An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
Credit and Debt
What to know about your credit history, using credit and debit cards, managing your debt, and debt collection.
Federal law gives you protections when you apply for credit from organizations like banks and credit unions, finance companies, stores, and credit card companies.
Your credit report and credit scores can affect whether you get credit or the price you pay to get it. If a business denies you credit or offers you less favorable terms for it, they must give you a notice.
Your credit matters because it affects your ability to get a loan, a job, housing, insurance, and more. It’s important to understand what your credit is and how to protect it.
You’ve probably gotten calls or messages from companies guaranteeing — for a fee — to get you a lower credit card interest rate and promising to save you thousands of dollars. These scammy debt relief companies will tell you just about anything to get your money.
If you lose your credit, ATM, or debit card, federal law limits whether you must pay unauthorized charges, depending on the type of card and how quickly you report its loss.
Signing over your disability settlement payments to raise cash fast can hurt your finances in the long run. You may end up without enough money to live on.
If you owe back taxes, try to negotiate with the IRS or your state comptroller on your own. Tax relief companies can’t do anything for you that you can’t do for yourself.
The FTC honors the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history. One of the top consumer issues we’ve heard from people living in majority Black communities is related to credit
Credit card debt can be stressful. Interest rates can be high, and if you miss or can’t make your full payments, that growing balance can be overwhelming. Enter a group of companies that promised to
If you’re shopping for a credit card or loan, the only words sweeter than “You’re approved!” may be, “You’re pre-approved!” But according to the FTC, many people who got “pre-approved” credit offers
Sorry to burst your bubble. That unexpected text from the Postal Service (USPS), Costco, or The Home Depot telling you about an unclaimed package or a survey you can complete to claim a freebie is NOT