QUESTION
We have an advertisement on our website and we also send out an email advertisement that is the same as the website advertisement. Are these considered a single advertisement? If so, what are the obligations for each advertisement?
ANSWER
Multiple advertisements in any media, such as web page advertisements on a website corresponding to a newsletter blast or in a catalog, are considered a single advertisement if the following criteria apply: (1) a trigger term is used; (2) such term requires a table or schedule in order to provide information regarding a finance charge associated with the trigger term, or any other term is used that appears in the opening disclosures; (3) the advertisement clearly and conspicuously sets forth or is required to set forth the foregoing table or schedule; and (4) these advertisements are required to refer and/or provide access to such table or schedule.
Put otherwise, single advertisement guidelines apply for any advertisement where a statement of finance charge is required for a trigger term, or disclosure is required in opening disclosures for any other term, where the trigger term or other term appear in a catalog or advertisement, thereby requiring clear and conspicuous reference to the page or location where the mandated table or schedule begins. [12 CFR § 226.16(c)(1), 2010]
For instance, in any advertisement where a trigger term necessitates a statement of finance charge – indeed, any other term that appears in opening disclosures pursuant to Regulation Z § 226.6 – the advertisement must clearly refer to the page, web page, or any media location where a table or schedule is found and begins.
Therefore, in each online, website advertisement and its corresponding newsletter advertisement, a hyperlink to the table or schedule containing required additional information should be provided for a trigger term requiring a statement of finance charge and/or any other term that appears in opening disclosures. [12 CFR Supplement I to Part 226 – Official Staff Commentary 12 CFR § 226.16(c)(1)-2, 2010]
Jonathan Foxx
President & Managing Director
Lenders Compliance Group
