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Loans and Credit Cards

Loans and credit cards are the main ways people borrow money, from mortgages and car loans to personal loans and revolving card balances. Federal law requires lenders to disclose costs and bars certain unfair practices, and states regulate lending rates and licensing. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and banking regulators share oversight.

People usually bring questions about how interest and fees are calculated, what makes a loan predatory, and whether the government limits what lenders may charge. They also ask how long-term mortgages work, how credit scores affect borrowing, and what protections apply to members of the military.

5articles
September 16last updated

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All Articles on Loans and Credit Cards

How Federal Interest Rate Caps Could Reshape Credit Access

Americans are carrying $1.23 trillion in credit card debt, the highest level ever recorded. The average household with credit card debt owes $10,563. President…

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The 50-Year Mortgage: What It Is and Why Analysts Are Concerned

Housing affordability in the United States has become a central concern for many Americans. High home prices and rising interest rates are pricing many…

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Predatory Lending: How to Spot and Avoid High-Cost Loans

Predatory lending is not simply about high-cost credit. It is a system of deceptive, fraudulent, and manipulative practices designed to trap borrowers in unaffordable…

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How Credit Scores Control Your Financial Life

Your credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 that affects nearly every major financial decision you'll make as an adult. A…

46 Min Read

SCRA Interest Rate Caps: How They Protect Your Finances During Military Service

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a vital federal law designed to provide a range of legal and financial protections for individuals entering…

30 Min Read