15 U.S. Code § 1693 - Congressional findings and declaration of purpose

(a) Rights and liabilities undefined

The Congress finds that the use of electronic systems to transfer funds provides the potential for substantial benefits to consumers. However, due to the unique characteristics of such systems, the application of existing consumer protection legislation is unclear, leaving the rights and liabilities of consumers, financial institutions, and intermediaries in electronic fund transfers undefined.

(b) Purposes

It is the purpose of this subchapter to provide a basic framework establishing the rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of participants in electronic fund and remittance transfer systems. The primary objective of this subchapter, however, is the provision of individual consumer rights.

(Pub. L. 90–321, title IX, § 902, as added Pub. L. 95–630, title XX, § 2001, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3728; amended Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1073(a)(1), July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2060.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–203 inserted “and remittance” after “electronic fund”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–203 effective 1 day after July 21, 2010, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 111–203, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5301 of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 90–321, title IX, § 923, formerly § 921, as added by Pub. L. 95–630, title XX, § 2001, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3741, renumbered § 922, Pub. L. 111–24, title IV, § 401(1), May 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 1751; renumbered § 923, Pub. L. 111–203, title X, § 1073(a)(3), July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2060, provided that:

“This title [enacting this subchapter] takes effect upon the expiration of eighteen months from the date of its enactment [Nov. 10, 1978], except that sections 909 and 911 [sections 1693g, 1693i of this title] take effect upon the expiration of ninety days after the date of enactment.”

[Pub. L. 111–203, § 1073(a)(3), which directed renumbering of section 922 of Pub. L. 90–321 as section 923 effective 1 day after July 21, 2010, was executed after the renumbering of section 921 of Pub. L. 90–321 as section 922 by Pub. L. 111–24, § 401(1), effective 15 months after May 22, 2009, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.]

Short Title

This subchapter known as the “Electronic Fund Transfer Act”, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of this title.