FDIC, Merrick Bank Reach Settlement over Credit Card Add-On

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has ordered Merrick Bank in South Jordan, Utah, to pay $16.1 million to settle charges related to the marketing of a credit card add-on product.

Under the agreement, Merrick will pay a $1.1 million penalty and $15 million in restitution costs stemming from violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

At issue in the case is a third-party service called the "PAYS Plan," which was designed to provide monthly credit payments during unexpected life events, such as unemployment or hospitalization. The benefit plan was marketed to Merrick's credit card customers between 2008 and 2013.

The FDIC charged Merrick with misrepresenting the plan's protections for consumer credit ratings. It also accused the bank of failing to disclose the terms and conditions of the plan's hospitalization benefit.

The $2 billion-asset Merrick serves more than 900,000 cardholders, according to its website, and also provides financing for boat and RV dealers.

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