The following disclosure sets forth your and Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union's (BMEFCU) rights and responsibilities under the laws governing Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs). The following are the various ways you can electronically access your account: thru ATM/Point of Sale (POS) cards, thru debit cards, the BMEXpressline (telephone audio response system), home banking (internet account access), and pre-authorized EFTs (both credits and debits).
EFT SERVICES:
With access to a touch-tone telephone, your member number, and your assigned PIN number you may perform any number of transactions 24-hours a day such as:
You may arrange to have bills from mortgage companies, utility companies, or other financial institutions withdrawn automatically and electronically from your account. You may not have more than a total of six (6) pre-authorized withdrawals from share accounts, or transfers to another account from your share accounts to cover pre-authorized withdrawals, or a combination of pre-authorized withdrawals and transfers, in a month.
You may arrange with your employer, another financial institution, or the Treasury Department, to have funds electronically transferred through the Automated Clearing House to your account. The Credit Union accepts these types of electronic transfers on your behalf.
If you pay for purchases or bills with a share draft, you may authorize your share draft to be converted to an electronic funds transfer. You may also authorize merchants or other payees to electronically debit your account for returned check fees. You are considered to have authorized these electronic funds transfers if you complete the transaction after being notified (orally or by a notice posted or sent to you) that the transfer may be processed electronically or if you sign a written authorization.
BUSINESS DAYS
Our business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
FEES AND CHARGES FOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFERS
Any fees charged by the BMEFCU for any electronic funds transfer services can be found on the Credit Union's Fee Schedule.
If you use an ATM not operated by us, you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator and by any network used in processing the transaction (and you may be charged a fee for a balance inquiry even if you do not complete a funds transfer). The ATM surcharge will be debited from your account if you elect to complete the transaction or continue with the balance inquiry.
RIGHT TO RECEIVE DOCUMENTATION
If you have arranged to have direct deposits made to your account at least once every sixty (60) days from the same person or company, you can check to see if the payment has been made online through home banking, through the BMEXpressline, or by calling us at 303-441-7800 or toll free at 1-866-692-6328.
You will receive a receipt at the time you perform a transaction involving your account using an ATM, point-of-sale terminal, or a debit card transaction at a merchant.
If you have made any electronic funds transfers, they will be recorded on your periodic statement. You will receive a statement each month an electronic funds transfer has occurred. You will receive at least a quarterly statement.
RIGHT TO MAKE A STOP PAYMENT
If you have told the Credit Union us in advance to make regular payments out of your account, you can stop any of these payments. The Credit Union needs to receive your stop payment request at least three (3) business days before the scheduled date of the transfer. You can write us at the address listed in this disclosure, or call us at 303-441-7800, or toll free at 1-866-692-6328. The Credit Union requires an Affidavit of Unauthorized/Improper ACH Debit Activity to be signed within fourteen (14) days of a request.
Notice of transfers varying in amount. If these regular payments vary in amounts, the person you going to pay will tell you, ten (10) days before each payment, when it will be made and how much it will be. You may to choose instead to get this notice only when the payment would differ by more than a certain amount from the previous payment, or when the amount would fall outside certain limits that you set.
Liability for failure to stop payment of a pre-authorized transfer. If you order the Credit Union to stop a pre-authorized transfer three (3) or more business days before the transfer is scheduled, and we do not do so, we will be liable for your losses or damages.
CREDIT UNION'S LIABILITY FOR FAILURE TO MAKE TRANSFERS
If we do not complete a transfer to or from your account on time or in the correct amount according to our agreement with you, we will be liable for your losses or damages.
However, we will not be liable if any of the following exceptions apply:
DISCLOSURE OF ACCOUNT INFORMATION TO THIRD PARITES
We disclose information to third parties about your account or the transfers you make:
UNAUTHORIZED TRANSFERS
You are responsible for all transactions you authorized using your EFT services. If you permit someone else to use an EFT service, your card, or your access codes, you are responsible for any transactions they authorize or conduct on your account.
