the federal government is charging banks 5% interest on TARP money that banks receieved, no matter if the banks asked for the TARP or not. Those that the govm'nt forced the money on and didn't want it, can't just give it back. Either way, they have to pay 5% interest on it. Hell, I wish I could get that kind of interest on my savings. I think the nationwide averave for interest earned on a savings account is .25 of 1%. Why keep the money in the bank at that rate???