Usury refers to interest charges in excess of that legally allowed for a specific instrument. Besides disclosure and bankruptcy laws, some sates restrict the rate of interest that may be charged on certain categories of loans, primary consumer loans, but also some agricultural and small business loans. Usury laws establish rate ceilings that a lender may not exceed, regardless of the lender’s costs. Usury ceilings apply to lenders of all types, not just to depository institutions.