The first of the Federal Credit CARD Act of 2009’s amendments to the Truth In Lending Act go into effect today:
Card issuers are required to mail/email credit card bills at least 21 days before the due date. The practice has been 14 days prior to the due date. In addition, card holders will get credit for all payments made prior to 5:00 p.m. on the day payment is made.
Card issuers are required to give customers at least a 45 day notice of future changes to their interest rate or other significant changes to their terms and agreement. The practice has been a 15 day notice. Consumers must be notified about their right to cancel the credit card account before the increase or change goes into effect (generally meaning that they can repay the debt at the existing rate, but no longer use the account).
Check out the Federal Reserve’s Web site for more information.