California Personal Loan Laws and Regulations in (CA)
(last updated 11/13/2019)For Loan Amounts of $2,500 or more, rates are set by the market place.
For Loan Amounts Less Than $2,500
22303: Every licensee who lends any sum of money may contract for and receive charges at a rate not exceeding the sum of the following:
(a) Two and one-half percent per month on that part of the unpaid principal balance of any loan up to, including, but not in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225).
(b) Two percent per month on that portion of the unpaid principal balance in excess of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225) up to, including, but not in excess of nine hundred dollars ($900).
(c) One and one-half percent per month on that part of the unpaid principal balance in excess of nine hundred dollars ($900) up to, including, but not in excess of one thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($1,650).
(d) One percent per month on any remainder of such unpaid balance in excess of one thousand six hundred fifty dollars ($1,650).
22304: As an alternative to the charges authorized by Section 22303, a licensee may contract for and receive charges at the greater of the following:
(a) A rate not exceeding 1.6 percent per month on the unpaid principal balance.
(b) A rate not exceeding five-sixths of 1 percent per month plus a percentage per month equal to one-twelfth of the annual rate prevailing on the 25th day of the second month of the quarter preceding the quarter in which the loan is made, as established by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, on advances to member banks under Sections 13 and 13a of the Federal Reserve Act, as now in effect or hereafter from time to time amended, or if there is no single determinable rate for advances, the closest counterpart of this rate as shall be determined by the Commissioner of Financial Institutions. Charges shall be calculated on the unpaid principal balance.
22305: In addition to the charges authorized by Section 22303 or 22304, a licensee may contract for and receive an administrative fee, which shall be fully earned immediately upon making the loan, with respect to a loan of a bona fide principal amount of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) at a rate not in excess of 5 percent of the principal amount (exclusive of the administrative fee) or fifty dollars ($50), whichever is less, and with respect to a loan of a bona fide principal amount in excess of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), at an amount not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75). No administrative fee may be contracted for or received in connection with the refinancing of a loan unless at least one year has elapsed since the receipt of a previous administrative fee paid by the borrower. Only one administrative fee may be contracted for or received until the loan has been repaid in full. For purposes of this section, “bona fide principal amount” shall be determined in accordance with Section 22251.
This information is for informational purposes only. Although care has been taken to accurately describe the laws and regulations in California, no guarantees are implied or expressed about its accuracy. This is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney or the California Department of Business Oversight.
The following classes of lending organizations may be exempt from some, all, or none of the regulations and laws set by the sate of California. Federally chartered banks, state chartered banks, credit unions and some entities organized under the laws of a sovereign nation (for example) a Native American Tribe or the country of Antigua.