Truth in Lending Act
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) is a United States federal law designed to
protect consumers in credit transactions by requiring clear disclosure of key
terms of the lending arrangement and all costs. The statute is contained in
title I of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, as amended (15 USC 1601 et seq.).
The regulations implementing the statute, which are known as "Regulation Z," are
codified at 12 CFR Part 226. Most of the specific requirements imposed by TILA
are found in Regulation Z, so a reference to the requirements of TILA usually
refers to the requirements contained in Regulation Z as well as the statute
itself.
The purpose of TILA is to promote the informed use of consumer credit by
requiring disclosures about its terms and cost. TILA also gives consumers the
right to cancel certain credit transactions that involve a lien on a consumer’s
principal dwelling, regulates certain credit card practices, and provides a
means for fair and timely resolution of credit billing disputes. With the
exception of certain high-cost mortgage loans, TILA does not regulate the
charges that may be imposed for consumer credit. Rather, it requires a maximum
interest rate to be stated in variable-rate contracts secured by the consumer’s
dwelling. It also imposes limitations on home equity plans that are subject to
the requirements of Sec. 226.5b and certain higher-cost mortgages that are
subject to the requirements of Sec. 226.32. The regulation prohibits certain
acts or practices in connection with credit secured by a consumer’s principal
dwelling.