The Croatian Parliament passed the new Consumer Credit Act on July 15, 2026, which enters into force on November 20, 2026. Here is a complete guide through 17 key changes that will affect everyone who has a loan, plans to take one, or has an overdraft.
The new law consolidates the existing Consumer Credit Act and the Housing Consumer Credit Act into a single regulatory framework. It also transposes EU Directive 2023/2225 (CCD2) into Croatian legislation. The goal: stronger consumer protection, greater transparency, and more responsible lending.
1. Banks can no longer unilaterally increase your overdraft
The lender cannot unilaterally introduce or increase an authorized overdraft, nor introduce or increase a tacitly accepted overdraft. The same applies to increasing the available credit card limit. Such changes require the explicit consent of the consumer.
2. Interest-free and short-term loans now covered
Protection extends to loan products previously outside the law’s scope: interest-free loans, short-term loans up to 3 months with a fee of up to €3.98, and certain overdraft forms. The previous upper limit of €132,722.81 is abolished.
Important: installment purchases via credit and debit cards remain the same for consumers. Deferred application until January 1, 2028 applies to certain card-linked agreements.
3. Mandatory warning in loan advertisements
Loan advertising must include a clear warning: “Caution! Borrowing is not free.” If an interest rate or any cost figure is mentioned, the APR, total loan amount, and total repayable amount must be displayed.
4. Misleading advertising banned
Lenders may not suggest that a loan improves financial situation, replaces savings, or increases living standards. It is also forbidden to claim that an unpaid loan has no impact on assessing a new application.
5. No more hidden checkboxes and unsolicited loans
Loans may not be approved without a prior request and explicit consent. Consent cannot be assumed through pre-checked boxes. The same applies to additional services linked to the loan.
6. Stricter creditworthiness assessment
Lenders must thoroughly assess creditworthiness based on income, expenses, and financial circumstances. The assessment cannot be based solely on credit history. Social media is explicitly not a permitted data source. Loans may only be approved if the consumer is likely to repay them.
7. AI doesn’t decide alone
If automated data processing is used, the consumer has the right to a human assessment, an explanation of the automated processing logic, and the right to have the decision reviewed.
8. “Right to be forgotten” for former cancer patients
For insurance linked to a loan, insurers may not use data on oncology diagnoses after 10 years from the end of treatment.
9. Free choice of insurance
Banks cannot require you to take insurance from them. If insurance is required, they must accept a policy from another insurer if it provides equivalent protection. Consumers must be given at least 3 days to compare offers.
10. Bank cannot force you to transfer your salary
Getting a loan cannot be conditioned on opening an account or transferring salary. Bundling is allowed, but the loan must be available without mandatory additional products. If a benefit affects the interest rate, the bank must notify 15 days in advance of its termination.
11. Right of withdrawal – up to 12 months
Right to withdraw from a loan within 14 days without giving a reason. If you did not receive the contract terms, the period extends to 12 months and 14 days. If you were never informed of the right to withdraw, it is unlimited in time. For housing loans, the bank must allow at least 15 days to compare offers.
12. Cheaper early repayment
Early repayment fee: maximum 1% if more than one year remains until maturity, or 0.5% if less. The fee applies only if total early repayment in 12 months exceeds €10,000. For housing loans – early repayment fee is not allowed.
13. Interest rate increase = repayment without penalty
If the bank increases the interest rate, you have the right to repay the loan early within 3 months without any fee. The bank must notify of rate changes at least 15 days in advance.
14. No processing fee for housing loans
Lenders may not charge a fee for processing or approving a housing loan. After the contract is signed, they may not introduce new fees or increase existing ones.
15. Interest rate caps remain
APR cap for consumer loans: statutory default interest rate + 2 percentage points. For housing loans: equal to the statutory default interest rate.
16. FINA introduces free debt counseling
Consumers facing payment difficulties are entitled to free debt counseling provided by FINA. Before enforcement, lenders must attempt to reach a repayment agreement and offer relief measures: extension of term, payment deferral, interest rate change, or refinancing.
17. Annual free loan statement
The lender must provide a free annual loan statement by March 31 at the latest. The same statement is sent to co-borrowers and guarantors.
Key dates
- November 20, 2026 – Law enters into force, main rules apply
- June 1, 2027 – Creditworthiness assessment obligation for merchants and telecom operators offering direct financing
- August 1, 2027 – Deadline for submitting license applications to the Croatian National Bank (HNB)
- January 1, 2028 – Application of rules for card-linked agreements and installment payments
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific situations, we recommend consulting a lawyer or financial advisor.