422.403 Maximum periods of repayment.

(1) With respect to a consumer credit transaction other than one pursuant to an open-end credit plan or one pursuant to s. 138.09, no merchant shall initially schedule payments to be paid in full:

(a) Over a period of more than 25 months if the total of payments is $700 or less;

(b) Over a period of more than 37 months if the total of payments is more than $700, but does not exceed $1,400; or

(c) Over a period of more than 49 months if the total of payments is more than $1,400, but does not exceed $2,000, unless the transaction is for the acquisition of or substantial improvement to real property in which case such period shall not exceed 61 months.

(2) With respect to a consumer credit transaction other than one pursuant to an open-end credit plan or one pursuant to s. 138.09, which is for the purpose of an improvement to real property and in which the annual percentage rate disclosed under subch. III is 15 percent or less, no merchant may initially schedule payments to be paid in full:

(a) Over a period of more than 25 months if the total of payments is $300 or less;

(b) Over a period of more than 48 months if the total of payments is more than $300, but does not exceed $1,000; or

(c) Over a period of more than 60 months if the total of payments is more than $1,000, but does not exceed $2,000.

(3) The periods specified in subs. (1) and (2) shall commence with the date of first payment or when the finance charge begins to accrue, whichever is earlier.

(4) This section shall not apply to loans made, guaranteed or funded by federal or state agencies and loans made, guaranteed or funded by nonprofit educational institutions or foundations qualifying under section 501 (c) (3) of the internal revenue code, for purposes of post-high school education.

(4m) This section does not apply to loans made by an administrative agency within the executive branch established under ch. 15.

(5) Taking or arranging for the customer to sign an instrument in violation of this section is subject to s. 425.304.

History: 1971 c. 239; 1973 c. 3, 4, 243; 1981 c. 20, 391.