidental death insurance (double indemnity) policies, indicating that coverage does not apply unless an insured is a passenger on a regularly scheduled ...

Hospital charges in addition to room and board. Miscellaneous expenses are covered under a basic hospital plan, with the limits of coverage expressed either as a multiple of the daily ...

Popular Insurance Questions