However, tell us at once, if you believe your access device, card or PINs have been lost or stolen, or someone has transferred or may transfer money from your account without your permission. Telephoning is the best way of keeping your possible losses to a minimum. Contact the Credit Union at 303-441-7800, or toll free at 1-866-692-6328, or write us at Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, 2800 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder CO 80303.
If you call us that your card has been lost or stolen, and there are unauthorized signature card transactions on your periodic statement, your liability under VISA® regulations will be zero, unless you were grossly negligent in handling your card or account.
If you notify the Credit Union within two business days after learning of the loss or theft of an access device, such as an ATM or debit card, and there are unauthorized PIN transactions, your liability will not exceed the lesser of $50.00 or the amount of the unauthorized transfers that occur before notice to the Credit Union. If you fail to notify the Credit Union within two (2) business days after discovery of the loss or theft, then your liability will not exceed the lesser of $500.00 or the sum of (1) $50.00 or the amount of the unauthorized transfers that occur within the two (2)business days, whichever is less; and (2) the amount of unauthorized transfers that occur after the close of two (2) business days and before your notice to the Credit Union, provided the Credit Union proves that the transfers would not have occurred had you notified the Credit Union within that two (2)-day period.
You must report any unauthorized transfers on your periodic statement within sixty (60) days of the Credit Union mailing or providing you of the statement, to avoid liability for subsequent transfers. If you do not tell us within sixty (60) days after the statement was mailed or provided to you, you may not get back any money lost after the sixty (60) days if we can prove that we could have stopped someone from making the transfers if you had told us in time. If a good reason (such as a hospital stay) kept you from telling us, we will extend the time periods.
ERROR RESOLUTION
In case of errors or questions on EFTs that have posted to your account, the Credit Union must hear from you no later than sixty (60) days after your periodic statement was mailed or provided to you. Contact the Credit Union at 303-441-7800, or toll free at 1-866-692-6328, or write us at Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, 2800 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder CO 80303.
When you call or write regarding a possible error with an electronic transfer:
If you tell us orally, we will require that you send us your question or complaint in writing within ten (10) business days at the address above. Please note that if we do not receive the question or complaint within ten (10) business days of our request, we may not credit your account.
We will tell you the results of our investigation within ten (10) business days after we hear from you and will correct the error promptly. However, if we need more time, we may take up to forty-five (45) days to investigate your complaint or question. If we decide to do this, we will credit your account within ten (10)business days (twenty (20) business days, if your account has been open for thirty (30) days or less) for the amount you think is in error. This provisional credit enables your to have the use of the money during the time it takes us to complete the investigation. We can take up to ninety 90 business days for point-of sale, international or new account (opened thirty 30 days or less) transaction errors. We will tell you the results within three (3) business days after completing our investigation. If we decide there was no error, we will send you a written explanation. You may ask for copies of the documents that we used in our investigation (without violating other members' rights to privacy).
