Alabama Consumer Protections: Alabama consumers are protected under the Alabama Mini-Code, which regulates consumer credit sales and loans. Payday lending is legal but regulated, with a maximum loan of $500 and a fee cap of 17.5% per $100. Consumers have the right to file complaints with the State Banking Department or the Attorney General's office.
Interest Rate Cap: Alabama usury cap: 8% default rate; payday loans capped at 17.5% per $100 advanced ($500 max loan).
Key Regulations: - Payday lenders must be licensed by the State Banking Department under the Deferred Presentment Services Act.
- Maximum payday loan amount is $500 with a 10-31 day term.
- Title loan interest rates are not capped and can exceed 300% APR.
- The Mini-Code governs consumer credit transactions including installment loans.
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 Alabama Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.