Rule 80-14-5-.03 - Closing, Convenience, and Other Fees(1) Closing Fees. In addition to any other charges authorized by the Georgia Installment Loan Act ("Act"), a licensee may collect a closing fee at the time of making a loan to the extent authorized by O.C.G.A. §§ 13-1-14 and 7-3-17. (a) No licensee may collect a closing fee unless, prior to the advance of money or the extension of credit, such licensee conducted an investigation or verification of the borrower's credit history, residences, references, employment, or sources of income. Each licensee shall retain on file the procedures that the licensee uses to conduct such investigations and verifications.(b) The amount of the closing fee shall be listed in the loan agreement after the loan fees authorized by O.C.G.A. § 7-3-11. but before the maintenance charge fee.(2) Convenience Fees. In addition to any other charges authorized by the Act, a licensee may collect convenience fees to offset the cost of receiving payment by electronic means, to the extent authorized by O.C.G.A. § 13-1-15. If a licensee elects to calculate convenience fees based on average cost for that specific type of payment over the preceding calendar year rather than the actual cost, the licensee shall maintain documentation supporting the calculation of the average cost.(3) Unaffiliated Third-Party Fees. Fees charged to a consumer by a third party unaffiliated with a licensee to negotiate a payment instrument, including but not limited to check cashing fees or automated teller machine fees, are not prohibited by the Act.(4) Late Charges. O.C.G.A. § 7-3-11(4) specifically provides that a licensee may charge and collect from the borrower a late or delinquent charge of $10.00 or an amount equal to 5¢ for each $1.00 of any installment which is not paid within five days from the date such payment is due, whichever is greater, provided that this late or delinquent charge shall not be collected more than once for the same default. Therefore, a licensee is not authorized to charge and collect a late or delinquent charge from a borrower until such time as that borrower has actually failed to pay an installment within five days after the date such payment was due. Under no circumstances is a licensee authorized to charge or collect and hold any unearned late or delinquent charge in advance, to be refunded if said installment is paid on or within five days from the date such payment is due.(5) Charges for Refinancing. When any debt is renewed or refinanced by any creditor, the consumer shall be entitled to a refund or credit of that unearned portion of the interest charge computed as of the date of such refinancing or renewal and pursuant to the methodology set forth in O.C.G.A. § 7-3-14.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 80-14-5-.03
O.C.G.A. §§ 7-3-40, 7-3-51.
Original Rule entitled "Closing, Convenience, and Other Fees" adopted. F. Aug. 19, 2020; eff. Sept. 8, 2020.Amended: F. July 7, 2022; eff. July 27, 2022.Amended: F. July 12, 2024; eff. Aug. 1, 2024.