Direct your inquiries or questions to:
Boulder Municipal Employees FCU
2800 Arapahoe Ave
Boulder CO 80303
Or call us at:
303-441-7800, or toll free at 1-866-692-6328
RATE SCHEDULE | |||||
ACCOUNT TYPE | Share | Christmas Club Share | IRA Share | Money Market Share | Share Draft |
DIVIDENDS Dividend Rates/Annual Percentage Yield (APY) |
0.05% APY | 0.05% APY | 0.05% APY | ||
Dividends Compounded: Dividends Credited: Dividend Period: |
Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly (Calendar) |
Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly (Calendar) |
Quarterly Quarterly Quarterly (Calendar) |
Monthly Monthly Monthly (Calendar) |
- - - |
BALANCE REQUIREMENTS Minimum Opening Deposit: Minimum Balance to Avoid a Service Fee: Minimum Balance to Earn the Stated APY: Balance Method to Calculate Dividends: |
$5.00 - $250.00 Daily Balance |
- - $250.00 Daily Balance |
- - - Daily Balance |
- - $2,500.00 Daily Balance |
- - - - |
ACCOUNT LIMITATIONS (See Paragraph 6) |
See paragraph 6 below. | See paragraph 6 below. | See paragraph 6 below. | See paragraph 6 below. | See paragraph 6 below. |
ACCOUNT TYPE | Share Certificate / IRA Certificate |
Gift Certificate | Accelerated Certificate | ||
DIVIDENDS COMPOUNDED |
Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | ||
DIVIDENDS CREDITED | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | ||
MINIMUM OPENING BALANCE | $500.00 | $50.00 | $5,000.00 | ||
MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIRED | $500.00 | $50.00 | $5,000.00 | ||
MAXIMUM BALANCE | None | None | None | ||
ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT | Not Permitted | Allowed - $50.00 Minimum Deposit Per Month |
Not Permitted | ||
DIVIDEND WITHDRAWAL | Regular CD - Allowed | Regular CD - Allowed | Allowed | ||
ONE-TIME RATE INCREASE | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Permitted | ||
RENEWABLE | Automatic with 10 day grace period |
Automatic with 10 day grace period |
Not Automatic |
To qualify for the Accelerated Certificate benefits you must purchase a new 25 month certificate of deposit and maintain a minimum certificate balance of $5,000.00. In the event that the balance of the certificate drops below $5,000.00 at any time, unexercised benefits are forfeited. An Accelerated Certificate of Deposit, if used as collateral on a loan, will forfeit the benefits of an Accelerated Certificate of Deposit.
12. Non-transferable / Non-negotiable: Your account is non-transferable and non-negotiable. The funds in your account may not be pledged to secure any obligation of an owner, except obligations with the Credit Union.
This disclosure contains important information about our Home Equity Line of Credit Plan. You should read it carefully and keep a copy for your records.
AVAILABILITY OF TERMS: All of the terms described below are subject to change. If these terms change (other than the annual percentage rate) and you decide, as a result, not to enter into an agreement with us, you are entitled to a refund of any fees that you pay to us or anyone else in connection with your application.
SECURITY INTEREST: We will take a security interest in your home. You could lose your home if you do not meet the obligations in your agreement with us.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS: We can terminate your line, require you to pay us the entire outstanding balance in one payment, and charge you certain fees, if (1) you engage in fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with the plan; (2) you do not meet the repayment terms of this plan, or (3) your action or inaction adversely affects the collateral or our rights in the collateral.
We can refuse to make additional extensions of credit or reduce your credit limit if (1) any reasons mentioned above exist; (2) the value of the dwelling securing the line declines significantly below its appraised value for purposes of the line; (3) we reasonably believe that you will not be able to meet the repayment requirements due to a material change in your financial circumstances; (4) you are in default of a material obligation of the agreement; (5) government action prevents us from imposing the annual percentage rate provided for in the agreement; (6) the priority of our security interest is adversely affected by government action to the extent that the value of the security interest is less than 120 percent of the credit line; (7) a regulatory agency has notified us that continued advances would constitute an unsafe and unsound business practice, or (8) the maximum annual percentage rate is reached.
MINIMUM PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS: You can obtain credit advances for 8 years. This period is called the "draw period." At our option, we may renew or extend the draw period. After the draw period ends the repayment period will begin. The length of the repayment period will be 180 months. You will be required to make monthly payments during both the draw and repayment periods. During both the draw and repayment periods, your payment will be rounded up to the next highest dollar and will include any amounts past due and any amount by which you have exceeded your credit limit, and all other charges. Your payment will never be less than $100 or the full amount that you owe.
At closing you may choose one of the following payment options:
OPTION 1: During the draw period your payment will be 1.5% of the outstanding balance each month, or $100, whichever is greater. We will recalculate your payment each time you obtain an advance.
OPTION 2: During the draw period your monthly payment will equal the finance charges (interest) that accrued on the outstanding balance during the preceding month, or $100, whichever is greater.
