Massachusetts Consumer Protections: Massachusetts bans payday lending through rate caps and has one of the nation's strongest consumer protection laws (Chapter 93A). The Division of Banks regulates all consumer lenders with strict requirements. Consumers can file complaints with the Division of Banks or the Attorney General.
Interest Rate Cap: Massachusetts usury cap: 20% for consumer loans (criminal usury at 20%); payday lending banned.
Payday lending is banned in this state.
Key Regulations: - Payday lending is banned; the small loan statute cap of 23% APR makes it unviable.
- Criminal usury threshold is 20% for most consumer loans.
- The Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A) is among the strongest in the nation.
- All consumer lenders must be licensed by the Division of Banks.
Federal protections: The FCRA gives you the right to dispute inaccurate credit report information for free. Credit repair companies cannot charge before performing services (Credit Repair Organizations Act).
Free resources: Get a free credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
File complaints with Massachusetts Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.