Georgia § 7-4-17 - Payment applied first to interest; no interest on unpaid interest; exceptions.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 7-4-17 — Payment applied first to interest; no interest on unpaid interest; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-4-17. Payment applied first to interest; no interest on unpaid interest; exceptions.
When a payment is made upon any debt, it shall be applied first to the discharge of any interest due at the time, and the balance, if any, shall be applied to the reduction of the principal. If the payment does not extinguish the interest then due, no interest shall be calculated on such balance of interest and interest shall be calculated only on the principal amount up to the time of the next payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions against charging interest on unpaid interest: On loans having first priority on real estate and on loans secured by the pledge or assignment of instruments evidencing loans having first priority on real estate, the parties by written contract may lawfully agree that unpaid interest when due shall be added to the unpaid principal balance of the indebtedness and that the increased principal balance of the indebtedness bear interest pursuant to the terms of the contract; and On loans secured by real estate or secured by real estate and other collateral, the parties by written contract may lawfully agree that, in the event of bankruptcy, the lender or creditor may include interest on its claim pursuant to the terms of the contract. (Orig. Code 1863, § 2028; Code 1868, § 2029; Code 1873, § 2055; Code 1882, § 2055; Civil Code 1895, § 2883; Civil Code 1910, § 3433; Code 1933, § 57-109; Ga. L. 1982, p. 420, §§ 1, 2; Ga. L. 1984, p. 949, § 6; Ga. L. 1995, p. 956, § 1.) Law reviews. - For article discussing methods of computation of finance charges in Georgia consumer credit contracts, see 30 Mercer L. Rev. 281 (1978). For article on Georgia's usury laws and interest on interest, see 8 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 291 (1992).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 7-4-17
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 7-4-17 cover?
Section 7-4-17 ("Payment applied first to interest; no interest on unpaid interest; exceptions.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 7-4-17?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 7-4-17" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 7-4-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.