Capital Briefs: FDIC Ends Demand Deposit Premium Cap

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. eliminated the cap on premiums that can be paid holders of demand deposit accounts, but the premium's amount must be tied to something other than how much is in the account or how long it is held.

That means state banks regulated by the FDIC may make incentive payments to their customers for using automated teller machines, debit cards, or Internet banking services.

"That is a powerful tool for banks to have in their back pockets to encourage people to use these innovative products and services," said Gilbert T. Schwartz, a partner at the law firm Schwartz & Ballen in Washington.

The FDIC action, which took effect July 30, came after a move by the Federal Reserve Board in May to ease premium restrictions on state banks belonging to the Fed system.

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