Rhode Island General Laws Title 19. Financial Institutions § 19-14.2-1. Maximum rate on small loans not authorized by chapter

(a) No person, except as authorized by this chapter, shall directly or indirectly charge, contract for, or receive any interest, discount, or consideration greater than provided by this chapter upon the loan, use, or sale of credit of the amount or value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less.

(b) The prohibition in subsection (a) shall apply to any person who, by any device, subterfuge, or pretense shall charge, contract for, or receive greater interest, consideration, or charges than is authorized by this chapter for the loan, use, or forbearance of money, goods, or things in action, or for the loan, use, or sale of credit.

(c) No loan of the amount or value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less for which a greater rate of interest, consideration, or charges than is permitted by this chapter has been charged, contracted for, or received, wherever made, shall be enforced in this state, and every person in any way participating therein in this state shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, provided that this section shall not apply to loans legally made in any other state, commonwealth, or district which then has in effect a regulatory small loan law similar in principal to this chapter.