core deposit intangibles -- a premium paid to acquire the core deposits of an institution. The premium is the amount paid in excess of the dollar amount of the deposits, and under accounting rules, the premium is listed on the books as an intangible asset.

A core deposit intangible represents the capacity of existing deposit accounts to generate future income. Core deposits are specifically identified in Statement 141 as intangible assets that must be recognized as separate from goodwill and must be amortized over their useful life.