Government Adjusts Financial Rules Because Everything Costs More Now
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is updating key money limits for credit cards, high-cost home loans, and qualified mortgages based on inflation. If you deal with credit or home loans, these new dollar thresholds will affect when certain rules kick in, like fees and interest disclosures. These changes help keep lending rules fair and clear as prices change over time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
QM Pricing (APR vs APOR) Thresholds Updated
Effective January 1, 2026 the General qualified mortgage (QM) pricing thresholds use new indexed loan-amount cutoffs: for first-lien loans the APR pricing spreads apply with cutoffs at $137,958 and $82,775 (e.g., 2.25 pp for loans ≥ $137,958; 3.5 pp for loans ≥ $82,775 but < $137,958; 6.5 pp for loans < $82,775). These adjusted thresholds are based on the CPI-U through June 1, 2025.
QM Points-and-Fees Limits Increased
Effective January 1, 2026 the QM points-and-fees limits are updated: for loans ≥ $137,958 the cap is 3% of loan amount; for loans ≥ $82,775 but < $137,958 the cap is $4,139; for loans ≥ $27,592 but < $82,775 the cap is 5% of loan amount; for loans ≥ $17,245 but < $27,592 the cap is $1,380; and for loans < $17,245 the cap is 8% of loan amount.
Credit Card Minimum Interest Unchanged
Starting January 1, 2026 the minimum interest charge disclosure threshold for open-end consumer credit plans stays at $1.00. The Bureau reviewed the CPI-W through June 1, 2025 and determined the $1.00 threshold will not increase for 2026.
HOEPA Loan Thresholds Updated
Effective January 1, 2026 the HOEPA total loan amount test is $27,592 and the adjusted points-and-fees dollar trigger is $1,380. Under these numbers, a loan with total loan amount $27,592 or more is a high-cost mortgage if points and fees exceed 5 percent; loans under $27,592 are high-cost if points and fees exceed the lesser of $1,380 or 8 percent.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Starting January 1, 2026, consumer reporting agencies can charge up to $16 for credit report disclosures when you’re not eligible for a free one. This update affects anyone who requests extra credit reports beyond their free annual copy, so keep an eye on your requests to avoid surprises. The new charge doubles last year’s limit, so it’s a good time to plan ahead!
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Starting December 15, 2025, new IRS rules clarify when foreign governments and their related businesses must pay U.S. taxes on income from investments here. These changes mainly affect foreign governments earning money through commercial activities or controlled companies in the U.S., making sure they don’t get unfair tax breaks. If you’re part of a foreign government or international organization with U.S. investments, these rules could impact your tax bills and reporting.
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