GLOSSARY Terms related to the Federal Reserve, banking and economics   A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |   acceleration clause A stipulation in a loan contract stating that the entire balance becomes due immediately if other contract conditions are not met.   accrued interest Interest that has been earned but not received or recorded.   amortization The process of fully paying off indebtedness by installments of principal and earned interest over a definite time.   annual percentage rate (APR) The cost of credit on a yearly basis expressed as a percentage.   annuity A series of equal payments made at regular intervals, with interest compounded at a specified rate.   appraisal fee The charge for estimating the value of property offered as security.   appreciation An increase in the value or price.   asset Anything an individual or a business owns that has commercial or exchange value.   automated teller machine (ATM)   automated teller machine (ATM) card A debit card that automatically withdraws money from your account.   automatic transfer service (ATS) account A depositor's savings account from which funds may be transferred automatically to the same depositor's checking account to cover a check written or to maintain a minimum balance.