Does anyone out there require a customer to have a deposit account with you in order to get a loan?
We do not have such a restriction, but we sometimes offer a better APR if the customer has an account with us, or sets up auto-debit for payment.
If so, how do you ensure there is fair lending and consistency in evaluation?
You better be sure you don't make exceptions, or if you do make an exception, it's for a very good legitimate business reason that you can defend from a Fair Lending standpoint.
Do you have language in your note that specifics this requirement?
I don't think you need say anything about it in your promissory note or disclosures, unless you're going to take specific action in the event the deposit account is closed, for example declare the loan in default.
If you deny, do you state as the reason "no deposit accounts with the bank" or "low deposit balances" if you require a balance?
You could always consider the fall back, "we do not offer credit on the terms requested" or something like that.