Dear Boards of Directors and Chief Executive Officers:
On January 26, 2023, the NCUA Board voted to continue the temporary 18-percent interest rate ceiling for loans made by federal credit unions, based on the authorities established by the Federal Credit Union Act.1
The Federal Credit Union Act generally limits federal credit unions to a 15 percent interest rate ceiling on loans. However, the NCUA Board may establish a temporary, higher rate for up to 18 months after considering certain statutory criteria. The previously approved 18-percent interest rate ceiling expires on March 10, 2023. The January NCUA Board action extends the temporary 18 percent interest rate ceiling through September 10, 2024.
The Board’s decision preserves your federal credit union’s ability to offer a higher-rate payday alternative loan. You may still charge up to 28 percent on payday alternative loans under the terms and conditions specified in NCUA’s regulations.2
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your regional office.
Sincerely,
/s/
Todd M. Harper
Chairman
Footnotes
1 12 U.S.C. §1757(5)(A)(vi)(I).
2 12 C.F.R. §701.21(c)(7)(iii). For more details on the payday alternative loan program, please use the attached link: http://www.ncua.gov/Legal/Documents/Regulations/FIR20100916SmAmt.pdf