CUNA writes in support of bill to increase federal credit union loan limits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 10, 2019 

Washington, DC 

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) wrote to the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) in support of legislation what would provide the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) board the flexibility to increase credit union loan maturity limits. The letter was sent ahead of the HFSC hearing on student loan debt.  

“While most student loans originate with the government, more and more credit unions are finding ways to support student borrowers through private loans. However, one barrier for many federal credit unions from entering the student lending sector is the 15-year loan maturity limit,” the letter reads. Except for mortgage lending, Federally-chartered credit unions are prohibited by statute from making loans with maturity limits in excess of 15 years… The ability to set a longer loan maturity for Federal credit union loans would provide more opportunities for education that is more affordable.” 

H.R. 1661 would grant the NCUA board flexibility to increase federal credit union loan maturities past 15 years. Currently only one state, Oklahoma, has a similar restriction on state credit unions, and there is no such limit for banks.  

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About CUNA:        
Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by 115 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org. To find your nearest credit union, visit YourMoneyFurther.com.  

CONTACT:       

Lauren Williams      
CUNA Communications      
202-672-339