For both payment options, at the beginning of the repayment period we will recalculate your payment. Your payment will be set to repay the balance at the current annual percentage rate over 15 years. Your payment will include any amounts past due and any amount by which you have exceeded your credit limit and all other charges. Your payment will never be less than $100 or the full amount that you owe. Your payment will not change as the interest rate changes. As a result, your payment may not pay off the balance by the end of the repayment period. In this case, you will be required to make a single balloon payment at the end of the repayment period. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, we are under no obligation to refinance the balloon payment at the that time. You may be required to make payments out of other assets you own or find a lender, which may be us, willing to lend you the money. If you refinance the balloon with us, you may have to pay some or all of the closing costs.
NEGATIVE AMORTIZATION: Under some circumstances, your payments will not cover the finance charges (interes) that accrue and "negative amortization" will occur. Negative amortization will increase the amount that you owe us and reduce the equity in your home.
OVERDRAFT PROTECTION: Upon your request and our approval, we may allow you to advance funds under the Plan to pay overdrafts.
MINIMUM PAYMENT EXAMPLE, OPTION 1: If you made only the minimum monthly payment and took no other credit advances it would take 9 years 2 months to pay off a credit advance of $10,000 at an ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 4.0%. During that period, you would make 96 payments of $100.00 to $150.00, followed by 13 payments of $100.00 and one (1) final payment of $87.75.
MINIMUM PAYMENT EXAMPLE, OPTION 2: If you made only the minimum monthly payment and took no other credit advances it would take 10 years 2 months to pay off a credit advance of $10,000 at an ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 4.0%. During that period, you would make 96 payments of $100.00, followed by 25 payments of $100.00 and one (1) final payment of $84.77.
FEES AND CHARGES: You must pay certain fees to third parties to open the plan. These fees generally total between $100.00 and $775.00. If you ask, we will provide you with an itemization of the fees you will have to pay third parties.
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY: You should consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest and charges for the plan.
PROPERTY INSURANCE: You must carry insurance on the property that secures this plan. If the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area we will require you to obtain flood insurance if it is available.
REFUNDABILITY OF FEES: If you decide not to enter into this plan within three business days of receiving this disclosure and the home equity brochure, you are entitled to a refund of any fee you may have already paid.
VARIABLE RATE FEATURE: This plan has a variable rate feature and the annual percentage rate (corresponding to the periodic rate) and the minimum payment may change as a result. The annual percentage rate includes only interest and no other costs.
The annual percentage rate is based on the value of an index. The index is the Prime Rate published in the Money Rates column of the Wall Street Journal. When a range of rates has been published the highest rate will be used. We will use the most recent index value available to us as of 15 days before the date of any annual percentage rate adjustment.
To determine the annual percentage rate that will apply to your account, we add a margin to the value of the Index. The margin you receive will be based on your creditworthiness. Ask us for the current index value, margin and annual percentage rate. After you open a plan, rate information will be provided on periodic statements that we send you.
RATE CHANGES: The annual percentage rate can change quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October. There is no limit on the amount by which the annual percentage rate can change during any one year period. The maximum ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE that can apply is 17.0% or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is less. However, under no circumstances will your ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE go below 4.0% at any time during the term of the plan.
MAXIMUM RATE AND PAYMENT EXAMPLES, OPTION 1: If you had an outstanding balance of $10,000 during the draw period, the minimum payment at the maximum ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 17.0% would be $150.00. This annual percentage rate could be reached at the time of the 1st payment.
If you had an outstanding balance of $10,000 at the beginning of the repayment period, the minimum monthly payment at the maximum ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 17.0% would be $100.00. This annual percentage rate could be reached at the time of the 1st payment.
MAXIMUM RATE AND PAYMENT EXAMPLES, OPTION 2: If you had an outstanding balance of $10,000 during the draw period, the minimum payment at the maximum ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 17.0% would be $145.00. This annual percentage rate could be reached at the time of the 1st payment during the draw period.
