Payday-loan fees ruled illegal in Pa.

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled yesterday that payday loans that cost borrowers a $150 monthly fee plus 6 percent interest violated state consumer law.

The high court upheld a Commonwealth Court ruling last year that fees charged by Advance America Cash Advance Centers Inc. exceeded limits of the state's Consumer Discount Company Act.

The state Banking Department sued Advance America over its "monthly participation fee" for its $500 lines of credit, calling it illegal and usurious.

Advance America spokesman Jamie Fulmer said yesterday that he was not familiar with the decision and could not comment. The Spartanburg, S.C., company announced in December that it was shutting down its Pennsylvania operations because of the Commonwealth Court decision.

"When you're not in a position to generate any revenue, you can't cover your cost," Fulmer said. All of the company's Pennsylvania facilities have been closed, he said.