BANKING

Damage Award Against First Interstate Cut: A California appeals court has cut $9 million from a nearly $14-million damage award against the bank for charging excessive fees to credit card holders. The $9 million was interest that First Interstate Bank charged legally on late payments and on balances above the card limits, the 1st District Court of Appeal said in a ruling made public Friday. The court said the rest of the damages were properly awarded because the bank had charged fees above its costs. The suit accused the bank of charging fees to make profit rather than to cover costs. The fees were $3 to $5 for late payments and $10 for balances that exceeded credit limits.