17:16K-2. Definitions

As used in this act:

a. "Access device" means a card, code, or other means of access to a consumer's account, or any combination thereof, that may be used by the consumer for the purpose of initiating electronic fund transfers.

b. "Account" means a demand, time, or savings deposit, or other consumer asset account, other than an occasional or incidental credit balance, held either directly or indirectly by a financial institution and established for personal, family or household purposes.

c. "Electronic fund transfer" means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, that is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephone, or computer or magnetic tape for the purpose of ordering, instructing, or authorizing a financial institution to debit or credit an account. The term includes, but is not limited to point-of-sale transfers, automated teller machine transfers, direct deposits or withdrawals of funds and transfers initiated by telephone. The term does not include payments made by check, draft, or similar paper instrument at an electronic terminal or any transaction which is exempt, by statute or regulation, from the provisions of Title IX of the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act.

d. "Financial institution" means a State or National Bank, a State or Federal Savings and Loan Association, a State or Federal Mutual Savings Bank, a State or Federal Credit Union, or any other person who, directly or indirectly, holds an account belonging to a consumer. The term also includes any person who issues an access device and agrees with a consumer to provide electronic fund transfer services.

e. "Government agency" means any federal, State, or local unit of government or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

f. "Supervisory agency" means the New Jersey Department of Banking and any other State or federal agency which has statutory authority to examine the financial condition or business operations of a particular financial institution.

L.1983, c. 466, s. 2, eff. Jan. 12, 1984.