Washington Consumer Protections: Washington allows payday lending with a $700 cap, tiered fee structure, and a limit of eight loans per year. After the eighth loan, borrowers must be offered a no-cost installment plan. The Department of Financial Institutions regulates consumer lenders, and complaints can be filed with DFI or the Attorney General.
Interest Rate Cap: Washington usury cap: 12% general usury; payday loans capped at $700 with tiered fees (15% on first $500).
Key Regulations: - Payday loans capped at $700 or 30% of gross monthly income, whichever is less.
- Maximum fee of 15% on first $500 and 10% above $500.
- Borrowers limited to eight payday loans per 12-month period.
- After the eighth loan, borrower must be offered a no-cost installment plan.
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 Washington Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.