Blog | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Data, research, and reports Info for consumers

Published AUG 23, 2016

Four ways to support your community’s fight against elder financial exploitation

Financial exploitation robs millions of older people of their money and property annually. To prevent and respond to the growing crisis of elder financial...

By Stacy Canan, Jenefer Duane, and Hector Ortiz

Info for consumers

Published FEB 25, 2016

New insights on bank overdraft fees and 4 ways to avoid them

For the first time in 2015, large banks began reporting separately certain categories of fees—including overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees. The new fee...

By Gary Stein

Info for consumers

Published NOV 23, 2015

You have protections when it comes to automatic debit payments from your account

Before you give anyone your bank account number and permission to automatically withdraw money from your bank account on a regular basis, it's good to know...

By Davida Farrar and Gail Hillebrand

Info for consumers

Published AUG 26, 2015

New students should look closely at college-sponsored bank accounts and shop around

On campus, a bank account may be marketed to you that is co-branded with your college's logo and may be attached to your campus ID through a debit card. But...

By Seth Frotman and Rich Williams

Data, research, and reports

Published FEB 12, 2014

What sunshine for student financial products can show us

Some of these agreements were difficult to find, but here are a few examples of the different agreements financial institutions have with colleges and...

By Rohit Chopra

Info for consumers

Published AUG 01, 2012

Foreclosure help is free, and scams are expensive

If you're having trouble paying your mortgage, we can help you get connected to a HUD-approved housing counselor at no cost to you. The counselor can help...

By Scott Pluta

Info for consumers

Published JUL 27, 2012

Meet Greg from Michigan

Since we launched on July 21st 2011, we've heard directly from consumers about the challenges they face in the marketplace, brought their concerns to the...

By CFPB Consumer Response Team

Info for consumers

Published JUL 18, 2012

How to stop mystery credit card fees

When you're activating a new credit card, watch for "the pitch." When you call to activate a new credit card, you may be routed to representatives who try...

By Gail Hillebrand

Info for consumers Policy and compliance

Published JUL 16, 2012

So how many consumer reporting companies are there?

You may know about the three biggest nationwide credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. But did you know that there are other...

By Corey Stone

Info for consumers

Published JUN 14, 2012

Protecting Older Americans from financial abuse

We took an important step today towards looking out for older American consumers. Director Richard Cordray announced a public inquiry to learn more about...

By Skip Humphrey

Policy and compliance

Published APR 25, 2012

Comment period on overdrafts extended to June 29

In February, we launched a public inquiry and an industry research study to gain insight into overdraft practices. Both initiatives are continuing and will...

By Gary Stein

Policy and compliance

Published APR 18, 2012

Fair Notice on Fair Lending

Millions of Americans rely on loans and other credit products to attend college, buy cars, purchase homes, or open businesses. For many of us, access to...

By Patrice Alexander Ficklin

At the CFPB Policy and compliance

Published JUL 22, 2011

A consumer-centered supervision program

Yesterday, we began operation of what will be the largest function within the CFPB: Supervision. As part of this effort, Special Advisor to the Secretary of...

By Steve Antonakes and Peggy Twohig