In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated. “Bank” has the meaning stated in § 1–201 of this article. “Consumer–directed earned wage access” means delivery to a consumer of access to unpaid but earned wages: That is provided to a consumer by a third party who does not have a relationship with the consumer’s employer; That is based on employment, income, or attendance data obtained directly from the consumer; and Where the consumer does not pay the provider interest. “Consumer reporting agency” has the meaning stated in § 14–1201 of this article. “Earned wage” means salary, wages, compensation, or other income earned: On an hourly, project–based, piecework, or other basis; or Through services rendered as an independent contractor. “Earned wage access” means: Consumer–directed earned wage access; or Employer–integrated earned wage access. “Employer–integrated earned wage access” means delivery of unpaid but earned wages: That are provided to a consumer directly by a person the employer has contracted to provide the service; That are determined based on employment, income, or attendance data obtained directly or indirectly from the consumer’s employer, including a payroll service provider; and Where the consumer does not pay the provider interest. “Fee” means: A fee imposed by a provider for delivery or expedited delivery of earned wage access to a consumer; or A subscription or membership fee imposed by a provider for a group of services that includes earned wage access. “Fee” does not include a voluntary tip, gratuity, or other donation. “Interest” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of this title. “Interest” does not include a fee imposed by an earned wage access provider licensed under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of the Financial Institutions Article. “Loan” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of this title. “Loan” includes earned wage access, subject to the provisions of this subtitle. “Payroll period” means a period of time during which a consumer earns wages that an employer owes to the employee at the end of the period. “Proceeds” means a payment to a consumer by a provider that is based on unpaid but earned wages. “Provider” means a person who provides to consumers either consumer–directed earned wage access or employer–integrated earned wage access. “Provider” does not include: A service provider, such as a payroll service provider, that may verify the available earnings of a consumer but that is not contractually obligated to fund any proceeds delivered as part of an earned wage access service; or An employer that offers a portion of salary, wages, or other compensation directly to its employees or independent contractors before a normally scheduled pay date for a payroll period. “Tip” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of this title. “Wages” has the meaning stated in § 12–101 of this title.