Federal Register #2026-08328

OCC Rule Clarifies National Bank Authority on Non-Interest and Interchange Fees

This regulatory action from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) clarifies national banks' authority regarding non-interest charges and fees: - Government Buyer: - Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Department of the Treasury - Scope of Rule: - Clarifies that national banks may assess, collect, impose, levy, receive, reserve, take, or otherwise obtain non-interest charges and fees - Explicitly includes interchange fees from credit and debit card operations - Permits fees set by or in consultation with third parties, such as card networks (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) - Impacted Entities: - National banks and federal savings associations - Card networks (Visa, Mastercard) referenced as third-party fee setters - Notable Requirements: - Addresses uncertainty about the scope of permissible non-interest charges and fees - Invites public comments on the interim final rule - No procurement of products or services is involved; this is a regulatory clarification affecting fee practices in the banking sector

Description

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is adopting an interim final rule clarifying that national banks have the authority to charge non-interest charges and fees, including interchange fees from credit and debit card operations. The rule explicitly allows national banks to impose fees set by or in consultation with third parties. This interim final rule aims to resolve uncertainties about the scope of the regulation and invites public comments. The effective date of the rule is June 30, 2026, with comments due by May 29, 2026.

View original listing