§5-18A-12. Transaction fees; renewal or extension; repayment; bad check charge.

(a) Subject to the following subsections, every licensee under this chapter may charge and collect a maximum fee on any deferred presentment transaction not to exceed 17.5 percent of the amount advanced. The maximum amount that may be advanced in any deferred presentment transaction is five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) Each licensee may renew or extend a deferred presentment transaction with the same customer no more than one additional time at this fee for a maximum of two continuous transactions. After two continuous transactions with the customer, the licensee shall not enter into a new deferred presentment transaction with that same customer until the next business day after the transaction amount is repaid in full. After the customer has redeemed the check in full with cash or guaranteed funds, the licensee has the same authority as any other licensee to enter into another agreement for deferred presentment services with the customer on another check.

(c) After the initial loan period and one rollover with the same customer, the full outstanding amount of the loan, including, but not limited to, held check or debt authorization, shall become due. If the customer is unable to repay the outstanding balance in full, the licensee may offer the customer an extended repayment option of four equal monthly installments of the remaining balance. The licensee shall not commence any civil action to collect on a transaction in default until written notice has been sent notifying the customer of his or her rights. If the customer fails to exercise his or her rights within 15 days of the notice, the licensee may commence action to collect on a transaction in default.

(d) If there are insufficient funds to pay a check on the date of presentment, the licensee may charge a fee authorized in Section 8-8-15; however, only one such fee may be collected with respect to any particular transaction. No other fees or charges of any kind may be charged or collected from customers except those authorized herein. No person shall use any device, subterfuge, or pretense whatsoever, including, but not limited to, catalog sales, discount vouchers, Internet instant-rebate programs, phone card clubs, or any agreement, including agreements with affiliated persons, with the intent to obtain greater charges than would otherwise be authorized by this chapter.

(Act 2003-359, p. 992, §12.)