WASHINGTON-NCUA, the Federal Reserve, FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have jointly issued guidance on what constitutes "prudent relief efforts" that can be offered to help consumers affected by Superstorm
Sandy without raising examiners' eyebrows. Among the suggested efforts:
o Waiving ATM fees for customers and non-customers
o Increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits
o Waiving overdraft fees
o Waiving early withdrawal penalties on time deposits[1]
o Waiving availability restrictions on insurance checks
o Easing restrictions on cashing out-of-state and non-customer checks
o Easing credit card limits and credit terms for new loans
o Waiving late fees for credit card and other loan balances
o Offering payment accommodations, such as allowing loan customers to defer or skip some payments or extending the payment due dates, which would avoid delinquencies and negative credit bureau reporting caused by storm-related disruptions
Regulators also discussed loan modifications, and identification issues.
