What is the Military Lending Act (MLA)?

For banking professionals, understanding the regulations that govern lending practices is crucial, particularly when these regulations protect a unique and valued segment of society: military personnel. The Military Lending Act (MLA) is one such regulation established to safeguard the financial well-being of service members and their families. In an industry where compliance is key, grasping the intricacies of the MLA is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about ensuring that the men and women who serve the nation are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

Military Lending Act, Explained

The Military Lending Act, enacted in 2006 and amended in 2015, is a federal law designed to protect active-duty service members, their spouses, and certain dependents from predatory lending practices. The MLA provides significant safeguards by capping the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) at 36%, which includes interest and most fees, and applies to various consumer credit products like payday loans, vehicle title loans, and refund anticipation loans. Also, the MLA prohibits certain practices, such as requiring automatic payments from paychecks or using vehicle titles as collateral. By ensuring these protections are enforceable, the MLA helps maintain the financial stability of military families, recognizing the unique challenges of military service and its impact on financial well-being.

What Rights Does the Military Lending Act Provide to Military Personnel?

The Military Lending Act provides several key rights and protections to service members and their families:

Cap on Interest Rates

The MLA limits the interest rates on covered loans to a maximum of 36% MAPR, which includes all fees and charges associated with the credit product.

Protection from Prepayment Penalties

Lenders cannot impose penalties for early repayment of loans, allowing military personnel to pay off debt without incurring additional costs.

Prohibition of Mandatory Allotments

The Act prohibits lenders from requiring service members to agree to automatic deductions from their military paychecks as a condition for receiving a loan.

No Mandatory Arbitration

The MLA ensures that military members cannot be forced into mandatory arbitration, preserving their right to take disputes to court.

What Loans are Covered Under the Military Lending Act?

The Military Lending Act covers a specific range of consumer loans. Understanding which loans fall under its jurisdiction is crucial for compliance:

Payday Loans

Short-term loans with high interest rates, typically due on the borrower’s next payday.

Vehicle Title Loans

Loans where the borrower’s vehicle title is used as collateral. These loans are generally short-term and carry high interest rates.

Refund Anticipation Loans

Short-term loans that are repaid with the anticipated tax refund. These loans often come with high fees and interest rates.

Installment Loans

Loans that are repaid over time with a set number of scheduled payments, typically with fixed interest rates.

These loans are regulated under the MLA to prevent lenders from charging excessive interest rates or imposing unfair terms on military borrowers.

What Loans are Not Covered Under the Military Lending Act?

While the MLA provides robust protections, not all loan types are covered under its regulations. The following loans are exempt from the MLA:

Residential Mortgages

Loans secured by a home, including purchase, refinance, and home equity loans, are not covered under the MLA.

Auto Loans for Vehicle Purchases

Loans specifically used to purchase a vehicle and secured by that vehicle are exempt from the Act.

Loans Secured by Personal Property

Loans secured by personal property (other than vehicles) and used for its purchase are not subject to MLA restrictions.

Credit Cards (Prior to 2017)

Before 2017, credit cards were not covered under the MLA. However, this changed with the amended rules that came into effect later.

Understanding these exclusions is essential for banking professionals to ensure proper application of the MLA and to avoid potential compliance issues.

What Other Military Financial Assistance is Available?

Beyond the Military Lending Act, service members have access to other financial protections and resources designed to support their financial well-being:

Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Offers various legal and financial protections, including reduced interest rates on pre-service debts and protection against foreclosure.

Department of Defense Financial Readiness Programs: Provides education and counseling services to help military personnel manage their finances.

Military Aid Societies: Nonprofit organizations like Army Emergency Relief and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offer financial assistance, loans, and grants to military families in need.

These resources, coupled with the protections offered by the MLA, create a comprehensive safety net that helps service members and their families navigate financial challenges, allowing them to focus on their critical duties without unnecessary financial strain.

Discover the BankersHub Banking Military Personnel Course

For financial institutions, activities with the MLA and Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can introduce operational, compliance, strategic, and reputational risks. BankersHub’s Banking Military Personnel webinar provides a detailed review of the MLA and SCRA, equipping you with best practices for complying with these requirements. The course will review the loan process, including steps to take when an application is received, when a loan becomes delinquent, and when the borrower meets the definition of a “covered borrower.” Register today to enhance your knowledge of the MLA and SCRA!