Alerj discusses suspending Credcesta payroll deductions for Rio de Janeiro public servants

The Public Servants Commission of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) held a public hearing to discuss high interest rates and debt levels associated with Credcesta payroll loans and benefit cards. Bill No. 7.726/2026 is currently under consideration, which proposes suspending payroll deductions for active employees, retirees, and pensioners related to Credcesta operations until the rules are reviewed.

Data presented during the hearing indicated that over 100,000 public servants have loans with Banco Master, the manager of Credcesta. Luciana Telles, coordinator of the Consumer Defense Nucleus of the Rio de Janeiro State Public Defender's Office, warned that interest rates are “astounding,” noting that workers may end up paying two or three times more than standard payroll loans, significantly impacting their income.

The commission intends to request that the State Government issue a decree to establish new regulations for payroll loans, including an interest rate cap and the suspension of improper charges.