2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 336.4A-305 — Liability for Late or Improper Execution or Failure to Execute Payment Order

Plain-Language Summary

This section sets a receiving bank's liability when it executes a payment order late or improperly, or fails to execute one. If a completed transfer is delayed by improper execution, the bank owes interest to the originator or beneficiary for the delay. If improper execution causes the transfer to fail, skips a designated intermediary bank, or produces a noncomplying order, the bank owes the originator its expenses, incidental expenses, and interest losses. Consequential damages are recoverable only to the extent an express written agreement of the bank provides; reasonable attorney's fees are recoverable if a demand for compensation is made and refused before suit, and the bank's liability under subsections (a) and (b) cannot be varied by agreement.

Practical Notes
A bank that sends a wire late or wrong, or fails to send one it agreed to send, owes interest, expenses, and interest losses, but generally not consequential damages unless a written agreement provides for them. If you demand compensation and the bank refuses before you sue, you can also recover reasonable attorney’s fees.