Account Pledge Agreement Template for the United States

An Account Pledge Agreement is a security document that gives a lender (pledgee) a security interest in your bank accounts or securities accounts to secure repayment of loans or other obligations. Under United States law, this agreement creates enforceable collateral rights that protect lenders while allowing you to continue operating your business with appropriate account access.

When do you need this document?

You need an Account Pledge Agreement when your lender requires account-based collateral as security for financing. This commonly occurs in asset-based lending where your operating accounts, lockbox accounts, or investment accounts serve as additional security beyond inventory or receivables. Corporate borrowers often use these agreements in credit facilities, equipment financing, or working capital loans where lenders want control over cash flow or investment proceeds. The agreement is also essential in structured finance transactions where multiple accounts across different banks need to be pledged to secure complex financing arrangements.

Key legal considerations

The agreement must clearly define which accounts are pledged and the scope of the security interest to avoid disputes over coverage. Control arrangements are critical under UCC Article 9, requiring specific provisions that give your lender the ability to direct account withdrawals or freeze accounts upon default. You should carefully negotiate your continuing rights to use pledged accounts for ordinary business operations, including minimum balance requirements and permitted withdrawals. The agreement must address perfection requirements, which may involve account control agreements with your bank or securities intermediary. Consider the impact on your banking relationships, as some banks may require additional documentation or impose restrictions on pledged accounts. Default provisions need careful attention since they trigger the lender's enforcement rights and can significantly impact your business operations.

Legal requirements in United States

Under UCC Article 9, security interests in deposit accounts can only be perfected by control, not by filing financing statements. This requires either an account control agreement between you, your lender, and your bank, or making your lender the account holder. For securities accounts, UCC Article 8 governs the creation and perfection of security interests, typically requiring control through agreements with your securities intermediary. Federal regulations may apply when securities accounts are involved, particularly under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for brokerage accounts. Banking regulations under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act may affect how pledged deposit accounts are handled, especially regarding FDIC insurance coverage. State law variations exist in how account control agreements are structured and what constitutes sufficient control for perfection purposes. The agreement must comply with any applicable consumer protection laws if personal accounts are involved, and consider Bank Secrecy Act requirements for reporting and record-keeping when large transactions are involved.