- Understand that federal law regulates a bank's right to offset.
- Be aware that the laws may vary for Credit Unions.
- Consult with an attorney, to find out your state's laws about the right of offset.
I have a credit card with the same bank that I save money, can they debit my account if I am late on the credit card?
If I have multiple accounts with a bank that have funds in them and I have an auto loan with the same institution and i have just gone late on my first payment. Can the bank automatically deduct the payment from one of my accounts? and if so, how soon can they take action?
Federal law limits how banks can use funds in a consumer's deposit account to pay a delinquent debt with the same bank. In many cases, a bank can withdraw funds held in a consumer's checking, savings, or investment account, to pay any delinquency which has accrued on secured debts owed by the same creditor. A bank’s ability to take such action is referred to as the "right of offset."
Federal law restricts the application of the right of offset, preventing federally chartered banks (such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) from using the right of offset to collect of delinquent revolving debts, such as credit cards. However, since the loan in question is an auto loan, it is quite possible that the bank has every right to withdraw funds from your deposit accounts to bring your loan current.
Review your auto loan contract and deposit account agreements, as these documents should outline the bank's right of offset in case of delinquency on your secured loan. To read more about banks' right of offset for various types of debt, see the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's document Answers About the Right of Offset.
Smaller financial institutions, such as credit unions and state chartered banks, often have much more freedom in offsetting delinquent debts against a consumer’s deposit accounts. Unlike national banks, which are chartered by the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, credit unions and state chartered banks are regulated under various state and federal laws, many of which do allow for the offset of deposit accounts for payment of delinquent unsecured debts, such as credit cards.
Even federal credit unions, which are chartered and regulated by the National Credit Union Association, have much more freedom to offset customer debts than national banking associations. Because of the various laws regulating state chartered banks and credit unions, you may wish to consult with an attorney licensed in your state to discuss your state's laws regarding a creditor's right to offset.
Recommendation
Since you are only one month behind on your auto note, the easiest was to prevent any further collection activity by the lender, including possible offset against other accounts, would be to pay the debt. If you cannot afford to bring the loan current in a single payment, the lender may be willing to work with you in establishing an affordable repayment plan.
I hope this information helps you Find. Learn & Save.
Best,
Bill
Struggling with debt?
Mortgages, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans are common types of debts. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Q4 2023 was $17.503 trillion. Housing debt totaled $12.612 trillion and non-housing debt was $4.891 trillion.
According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, about 26% of people in the US have some kind of debt in collections. The median debt in collections is $1,739. Student loans and auto loans are common types of debt. Of people holding student debt, approximately 8% had student loans in collections. The national Auto/Retail debt delinquency rate was 4%.
Collection and delinquency rates vary by state. For example, in Nebraska, 16% have student loan debt. Of those holding student loan debt, 5% are in default. Auto/retail loan delinquency rate is 2%.
While many households can comfortably pay off their debt, it is clear that many people are struggling with debt. Make sure that you analyze your situation and find the best debt payoff solutions to match your situation.
