Seoul, South Korea - South Korea's financial authorities are set to tighten regulations on special credit limits for automobile purchases made with credit cards, aiming to curb excessive borrowing and ensure responsible lending.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is currently reviewing proposals to cap special credit limits for new car purchases based on the borrower's annual income. Special credit limits allow cardholders to temporarily increase their spending limits for unexpected expenses such as medical bills or special occasions. However, these limits have been increasingly used for large-ticket items like cars, raising concerns about excessive debt.

Loophole in the System

While auto loans obtained through banks or specialized financing companies are subject to debt service ratio (DSR) regulations, credit card purchases have traditionally been exempt. This is because credit cards are primarily considered payment instruments, making it difficult to calculate a DSR.

However, credit card companies have been offering special credit limits for auto purchases, allowing consumers to finance up to 100 million won (approximately US$75,000) over a period of up to 60 months, often with minimal credit checks. This has raised concerns about potential over-indebtedness among consumers.

Growing Reliance on Credit Cards for Auto Purchases

Credit cards have become a popular financing option for new car purchases in South Korea. According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Korea Credit Bureau, credit cards accounted for over 52% of all new car sales in the country last year.

Regulatory Overhaul

To address these concerns, the FSC is planning to introduce stricter regulations on special credit limits for auto purchases. The regulator aims to develop specific guidelines by the end of this month and implement them through the Korea Credit Bureau's code of conduct.

Under the new rules, credit card companies will be required to assess a borrower's income and creditworthiness before granting special credit limits for auto purchases. This will help prevent consumers from taking on more debt than they can afford.

Key Points:

South Korea is tightening regulations on special credit limits for auto purchases made with credit cards.
The goal is to prevent excessive borrowing and ensure responsible lending.
Credit card companies will be required to assess a borrower's income and creditworthiness before granting special credit limits for auto purchases.
The new regulations are expected to come into effect early next year.
Implications:

The new regulations are likely to have a significant impact on the auto financing market in South Korea. Consumers will have fewer options for financing new car purchases with credit cards, and lenders will need to adjust their lending practices accordingly. While the new rules may help to reduce household debt and improve financial stability, they could also make it more difficult for some consumers to afford a new car.