If you had an outstanding balance of $10,000 during the repayment period, the minimum payment at the maximum ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 17.0% would be $100.00. This annual percentage rate could be reached at the time of the 1st payment during the repayment period.
HISTORICAL EXAMPLE: The following table shows how the annual percentage rate and the minimum payments for a single $10,000 credit advance would have changed based on changes in the index over the past 15 years. The index values are from the last business day of January of each year.
While only one payment per year is shown, payments may have varied during each year. The table assumes that no additional credit advances were taken, that only the minimum payments were made, and that the rate remained constant during each year. It does not necessarily indicate how the index or your payments will change in the future.
WALL STREET JOURNAL PRIME RATE INDEX TABLE
Year (as of the last business day of January) | Index (Percent) |
Margin* (Percent) |
ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE |
Monthly Payment (Dollars) OPTION 1 |
Monthly Payment (Dollars) OPTION 2 |
1996................................................................................ | 8.500 | 0.50 | 9.000 | 150.00 | 100.00*** |
1997................................................................................ | 8.250 | 0.50 | 8.750 | 137.00 | 100.00*** |
1998................................................................................ | 8.500 | 0.50 | 9.000 | 125.00 | 100.00*** |
1999................................................................................ | 7.750 | 0.50 | 8.250 | 114.00 | 100.00*** |
2000................................................................................ | 8.500 | 0.50 | 9.000 | 104.00 | 100.00*** |
2001................................................................................ | 9.000 | 0.50 | 9.500 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2002................................................................................ | 4.750 | 0.50 | 5.250 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2003................................................................................ | 4.250 | 0.50 | 4.750 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2004................................................................................ | 4.000 | 0.50 | 4.500 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2005................................................................................ | 5.250 | 0.50 | 5.750 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2006................................................................................ | 7.500 | 0.50 | 8.000 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2007................................................................................ | 8.250 | 0.50 | 8.750 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2008................................................................................ | 6.000 | 0.50 | 6.500 | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2009................................................................................ | 3.250 | 0.50 | 4.000** | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
2010................................................................................ | 3.250 | 0.50 | 4.000** | 100.00*** | 100.00*** |
* This is a margin we have used recently; your margin may be different. ** This ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE reflects a 4.000% floor. *** This payment reflects the minimum payment of $100.00. |
WHEN YOUR HOME IS ON THE LINE: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT |
More and more lenders are offering home equity lines of credit. By using the equity in your home, you may qualify for a sizable amount of credit, available for use when and how you please, at an interest rate that is relatively Iow. Furthermore, under the tax law - depending on your specific situation - you may be allowed to deduct the interest because the debt is secured by your home.
If you are in the market for credit, a home equity plan may be right for you or perhaps another form of credit would be better. Before making this decision, you should weigh carefully the costs of a home equity line against the benefits. Shop for the credit terms that best meet your borrowing needs without posing undue financial risk. And, remember, failure to repay the line could mean the loss of your home.
WHAT IS A HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT?
A home equity line is a form of revolving credit in which your home serves as collateral. Because the home is likely to be a consumer's largest asset, many homeowners use their credit lines only for major items such as education, home improvements, or medical bills and not for day-to-day expenses.
With a home equity line, you will be approved for a specific amount of credit - your credit limit - meaning the maximum amount you can borrow at any one time while you have the plan.
Many lenders set the credit limit on a home equity line by taking a percentage (say, 75 percent) of the appraised value of the home and subtracting the balance owed on the existing mortgage. For example:
Appraisal of home | $100,000 |
Percentage | x 75% |
Percentage of appraised value | $75,000 |
Less mortgage debt | -$40,000 |
Potential credit line | $35,000 |
In determining your actual credit line, the lender also will consider your ability to repay, by looking at your income, debts, and other financial obligations, as well as your credit history.
Home equity plans often set a fixed time during which you can borrow money, such as 10 years. When this period is up, the plan may allow you to renew the credit line. But in a plan that does not allow renewals, you will not be able to borrow additional money once the time has expired. Some plans may call for payment in full of any outstanding balance. Others may permit you to repay over a fixed time, for example 10 years.
