Consumer Credit

Bankruptcy

Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education (FTC) If you plan to file for bankruptcy protection, you must receive credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before filing. You must also complete a debtor education course to have your debts discharged. Find out more about these requirements under The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

Credit Cards

5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card Suggests dos and don'ts to manage your credit card account. Español 5 consejos para obtener el máximo de su targeta de crédito

A Consumer Guide to Credit Cards An interactive web site to help you navigate the credit card process and with information on recent changes to credit card rules.

Credit and Debit Card Blocking (FTC) Merchants use card "blocking" to make sure that your charges do not exceed your credit limit (credit card) or overdraw your bank account (debit card), leaving them unpaid. This site has information on when and why blocking happens and how to avoid it.

Credit Cards: New Law Protects Consumers from Surprise Fees, Rate Increases and Other Penalties (FDIC) How the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act) affects credit cards, gift cards, and other types of revolving credit accounts.,.

Opt Out of Credit Card Solicitations Provides a link to "opt out" of receiving pre-screened credit card advertisements by mail and e-mail. Explains possible advantages and disadvantages of receiving these credit card solicitations.

Vehicle Leasing

Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide Guidance for consumers on leasing a vehicle, including information on consumer rights, a sample leasing form explaining costs, and definitions of terms used in vehicle leasing. Español Arrendar un vehículo: Guía del consumidor

Understanding Vehicle Financing (FTC) Understand the process of financing and leasing vehicles through a dealership and the protections you have under federal consumer laws. Español Entendiendo el Financiamiento de Vehículos

Other Credit Issues

Credit and Divorce (FTC) Learn more about the different types of credit accounts opened during a marriage and the potential benefits and pitfalls of each.

Fair Debt Collection (FTC) Explains that the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) does not erase your legitimate debt, but it does protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices. Español Información de la FTC para Consumidores: Cobranza Imparcial de Deudas

Getting Credit When You Are Over 62 (FTC) Information on applying and qualifying for credit when you are over 62 years old and what to do if you are denied a loan.

Prescreened Offers of Credit and Insurance (FTC) Explains why you get "pre-approved" mail and telephone offers for credit cards or insurance and how to stop them.

Your Credit Rights Understand how your credit is awarded or denied and what you can do if you are treated unfairly.