usurer

Also known as: moneylender

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July 16, 2026

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A usurer is someone who lends money, particularly at an excessively high rate of interest. This practice is known as usury. Historically, usury referred to any compensation for lending money. However, as trade expanded, the definition evolved to specifically mean exorbitant or unconscionable interest rates.123

Many legal systems, including those in the United States and other Western nations, have established maximum legal interest rates. Charging interest above this limit is considered usury. The sacred scripture of Islam, the Qur'an, forbids charging interest, leading to its prohibition in some Muslim countries, though alternative financial arrangements exist.3

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Read More