However, as of 2021, neither CashNetUSA nor NetCredit operates in Virginia. Either the licensing requirements or the recent regulatory changes shut them down.
In California, absent an exception which we discuss in depth below, the maximum allowable interest rate for consumer loans is 10% per year. For non-consumer loans, the interest rate can bear the maximum of whichever is greater between either: i) 10% per annum; or ii) the “federal discount rate” plus 5%.
The limits are set to prevent lenders from charging borrowers excessive interest rates. An interest rate that exceeds the legal rate of interest is classified as usuary, for which there are stiff penalties in most states.