What Is Regulation Z? | Bankrate

Regulation Z is a law that protects consumers from predatory lending practices. Also known as the Truth in Lending Act, the law requires lenders to disclose borrowing costs so consumers can make informed choices. Whether you’re shopping for a mortgage or comparing credit cards, you’re probably benefiting from the law in some way. Understanding Regulation Z could help you know what to look for before borrowing money. Here’s what you should know about this protective measure.

What is Regulation Z?

Regulation Z is part of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), which Congress passed in 1968. Many people use the two terms interchangeably. The legislation applies to mortgages, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, credit cards, installment loans and private student loans. It’s designed to protect consumers against misleading lending practices.

Regulation Z does not govern actual loan terms, dictate who can apply for credit or direct lenders to offer certain types of loans. Instead, the law:

• Helps ensure that lenders provide meaningful disclosures to borrowers, using terminology that consumers can understand.
• Regulates certain credit card practices.
• Establishes a process for resolving billing disputes in a fair, timely manner.
• Requires lenders to provide monthly billing statements to borrowers and notices if the loan’s terms have changed.
• Prohibits unfair lending practices between lenders and mortgage brokers.

The TILA has evolved in the decades since Congress first passed the law. One of the most notable changes came in 2011, when the power to enforce and update the TILA shifted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

How does Regulation Z apply to mortgages?

A mortgage could be the largest, most complex loan you’ll ever take out — so it’s critical that you understand the terminology before signing for the loan.  Regulation Z helps protect homebuyers by requiring lenders to make certain disclosures and eliminating conflicts of interest. Specifically, the law:

• Restricts how loan originators are paid. Generally, lenders can’t be compensated for getting you to sign up for a particular type of loan. Their pay also can’t be based on the terms and conditions of the mortgage.
• Prohibits steering. Loan originators can’t steer you into a mortgage that results in more compensation for them, unless it’s in your best interest.
• Requires disclosures. Lenders must give the borrower two sets of written disclosures that explain the real cost of the mortgage. You’ll receive a loan estimate at least three days before closing, which includes information about the loan, such as the loan amount, interest rate and monthly payment. You get the closing disclosure at closing, and you should compare it to the loan estimate to ensure that the loan terms haven’t changed.

How does Regulation Z apply to credit cards?

In 2009, Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act to protect cardholders from unfair credit card industry practices. The CARD Act became part of the Truth in Lending Act, and it compels credit card issuers to:

• Disclose rates and fees. The card issuer must provide information about pricing, such as interest rates and fees, before the cardholder opens a new credit card account.
• Limit upfront fees. If a credit card comes with fees to open the card, such as an annual fee, they can’t amount to more than 25 percent of the initial credit limit. For instance, if a card has a $500 credit limit, then the annual fee can’t exceed $125 in the first year.
• Limit penalty fees. The law stipulates the maximum fee that credit card issuers can charge when cardholders are late with their payments.
• Direct payments to the highest-interest debt first. Some credit cards have different interest rates for different types of transactions. If your card is set up this way and you pay more than the minimum payment one month, the issuer must apply the excess amount first to the balance with the highest APR. The issuer should apply any remaining payment to the rest of the balance in order from the highest APR to the lowest.
• Limit the cardholder’s liability for fraudulent transactions. Credit card holders can’t be held liable for more than $50 in unauthorized transactions.
• Deliver statements in a timely manner. Cardholders must receive a billing statement at least 21 days before the payment due date.
• Include disclaimers on billing statements. The cardholder’s billing statement must include information about repaying the balance, such as how the payment was calculated and how long it would take to pay off the balance if you only made minimum payments.

How does Regulation Z apply to other loans?

One of the TILA’s key provisions is the “right of rescission,” which applies to home equity lines of credit, home equity loans, private student loans and mortgage refinances. When a consumer takes out one of these loans, they have a three-day cooling-off period to reconsider their decision. If the borrower calls off the loan within this time frame, they won’t lose money. This part of the law not only protects borrowers who change their minds but also borrowers who felt pressured by the lender.

Regulation Z also applies to installment loans, such as personal loans and auto loans. With these types of loans, lenders must provide monthly billing statements, fair and timely responses to billing disputes and clear details about the loan terms.

Regulation Z also requires lenders to make certain disclosures to borrowers who take out private student loans:

• When you apply for a private student loan, you should receive a Loan Application and Solicitation Disclosure that includes general information about loan rates, fees and terms. The lender should also tell you about your federal student loan options, which generally come with more protections.
• Once you’re approved for the loan, you should receive the Loan Approval Disclosure, which provides information about the specific loan’s rate, fees and terms, plus an estimate of how much you’ll repay over time. You have 30 days to accept the loan.
• If you accept the loan, you should receive the Loan Consummation Disclosure, which contains a notice about your right to cancel the loan within three days. Then the lender can disburse the funds.

How do I take advantage of Regulation Z?

While Regulation Z provides consumer protections, it’s up to you to learn about any loan you’re taking out, ask questions and consider how you’ll repay the debt. You should also make sure that you receive any disclosures that you’re entitled to. Reading through this information will help you compare loans and understand the terms and conditions.

If you take out a loan and you believe that the lender isn’t following the rules, start by calling its customer service and discussing the issue. The violation may have been a result of a mistake or a misunderstanding. If the lender doesn’t take steps to resolve the case, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

The bottom line

Whether you’re opening a credit card or taking out a home equity loan, you should know your rights under Regulation Z. Borrowing money always comes with risks, so it’s important to do your research first and ensure that your finances are protected.

Learn more: