What is the Truth in Lending Act?
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) is a federal law that requires lenders to provide accurate and transparent information about the cost of credit and other terms of a loan or credit card agreement. This law was passed in 1968 by the Consumer Credit Protection Act and amended in 2011 by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. TILA requires lenders to provide credit consumers with the full cost of borrowing, including the principal, interest, and all associated fees. The law also requires lenders to provide the formula for calculating the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), including the number of days in the billing period and the frequency of compounding interest. Additionally, the law requires lenders to fully disclose the terms of the credit agreement in writing, as well as the length of repayment, any penalties for late payments, and any security interests that may be taken, among other information. In New York, TILA is enforced by the Department of Financial Services and monitored by the Federal Trade Commission. Violations of TILA are subject to both civil and criminal penalties, and can include fines, restitution, or civil liability. TILA was created to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive practices by making lenders more transparent about the cost of credit and the terms of agreements. By helping consumers understand the true cost of credit and the terms of their agreements, TILA helps to ensure that consumers make informed financial decisions.
Related FAQs
What are the different kinds of interest rates for credit cards?What are the different kinds of credit card fraud?
What is a balance transfer?
What is APR?
When is a credit card issuer required to disclose the terms and conditions of a credit card?
What is a financial institution's liability for unauthorized credit card use?
How do I use a credit card responsibly?
Can I use a credit card to make purchases abroad?
What is a Fair Credit Billing Act?
How do I apply for a credit card?
Related Blog Posts
The Basics of Credit Card Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023The Pros and Cons of Credit Card Use - August 7, 2023
What Is the CARD Act and How Does It Impact You? - August 14, 2023
5 Tips for Understanding Credit Card Law - August 21, 2023
Understanding the FDCPA and Its Impact on Credit Card Law - August 28, 2023