Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Benjamin E. Diokno reminded the public that the ceilings on interest rate, finance charges, and fees on all credit card transactions took effect on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“Starting on this date, interest or finance charges on unpaid outstanding credit card balance should not exceed 24 percent annually or two percent per month; the monthly add-on rate for credit card installment loans should not exceed 1 percent per month; and the processing fee on the availment of credit card cash advances should not exceed P200 per transaction,” Diokno said.
In line with this, the BSP issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on said cap, which was approved under BSP Circular No. 1098 dated September 24, 2020.
Aside from providing illustrative examples on the calculation of interest, finance charges and fees under Circular No. 1098, the FAQs also cite the rationale behind the initiative and the basis for the ceilings.
The policy initiative, which is pursuant to the BSP’s supervisory authority over credit card issuers under the Credit Card Industry Regulation Law, is seen to foster responsible credit card lending in the country.
Rates and fees provided under the circular are subject to review by the BSP every six months. Adjustments or changes, if any, on the ceilings will be carried out based on the said review.