Once approved for the home equity plan, usually you will be able to borrow up to your credit limit whenever you want. Typically, you will be able to draw on your line by using special checks.
Under some plans, borrowers can use a credit card or other means to borrow money and make purchases using the line. However, there may be limitations on how you use the line. Some plans may require you to borrow a minimum amount each time you draw on the line (for example, $300) and to keep a minimum amount outstanding. Some lenders also may require that you take an initial advance when you first set up the line.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR A PLAN?
If you decide to apply for a home equity line, look for the plan that best meets your particular needs. Look carefully at the credit agreement and examine the terms and conditions of various plans, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and the costs you'll pay to establish the plan. The disclosed APR will not reflect the closing costs and other fees and charges, so you'll need to compare these costs, as well as the APRs, among lenders.
Interest Rate Charges and Plan Features
Home equity plans typically involve variable interest rates rather than fixed rates. A variable rate must be based on a publicly available index (such as the prime rate published in some major daily newspapers or a U.S. Treasury bill rate); the interest rate will change, mirroring fluctuations in the index. To figure the interest rate that you will pay, most lenders add a margin, such as 2 percentage points, to the index value. Because the cost of borrowing is tied directly to the index rate, it is important to find out what index and margin each lender uses, how often the index changes, and how high it has risen in the past.
Sometimes lenders advertise a temporarily discounted rate for home equity lines - a rate that is unusually Iow and often lasts only for an introductory period, such as six months.
Variable-rate plans secured by a dwelling must have a ceiling (or cap) on how high your interest rate can climb over the life of the plan. Some variable-rate plans limit how much your payment may increase, and also how Iow your interest rate may fall if interest rates drop.
Some lenders may permit you to convert a variable rate to a fixed interest rate during the life of the plan, or to convert all or a portion of your line to a fixed-term installment loan.
Agreements generally will permit the lender to freeze or reduce your credit line under certain circumstances. For example, some variable-rate plans may not allow you to get additional funds during any period the interest rate reaches the cap.
Costs to Obtain a Home Equity Line
Many of the costs in setting up a home equity line of credit are similar to those you pay when you buy a home. For example:
[ ] A fee for a property appraisal, which estimates the value of your home.
[ ] An application fee, which may not be refundable if you are turned down for credit.
[ ] Up-front charges, such as one or more points (one point equals one percent of the credit limit).
[ ] Other closing costs, which include fees for attorneys, title search, mortgage preparation and filing, property and title insurance, as well as taxes.
[ ] Certain fees during the plan. For example, some plans impose yearly membership or maintenance fees.
[ ] You also may be charged a transaction fee every time you draw on the credit line.>
You could find yourself paying hundreds of dollars to establish the plan. If you were to draw only a small amount against your credit line, those charges and closing costs would substantially increase the cost of the funds borrowed. On the other hand, the lender's risk is lower than for other forms of credit because your home serves as collateral. Thus, annual percentage rates for home equity lines are generally lower than rates for other types of credit. The interest you save could offset the initial costs of obtaining the line. In addition, some lenders may waive a portion or all of the closing costs.
HOW WILL YOU REPAY YOUR HOME EQUITY PLAN?
Before entering into a plan, consider how you will pay back any money you might borrow. Some plans set minimum payments that cover a portion of the principal (the amount you borrow) plus accrued interest. But, unlike the typical installment loan, the portion that goes toward principal may not be enough to repay the debt by the end of the term. Other plans may allow payments of interest alone during the life of the plan, which means that you pay nothing toward the principal. If you borrow $10,000, you will owe that entire sum when the plan ends.
Regardless of the minimum payment required, you can pay more than the minimum and many lenders may give you a choice of payment options. Consumers often will choose to pay down the principal regularly as they do with other loans. For example, if you use your line to buy a boat, you may want to pay it off as you would a typical boat loan.
