Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
When it comes to applying for financial products online, some people may become nervous when reading over
the financial information in contracts or terms of service. But thanks to the
Truth in Lending Act (TILA) passed in 1968, consumers engaging in lending agreements have access to clear disclosure of key terms
and ALL costs associated with their loan or line of credit.
TILA DOES
- Give you the right to cancel credit transactions that involve a lien on your primary home
- Regulates credit card practices
- Provides a means for timely solutions to credit billing disputes (except some high-cost mortgages)
- Requires uniform standardized disclosure of costs and charges
- Prohibits acts or practices in connection with credit secured by a consumer's principal dwelling
TILA DOES NOT
- Regulate cost of lending or fees
- Does not apply to credit for business, commercial or agricultural purpose
- Credit over $25,000, unless it is secured by real property, a private education loan and other public utilities and securities and commodity accounts
TILA does apply to the payday advance industry, specifically about related to disclosing the APR
For a more in-depth analysis of the Truth in Lending Act,
contact the FDIC