CUs Watching For APR Decision

Credit unions are joining other financial services firms in awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on the interest rates that can be charged to members/customers who declare bankruptcy. The court is reviewing a case in which a couple borrowed $6,425 at 21% APR from a subprime lender in 1998 to buy a used vehicle. In 2000, they declared Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and the court ruled they could retain the vehicle and pay a 9.5% APR. The lender has challenged the decision and won in appeals court. Now the borrowers are challenging that decision.

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