What states do not allow prepayment penalties?

Asked by: Mr. Lincoln Ryan V  |  Last update: April 3, 2026
Score: 5/5 (11 votes)

Eleven states generally prohibit prepayment penalties on residential first mortgages. These include Alabama, Alaska, Illinois (if the interest rate is over 8%), Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina (under $100,000), Pennsylvania (under $50,000), South Carolina (under $100,000), Texas, and Vermont.

In what states are prepayment penalties illegal?

Some states prohibit prepayment altogether, while others may have specific limitations or requirements regarding their use. Alaska, Virginia, Iowa, Maryland, and several others have banned prepayment penalties.

What loans do not allow prepayment penalties?

Lenders aren't allowed to add a prepayment penalty clause to certain loans, including:
  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans.
  • Federal and private student loans.

Does Florida allow prepayment penalties?

(6) PREPAYMENT PENALTIES PROHIBITED. —A licensee may not require a borrower to pay a prepayment penalty for paying all or part of the loan principal before the date on which the payment is due.

Does Texas allow prepayment penalties?

So here's the deal: In Texas prepayment penalties are allowed on all loans on any non-homestead commercial real estate including residential, multi-family, mixed-use and commercial properties.

Prepayment Penalties: The Mortgage Professor #4

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Does California allow prepayment penalty?

California law prohibits prepayment penalties after five years on one- to four-family residential property and before then allows them only on prepayments that exceed 20% of the original principal amount in any one year, except it allows prepayment penalties for up to seven years on certain loans involving real estate ...

Does Ohio allow a prepayment penalty?

Effective January 1, 2025, no penalties may be imposed on prepayment or refinancing of a residential mortgage loan of less than $112,957.

Does Illinois allow prepayment penalty?

Prepayment penalties. (a) No licensee may make, provide, or arrange a mortgage loan with a prepayment penalty unless the licensee offers the borrower a loan without a prepayment penalty, the offer is in writing, and the borrower initials the offer to indicate that the borrower has declined the offer.

What is the prepayment penalty in Michigan?

In Michigan, if the property is a single family, then the premium cannot exceed 1% of the amount prepaid during the first 3 years after closing, and no premium at all after that.

Are prepayment penalties legal in New Mexico?

No creditor shall make or originate a home loan that contains a provision that requires a penalty or premium for prepayment of the balance or any portion of the principal of the indebtedness.

How do I avoid prepayment penalty?

Prepayment penalties are usually only due within the first few years of the loan, so if you can, try to wait to sell, refinance, or pay off the loan until that time.

Does Massachusetts allow prepayment penalties?

The Impact of Prepayment Penalty Clauses

In most cases, Massachusetts allows lenders to collect penalties for prepayment during the first three years of a loan.

Does Texas have prepayment penalty for auto loans?

On HOME LOANS prepayment penalties are not allowed in Texas. However, car loans allow prepayment penalties if the contract calls for them. If there is no prepayment penalty in the contract, then Texas Code 348.120 requires the lender to determine how much you are due for credit against interest per day.

Do prepayment penalties still exist?

Today, prepayment penalties are much less common than in the past, and you'll be able to find a loan without one. If you already have a mortgage, you should understand its terms and carefully plan your repayment strategy. Thoroughly review your loan documents to identify any clauses related to prepayment penalties.

What states are prepayment penalties illegal?

Most states allow lenders to impose a fee if borrowers pay off mortgages before a specific date – typically in the first three years after taking out a mortgage. While Alaska, Virginia, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, and Vermont have banned prepayment penalties, other states allow them with certain conditions.

What is the prepayment penalty in Virginia?

The prepayment penalty in the case of a loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on a home that is occupied or to be occupied in whole or in part by a borrower shall not exceed two percent of the amount of such prepayment.

Are prepayment penalties illegal in California?

4973. The following are prohibited acts and limitations for covered loans: (a) (1) A covered loan shall not include a prepayment fee or penalty after the first 36 months after the date of consummation of the loan.

Does PA allow prepayment penalties?

10 Pa. Code § 7.8. Prepayment penalty prohibited. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 54 Pa.

Does Oregon allow prepayment penalties?

Any person making a loan having a loan period of more than three years secured by a mortgage or by a trust deed on real property located in this state shall, with respect to such loan, expressly and clearly state on the loan agreement and promissory note any maximum prepayment privilege penalty.

Are prepayment penalties legal in Indiana?

Prepayment fees or penalties may not be included in the loan documents for a high cost home loan or charged to the borrower if the fees or penalties exceed in total two percent (2%) of the high cost home loan amount prepaid during the first twenty-four (24) months after the high cost home loan closing.

Does NJ allow prepayment penalties?

Is it legal for an institution to charge a New Jersey consumer a prepayment penalty on a loan? Although New Jersey passed a law forbidding this type of fee pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:10B-2 Prepayment of mortgage loan without penalty, there are certain types of loan products and lenders which this law does not apply.

Are prepayment penalties legal in Minnesota?

Look Out for Prepayment Penalties

Under Minnesota law for Prime Mortgage loans, the terms of the penalty must be fully disclosed to the borrower at the time of application. The penalty can only be up to two percent of the unpaid principal or 60 days interest on the unpaid principal, whichever is less.