Supporting our Military through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
American Bank is thankful for the men and women that protect our freedoms each day. We want to assist you in understanding your rights under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA allows those on active duty in the United States Military to devote their full attention to service by easing some of their financial obligations and, in certain cases, suspending the enforcement of civil liabilities.
As an active-duty member of the United States military, you and your dependents may be eligible for benefits and protections offered by the SCRA for consumer and business debt incurred before you enter active-duty service. It does not apply to additional debit incurred while you are on active duty.
Some of the benefits and protections American Bank provides through the SCRA include:
- Interest Rate Limits
- While you are on active duty, lenders generally cannot impose a rate of interest exceeding 6% on debts (i.e., credit card, line of credit and installment loans) incurred prior to active duty.
- The 6% interest rate will be in effect for your entire active duty service. If you have a mortgage loan, the 6% interest rate will extend for an additional year after your active duty service ends.
- If your loan’s interest rate is higher than 6%, your payments will be reduced to reflect the lower interest rate.
- Protection from Foreclosure
- The SCRA generally prevents lenders from foreclosing (absent a court order) on eligible active duty servicemembers during their period of military service and the 12 months thereafter.
- It also protects servicemembers against default judgments, evictions, and repossession of property.
- Protection from Repossession
- While on active duty, you are protected from repossession unless a court issues an order allowing the repossession to take place.
- Other Protections
- SCRA gives servicemembers the ability to terminate residential and automobile leases; and
- Extends protections to servicemembers dependents.
How to Apply for SCRA Interest Rate Protections
In order to apply for SCRA interest rate benefits, we’ll need a copy of your military orders calling you to active duty service along with a cover letter requesting relief. These may be faxed or mailed to:
American Bank
Attn: Loan Servicing Department
4029 W. Tilghman St.
Allentown, PA 18104
Fax: 610.289.3326
You may submit your request at any time after receiving your military orders, up to 180 days after leaving active duty. Upon receipt, we will review your orders and accounts to determine eligibility. You will receive notification from us when we have reviewed your request. If you have any questions, you may contact Loan Servicing at 888.366.6622.
Learn More
If you think your rights under the SCRA may have been violated, you should contact your nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office to see if the SCRA applies. Dependents of servicemembers can also contact or visit local military legal assistance offices where they reside. Office locations may be found here.
For more information on SCRA and other civil rights pertaining to servicemembers, visit the United States Department of Justice website.
This disclosure statement is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.