Payday loans are debt traps by design

Published



Tim Worstall recently took issue with the Center for Responsible Lending’s position that payday loans should be capped at a 36% annual rate. He seemed troubled by the fact that with such a rate cap in place, payday lenders choose to no longer make their predatory loans.

I’d like to offer some clarity. First, yes, it’s true — we do want to see an end to dangerous lending practices such as unaffordable payday loans carrying 300% and 400% interest rates. And second, I’d like to explain why payday loans are predatory.

Full midterm coverage.Deeper analysis.

Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's reporting, expert analysis, and coverage of the midterm elections.

Get Unlimited Access

Cancel anytime.