Before imposing an over-the-limit fee, what notice must a credit card lender provide?

The appropriate notice that a credit card lender must provide before imposing an over-the-limit fee is indeed related to a decreased credit limit. When a lender decreases a credit limit, it is crucial for them to inform the cardholder, as understanding the current limit is essential for making informed financial decisions. If the account balance exceeds this limit, the lender can impose an over-the-limit fee. This notice serves as crucial communication to ensure that the consumer is aware of their credit limit and can adjust their spending accordingly.

Having a clear understanding of the credit limit not only helps consumers manage their finances but also avoids any unexpected fees that could arise from exceeding that limit unwittingly. Providing this information allows consumers to take proactive measures, making it a key requirement for regulatory compliance and consumer protection.

The other options might seem related but do not align with the specific requirement regarding notice before imposing an over-the-limit fee. Therefore, the focus on notifying customers of a decreased credit limit stands out as the correct answer in this context.