Crossword Genius

Punitive lending policy universal in Amtrak? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

usury

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'punitive lending' is the definition.
'usury' can be an answer for 'lending' (I have seen 'Extortionate lending ' mean 'usury' so perhaps 'lending' could also mean 'usury'). I am not certain of the 'punitive' bit.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for usury that I've seen before include "Demanding excessive interest" , "Money-lending at very high rates" , "Lending of money at exorbitant interest" , "Extortionate lending" , "Practice of charging excessive interest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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