Credit and Debt

Getting Credit

Credit Discrimination

Federal law gives you protections when you apply for credit from organizations like banks and credit unions, finance companies, stores, and credit card companies.

Did a Lender Offer Less Favorable Terms or Deny You Credit?

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.

Getting Utility Services: Why Your Credit Matters

Getting utility services like gas, electricity, or water has a lot to do with your credit history and your credit score.

Understanding Your Credit

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.

Credit Reports and Scores

Credit Scores

Your credit score affects whether a company will give you credit and how much you’ll pay for it.

Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports

The accuracy of your credit report is important because it affects whether you can — and how much you'll pay — to borrow money.

Fixing Your Credit FAQs

Here’s what to know about how to fix errors on your credit report and avoid credit repair scams.

Free Credit Reports

Learn how, why, and when to order copies of your free annual credit report.

Sample Letter Disputing Errors on Credit Reports to the Business that Supplied the Information

Use this sample letter to dispute incorrect or inaccurate information that a business supplied to credit bureaus.

Sample Letter to Credit Bureaus Disputing Errors on Credit Reports

Sample letter to help you dispute mistakes on your credit report.

Credit and Debit Cards

Avoiding Scams To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate

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.

Comparing Credit, Charge, Secured Credit, Debit, or Prepaid Cards

Credit, charge, secured credit, debit, and prepaid cards work in different ways and offer different advantages and pitfalls.

Credit Card Loss Protection

Your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is $50, but that doesn’t stop scam artists from peddling “loss protection” services.

Disputing Credit Card Charges

Here’s how to resolve billing errors on your credit card accounts.

How To Get Back on Your Feet Financially After a Weather Emergency

Includes a list of contacts and practical steps to help you regain your financial footing.

How To Organize Your Finances in Times of Disaster

Tips for organizing and safely storing your financial and personal papers, and how to replace important missing documents.

Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards

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.

Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers

Companies try to get new customers by sending “pre-screened” offers. Find out how prescreening works and how to opt out.

Sample Letter for Disputing Credit and Debit Card Charges

Do you need to dispute charges to your credit or debit card? This sample letter can help you write a letter to get your money back.

When a Company Declines Your Credit or Debit Card

A merchant’s hold – or block – on your credit card may mean you can’t use your card for awhile. You might have to pay overdraft charges.

Managing Debt

Choosing a Credit Counselor

If you’re considering using the services of a credit counseling organization, here’s what you can expect.

Coping with Debt

When it comes to dealing with debt, you have options. Find out what you can do, and get tips for avoiding scams.

Filing for Bankruptcy: What to Know

U.S. bankruptcy law requires credit counseling before you file for bankruptcy and debtor education after you file.

Getting Out of Debt

Here’s what you need to know about getting out of debt.

Settling Credit Card Debt

Read how debt settlement companies work, the program risks, how to research companies, and other options for debt relief.

What to Know Before Selling Your Disability Payments

Before you consider “factoring” — selling part of your disability settlement for quick cash — know what you’re getting yourself into.

Credit Repair and Debt Relief

Debt Relief or Bankruptcy?

Some ads that promise debt relief may be offering bankruptcy if you read between the lines.

Tax Relief Companies

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.

Debt Collection

Debt Collection FAQs

You have rights when you deal with debt collectors.

Debts and Deceased Relatives

Here’s what to know about the rules and your rights when a collector contacts you about a deceased relative’s debts.

Fake and Abusive Debt Collectors

Have you ever gotten a call about a debt you don’t recognize? Or have you had a collector harass, threaten, or lie to you? Here's what to do.

What To Do if a Debt Collector Sues You

What to do if you get sued by a debt collector.

Related Scams

From Consumer Alerts

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Consumer Alert

Want to avoid dishonest debt collectors? Watch this video to learn how

Joseph Ferrari

July 22, 2022

During Military Consumer Month 2022, the FTC is highlighting resources to help veterans and their families navigate tricky situations they may find themselves in. Watch this video to see how Bryan, a

Consumer Alert

Limited waiver for student loan forgiveness ends October 31

Terri Miller

July 21, 2022

Do you have federal student loans? Have you worked in public service (for a government agency, the military, or a non-profit organization)? If so, find out whether you’re eligible for the Public

Consumer Alert

Riding herd on cattle feed scammers

Seena Gressin

June 29, 2022

Widespread drought, rising prices, and feed shortages in the Great Plains and West have created a fertile field for cattle feed scammers to take advantage of ranchers working to protect their

Consumer Alert

Scammers are offering student loan (un)forgiveness

Terri Miller

May 27, 2022

The U.S. Department of Education recently announced another extension of the student loan payment pause. This time the pause runs through August 31, 2022. That news puts student loans back in the

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Getting Credit

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