What is the term for exceeding the maximum rate of interest that may be charged on loans?

The term "usurious" refers specifically to the practice of charging interest at a rate that surpasses the legal maximum established by law. In many jurisdictions, usury laws are designed to protect borrowers from excessively high interest rates that can lead to unmanageable debt and financial exploitation. This concept is rooted in the historical context of lending and has evolved to serve as a safeguard for consumers.

Usury emphasizes the legal and ethical considerations surrounding lending practices, highlighting the importance of responsible borrowing and lending. It signifies a clear boundary that lenders are expected to respect in order to ensure fair and equitable financial transactions.

The other terms mentioned do not directly relate to the concept of exceeding allowable interest rates. For instance, "predatory" lending refers to aggressive loan practices that are often exploitative but not solely defined by interest rates. "Alternative" financing typically describes different forms of financing mechanisms outside of traditional banking, while "fair trade" is focused on equitable trade practices and pricing rather than interest rates.