Whatever your payment arrangements during the life of the plan -whether you pay some, a little, or none of the principal amount of the loan - when the plan ends you may have to pay the entire balance owed, all at once. You must be prepared to make this balloon payment by refinancing it with the lender, by obtaining a loan from another lender, or by some other means. If you are unable to make the balloon payment, you could lose your home. With a variable rate, your monthly payments may change. Assume, for example, that you borrow $10,000 under a plan that calls for interest-only payments. At a 10 percent interest rate, your initial payments would be $83 monthly. If the rate should rise over time to 15 percent, your payments will increase to $125 per month.
Even with payments that cover interest plus some portion of the principal, there could be a similar increase in your monthly payment, unless the agreement calls for keeping payments level throughout the plan.
When you sell your home, you probably will be required to pay off your home equity line in full. If 'you are likely to sell your house in the near future, consider whether it makes sense to pay the up-front costs of setting up an equity credit line. Also keep in mind that leasing your home may be prohibited under the terms of your home equity agreement.
COMPARING A LINE OF CREDIT AND A TRADITIONAL SECOND MORTGAGE LOAN
If you are thinking about a home equity line of credit you also might want to consider a more traditional second mortgage loan. This type of loan provides you with a fixed amount of money repayable over a fixed period. Usually the payment schedule calls for equal payments that will pay off the entire loan within that time. You might consider a traditional second mortgage loan instead of a home equity line if, for example, you need a set amount for a specific purpose, such as an addition to your home.
In deciding which type of loan best suits your needs, consider the costs under the two alternatives. Look at the APR and other charges. You cannot, however, simply compare the APR for a traditional mortgage loan with the APR for a home equity line because the APRs are figured differently.
[ ] The APR for a traditional mortgage takes into account the interest rate charged plus points and other finance charges.
[ ] The APR for a home equity line is based on the periodic interest rate alone. It does not include points or other charges.
Disclosures from Lenders
The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the important terms and costs of their home equity plans, including the APR, miscellaneous charges, the payment terms, and information about any variable-rate feature. And in general, neither the lender nor anyone else may charge a fee until after you have received this information. You usually get these disclosures when you receive an application form, and you will get additional disclosures before the plan is opened. If any term has changed before the plan is opened (other than a variable-rate feature), the lender must return all fees if you decide not to enter into the plan because of the changed term.
When you open a home equity line the transaction puts your home at risk. For your principal dwelling, the Truth in Lending Act gives you three days from the day the account was opened to cancel the credit line. This right allows you to change your mind for any reason. You simply inform the creditor in writing within the three-day period. The creditor must then cancel the security interest in your home and return alt fees - including any application and appraisal fees - paid in opening the account.
GLOSSARY
Annual membership or participation fee -- An amount that is charged annually for having the line of credit available. It is charged regardless of whether or not you use the line.
Annual percentage rate (APR) -- The cost of credit on a yearly basis expressed as a percentage.
Application fee -- Fees that are paid upon application. An application fee may include charges for property appraisal and a credit report.
Balloon payment -- A lump-sum payment that you may be required to make under a plan when the plan ends.
Cap -- A limit on how much the variable-interest rate can increase during the life of the plan.
Closing costs -- Fees paid at closing, including attorneys' fees, fees for preparing and filing a mortgage, for taxes, title search, and insurance.
Credit limit -- The maximum amount that you can borrow under the home equity plan.
Equity -- The difference between the fair market value (appraised value) of your home and your outstanding mortgage balance.
Index -- The base for rate changes that the lender uses to decide how much the annual percentage rate will change over time.
Interest rate -- The periodic charge, expressed as a percentage, for use of credit.
Margin -- The number of percentage points the lender adds to the index rate to determine the annual percentage rate to be charged.
Minimum payment-- The minimum amount that you must pay (usually monthly) on your account. In some plans, the minimum payment may be "interest only." In other plans, the minimum payment may include principal and interest.
