Banking Services

Legal Information

• Automatic Teller Machines and the Law

  Downtown, at the mall, at the superstore—everywhere—an automatic teller machine (ATM) is there, ready to give you cash in exchange for a swipe of your plastic and a few magic numbers. That convenience, however, comes with a certain amount of expense and some exposure to risk as well. Content Detail

  By:

  American Bar Association

• Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts

  Cashing Checks and Opening Bank Accounts: How to Save Money and Avoid Theft Content Detail

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center

• Check Clearing in the 21st Century Act - Check 21

  Check 21 is sweeping new federal law that takes away your ability to get back your original paper checks. Under this law, consumers will be more likely to bounce checks and may find themselves paying higher bank fees. The complicated new law gives you some rights, but those rights depend on a variety of factors, including how the merchant and the bank decide to process your check. This web page contains some tips from Consumers Union about how to protect your rights. Content Detail

  By:

  Consumers Union, Nonprofit Publisher of Consumer Reports

• Credit, Debit, and ATM Cards

  These plastic cards may look alike – but different rules apply to each. Know the rules…and these cards can make financial transactions safer and more convenient. Fail to understand the rules…and the fees and late payment charges can cost you a lot of money! Content Detail

  By:

  Appleseed Foundation

• How Do I Open an Account?

  There is help!There are many people ready to talk with you about how to open a checking or savings account. Ask someone who has opened an account for advice. Content Detail

  By:

  Appleseed Foundation

• Identification Needed for an Account

  When you open a checking or savings account, you will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, current address, and an acceptable ID number which can come from one of the following: ? Social Security card; ? Matricula Consular or other consular ID card; ? Passport (U.S. or foreign); OR ? Temporary resident permit or Alien Identification Card. Content Detail

  By:

  Appleseed Foundation

• Credit

  The use of credit is a way of life in the United States. At any one time, about three-fourths of American households have some form of debt, including credit purchases of cars, appliances, clothing, vacation trips and other goods and services. Just over two-fifths of households have loans secured by their homes—in other words, mortgages. This web site will help you understand the rules, regulations, and laws about consumer installment credit, designed to protect you, the consumer. Content Detail

  By:

  American Bar Association

• Protecting Yourself from Overdraft and Bounced-Check Fees

  This website explains the best ways to avoid overdraft and bounced-check fees Content Detail

  By:

  The Federal Reserve Board

• Sending Money Back Home

  The cost of sending money includes both the fee AND the exchange rate offered on the day money is wired. A favorable exchange rate can mean that more of your money reaches your family back home. To find the lowest price, call or visit three or four local banks, credit unions or wire services on the same day you plan to send the money. Compare exchange rates and fees. Not everyone will give exchange rate information over the phone, but many will. Content Detail

  By:

  Appleseed Foundation

• South Carolina Bad Check Law

  Lawline FAQ: If a person pays for goods or services with a check and that check is then dishonored by the bank on which it is written, you may be able to collect on the check by proceeding under the so-called South Carolina Bad Check law. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• What You Should Know about Your Checks

  An informative resource on checks. Content Detail

  By:

  The Federal Reserve Board

• When Is Your Check Not a Check? Electronic Check Conversion

  Suppose you’re at a store making a purchase and decide to pay by check—at least, that’s what you believe you’re doing. The clerk asks you for a check that is completely filled out, partially filled out, or even blank. The clerk then runs the check through a machine and hands the voided check back to you with your receipt. What just happened? Did you pay by check? Why did the clerk return the check to you? The answer is, you just experienced electronic check conversion. The following questions and answers explain how electronic check conversion works and what your rights are as a consumer. Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Reserve Board

• Building Wealth: A Beginner's Guide to Your Financial Future

  Building Wealth: A Beginner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future offers introductory guidance to individuals and families seeking help to develop a plan for building personal wealth. While a comprehensive discussion of accounting, finance and investment options is beyond the scope of this workbook, it presents an overview of personal wealth-building strategies. Content Detail

  By:

  Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

• Consumer Bill of Rights

  Content Detail

  By:

  SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

• Consumer Debts and the Law

  Do you owe someone money? Having trouble paying off your debt? This brochure can help you understand your rights as a consumer debtor. PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association