Credit and Debt
Credit Card Calculator
The Federal Reserve provides this Credit Card Calculator where consumers can estimate how long it will take them to pay off their credit card balances if they make only the minimum payment each month. Other calculations on the site help consumers develop a plan for paying off balances sooner.
Free Annual Credit Reports
AnnualCreditReport.com is the ONLY authorized online source for you to get a free credit report under federal law. You can get a free report from each of the three national credit reporting companies every 12 months. Some other sites claim to offer “free” credit reports, but may charge you for another product if you accept a “free” report.
AnnualCreditReport.com Spoof Videos
Anyone can write a catchy jingle, but only AnnualCreditReport.com provides you with a truly free credit report. These musical videos from the FTC warn consumers to steer clear of other sites that claim to offer free credit reports.
Debt Collection Video
This FTC video provides an overview of consumers’ rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It reminds everyone that consumers who are behind on their bills have rights — and debt collectors have obligations.
Consumer Info from the Federal Reserve
This website directs provides consumer information from the Federal Reserve Board and its twelve Reserve Banks about topics such as credit cards, mortgages, and debt.
Don’t Get Caught in the Debt Settlement Trap
These tips from Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, Consumers Union, and the National Consumer Law Center help debt-strapped consumers understand the pitfalls of some debt settlement services and provide advice about how to get real debt relief.
Community Reinvestment Act Information
The CRA was enacted in 1977 to prevent redlining and to encourage banks and thrifts to help meet the credit needs of all segments of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
5 Tips Series
Each of the fact sheets on this website produced by the Federal Reserve includes 5 simple tips for consumers. Topics include: avoiding foreclosure scams, getting the most from your credit card, improving your credit score, and shopping for a mortgage.
Paying the Debts of a Deceased Relative
Surviving relatives usually have no legal obligation to pay the debts of a deceased family member and their rights are covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This FTC Consumer Alert offers details.
Consumer Finance and Credit Tips
Get advice you can trust from BBB on how to save money, get out of debt and manage your finances effectively.
Debt Relief and Credit Counseling
This FTC publication reminds consumers seeking credit counseling that just because an organization says it’s a nonprofit, doesn’t mean that its services are free — or even affordable.
Debt Collection Facts For Consumers
The FTC enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from consumers. This Facts for Consumers offers information to help debtors understand their rights under the FDCPA.
Combating Abusive Lending
The OCC is pioneering a new approach to combating predatory lending that effectively deals with abusive practices without impairing the flow of credit to low-income and subprime borrowers.