The Truth in Lending Act, commonly referred to as "TILA," was originally enacted in 1968 based upon a Congressional finding that economic stabilization would be enhanced and competition between financial institutions and other lenders engaging in the extension of consumer credit would be strengthened by borrowers' informed use of credit. Congress specifically found that the informed use of credit arises from the consumers' awareness of the cost of that credit.

TILA's stated purpose is to assure a meaningful disclosure of credit terms so that the consumer will be able to compare more readily the various credit terms available to him or her and avoid the uninformed use of credit, and to protect the consumer against inaccurate and unfair credit billing and credit card practices.

Essentially, TILA is a federal law that regulates the processes involving credit issues. One of its important functions is to set the minimum standard of information provided by creditors regarding installment credit contracts. The information needed by the TILA is the principal amount associated with the loan, the number of months wherein the payment has to be made and the interest rate involved.

The act has been around since 1968 and it has been amended a few times to improve the protection given to the borrowers. Recent changes done to the TILA are said to have brought some positive effects to credit card holders. The act was established to ensure that the interest of the borrowers is protected. The changes made focused on the processes involved in disclosures. The loans affected are those filed since July 30, 2009. This has helped borrowers in several ways. Real estate professionals have already started to implement the changes. However, the borrowers should know about this as well for a smooth closing transaction.

Recent changed provisions of the federal law sees to it that that credit card companies should not send credit cards to individuals who did not apply for it. Further, they regulate the disclosure processes as well. Most borrowers find this important because it allows them to know the exact charges they need to settle. This will give the borrowers the chance to prepare for the needed amount.

Some of the changes include the limitation of the lenders in collecting fees. Lenders are not authorized to collect any fee unless the borrower has already received the Truth In Lending or TIL. There is also a seven business day waiting period after the borrower received the disclosures before closing. Additionally, the borrowers do not have to pursue the transaction if they do not want to. It is not binding even if they have received the final TIL.

These changes have helped protect the interest of the consumers. With it, the borrowers will only pay for the services rendered to them. Not only that, they will also have enough time to review the disclosures given to them. They can use it to compare with other lenders. They can choose the term that suits them better. They can do this because they are not obliged to continue their transaction with a lender even if they have already been given the TIL and other information. They can cancel the transaction if they feel that it is not good for them.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lian_Canonigo