Texas Consumer Protections: Texas allows payday and auto title lending through the Credit Access Business model, which lacks state-level fee caps. Several cities have enacted local ordinances to limit loan amounts and rollovers. Consumers can file complaints with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner or the Attorney General.
Interest Rate Cap: Texas usury cap: 10% for written contracts (18% default); payday/auto title loans regulated as credit access businesses.
Key Regulations: - Payday and auto title lenders operate as Credit Access Businesses (CABs) arranging loans through third-party lenders.
- No state cap on CAB fees; effective APRs frequently exceed 500%.
- Several cities (Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) have enacted local payday lending ordinances.
- The Texas Finance Code regulates consumer lending but exempts CABs from rate caps.
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 Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
