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Section 202.2(f) Application Requirements

Question: 
I need some ammo to use, such as the 12 CFR gauge or more powerful. My lending executive officer has authorized for use in a consumer transaction an application that does not meet any of the requirements found in Appendix B of Sec. 202 of Reg. B. For example, no space for Co-applicant information; no disclosure for other income (alimony, child support or other maintenance income; no statement as the correctness of the information above the applicant signatures; no authorization for credit verification, or employment verification, etc.; and no lines for applicant(s) signatures. That's right, consumer application without applicant's signatures. When the new operations VP came on board in 1980, he brought along the Lending Officers Worksheet(WKS). The sole purpose of the WKS was to be used to document credit requests in the case of business and corporate use. Ten years later one lending officer began the practice of using the form as a consumer application as a way to cut corners. That officer is still here. I have made recommendations during my Fair Lending Audit year after year to cease using the form as an application for credit. I have used Reg B as my basis of argument to no avail. I think I need some big guns, such as, law suits, where banks lost money due to technicalities where the documents are not signed properly. Any suggestions or examples would be appreciated.
Answer: 

Answer by Andy Zavoina:

Section 202.2(f) Application means an oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with procedures established by a creditor for the type of credit requested.

You can make your application whatever you want. Your housekeeping recommendations are certainly cleaner, but are not a requirement. I would note that a lack of requesting all income concerns me if you deny applicants for a lack of income and either didn't request it or didn't disclose that it need not be added to the income stated.

There is no signature requirement, but it is helpful. And a short disclaimer that additional applicants should complete their own application would also be of assistance. So long as you have a business reason, you can access a credit report without a written authorization.

Answer: 

Answer by Mary Beth Guard:

Having a good written application form is desirable for a number of reasons. It helps document who the true applicants were (so you can show a permissible purpose for pulling their credit reports and can determine if someone should be given a co-signer's notice if they aren't a co-applicant, but will be liable on the note as a co-signer). It provides written evidence of fraud in the event the applicant provides false information regarding his assets/liabilities. It also helps document that the applicant has given you permission to obtain information about them from other financial institutions, which is important for privacy rule purposes.

In addition, if the loan is for the type of credit covered by Section 202.13(a), Section 202.5(e) requires a written application. As Andy correctly notes, a written app is not required in other circumstances, but it can certainly provide important information and protections for your institution.

First published on BankersOnline.com 12/2/02

First published on 12/02/2002

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