SCRA 6% Interest Rate Cap on Pre-Service Debt

Active Duty

Verified

Last checked: 2026-05-14

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps the interest rate on debts you took on BEFORE entering active duty at 6% APR. Cap stays in place during active-duty service plus 1 year on mortgages, plus 6 months on most other debts.

How to access

Restrictions

Lender must reduce rate retroactively to the day you entered active duty once you submit a written request + a copy of your orders. Many lender front-line reps don't know the rule — escalate to the SCRA / military-affairs desk. Applies to credit cards, auto loans, student loans, mortgages. Does NOT apply to debt taken on AFTER you entered service.

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