About Credit Access Business (CAB) and Credit Services Organization (CSO) compliance
The City of Austin Credit Access Business (CAB) and Credit Services Organization (CSO) Ordinance places restrictions on extensions of consumer credit to reduce predatory lending practices within City limits. Credit access businesses and credit services organizations include lenders more commonly known as payday lenders and auto title lenders.
The Financial Services Department conducts audits, enforces the ordinance with the City’s Law department, and investigates complaints by consumers. The City also performs community outreach to educate consumers about the ordinance and assists CABs and CSOs with ordinance compliance.
Summary of compliance requirements
- Apply for a City of Austin Certificate of Registration and renew the registration annually
- Pay $100 fee for initial registration and annual renewals
- Conspicuously display the Certificate of Registration
- Notify the Financial Services Department no later than 10 days before making any material changes in business operations
- Maintain records of all extensions of consumer credit for at least three years
- Submit quarterly Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) reports within five business days of the same being submitted to the OCCC. Submit reports to FSDaudit@austintexas.gov
- Upon request, provide consumers with a copy of any contracts the business requires the consumer to sign
- Loan Requirements: refer to ordinance for specific restrictions on extensions of consumer credit
- Display Borrower’s Rights poster
Administrative Rules (PDF, 678KB)
Certificate of Registration application or renewal
Download the registration and renewal form. Submit the completed form to the City of Austin's Financial Services Department.
City of Austin
ATTN: CAB & CSO Compliance
PO Box 2920
Austin, TX 78768
CAB & CSO Registration Renewal form (PDF, 911KB)
Contact Us
Phone: 512-974-2000
Email: FSDAudit@austintexas.gov
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm