What would be an example of a cost of funds for a bank?

Interest accrued on deposits is considered a cost of funds for a bank because it represents the expense incurred for borrowing money from depositors. When a bank accepts deposits from customers, it typically pays interest on those deposits as an incentive for customers to save their money with the bank. This interest payment reflects the institution's obligation to its depositors and is a fundamental part of the bank's operational costs.

The cost of funds is crucial for banks as it affects their profitability and interest rate spreads. By understanding the cost of funds, a bank can better manage its lending rates and the overall financial strategy, ensuring it remains competitive while maintaining a healthy margin between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits.

In contrast, other options like refunds to customers, marketing campaigns, and office maintenance expenses do not directly represent the cost of obtaining funds for lending. Refunds are a liability management issue, marketing is an operational expense aimed at attracting business, and office maintenance is a general overhead cost. These do not specifically relate to the cost associated with acquiring funds to support the bank's lending activities.