Issuing a Debit Card to POA on an Account

Question:

Our branch office took a debit card application from an individual who is not an account owner, but a power of attorney. I am hesitant to consider issuing the card. Am I correct in questioning this?

Answer:

Assuming the language in the POA does not in some way limit the attorney-in-fact, the use of a debit card is as appropriate a method for making payments as authorizing an ACH or writing a check. While refusing to issue a debit card to an attorney-in-fact might be within the realm of "bank policy" it's a somewhat paternalistic approach that would be difficult to defend.

First published on BankersOnline.com 6/06/05