Maryland Consumer Protections: Maryland effectively bans payday lending through strict interest rate caps that make the business model impractical. The state has strong consumer protection laws including the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. Consumers can file complaints with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation or the Attorney General.
Interest Rate Cap: Maryland usury cap: 24% for consumer loans under $6,000 (33% for under $1,000); payday lending banned.
Payday lending is banned in this state.
Key Regulations: - Payday lending is effectively banned through interest rate caps that make the business model unviable.
- Consumer loans under $6,000 capped at 2% per month (24% APR); under $1,000 at 2.75% per month.
- The Maryland Consumer Protection Act provides strong anti-predatory lending protections.
- Licensed consumer finance companies must comply with strict rate and disclosure requirements.
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 Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.