Points-- A point is equal to one percent of the amount of your credit line. Points usually are collected at closing, and are in addition to monthly interest.
Security interest -- An interest that a lender takes in the borrower's property to assure repayment of a debt.
Transaction fee -- A fee charged each time you draw on your credit line.
Variable rate -- An interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index. Payments may increase or decrease accordingly.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
The following federal agencies are responsible for enforcing the federal Truth in Lending act, the law that governs credit term disclosure for home equity lines. Any questions concerning compliance with the act by a particular financial institution should be directed to its enforcement agency.
State Member Banks of the Federal Reserve System
Division of Consumer and Community Affairs
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
20th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20551
(202) 452-3946
National Banks
Compliance Management
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
250 E Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20219
(202) 874-4428
Federal Credit Unions
Office of Consumer Programs
National Credit Union Administration
1775 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 518-6300
Federally Insured Non-Member State-Chartered Banks
and Savings Banks
Office of Consumer Affairs
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 Seventeenth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20429
(800) 424-5488; (202) 898-6005
TDD (800) 452-3151; (202) 898-6726
Federally Insured Savings and Loan Institutions
and Federally Chartered Savings Banks
Consumer Programs Division
Office of Thrift Supervision
1700 G Street, N.W., Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20552
(202) 906-6237
Mortgage Companies
Division of Credit Practices
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission
601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
(202) 326-3233
CHECK LIST
Ask your lender to help fill out this check list.
BASIC FEATURES | Plan A | Plan B |
Fixed annual percentage rate................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Variable annual percentage rate............... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Index used and current value ................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Amount of margin ..................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Current rate .............................................. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Frequency of rate adjustments ................. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Amount/length of discount (if any)............. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
interest rate caps ...................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Length of plan | ||
Draw period............................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Repayment period..................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Initial fees | ||
Appraisal fee............................................. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Closing costs............................................. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Application fee.......................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
REPAYMENT TERMS | ||
During the draw period | ||
Interest and principal payments............... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Interest only payments ............................. | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Fully amortizing payments ....................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
When the draw period ends | ||
Balloon payment ..................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Renewal available.................................... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
Refinancing of balance by lender .......... | ____________________ | ______________________ |
This disclosure is designed to give you information concerning debit and ATM card transfers out of your account. All debit and ATM card transfers are considered Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs).
You can use both the BMEFCU ATM card and debit card to perform the following EFTs: Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transactions (such as deposits, withdrawals, balance inquiries, account transfers) and Point of Sale (POS) transactions at a merchant. The debit card may also be used for signature transactions at a merchant, telephone purchases or payments, and internet merchant transfers.
1. Limitations on the frequency and amounts of EFTs: The following are limitations placed on ATM and POS transactions made with an ATM or debit card:A member who has a share (savings) account is permitted up to six (6) pre-authorized or automatic withdrawals, telephone transfers, or transfers initiated by personal computer to another account at the same credit union, or to a third party during a statement cycle. No more than three (3) of the six (6) transfers can be made by share draft, draft, debit card or similar order and payable to third parties. Transfers made by a member in person, at an ATM, by mail, by messenger, or by telephone which result in a share draft or check being mailed to the member, do not constitute one of the six (6) monthly transfers. These limitations are imposed by Federal Regulation D; exceeding these limits may result in an account being closed.
2. Fees are subject to change at any time. The Credit Union will notify the member before the changes go into effect. There is an annual fee of $15.00 for an ATM card.
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PLEASE NOTE: To allow additional services to be available to you, there are links from BME Federal Credit Union to other websites. Once you leave BME Federal Credit Union's website, we are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of the linked websites. We would like to assure you that we have made all reasonable attempts to review the content of linked sites, however, as we are not in control of these sites, we cannot guarantee their content. We encourage you to read the privacy statement of all linked websites to become acquainted with their specific privacy practices.
For further information, please feel free to contact us at:
BME Federal Credit Union
2800 Arapahoe Ave,
Boulder, CO 80303
303-441-7800
or email us