Who are the Credit Invisible?
In 2015, the Bureau published a report finding that 26 million Americans are "credit invisible." We've broken down the report to capture its most compelling...
Blog
We’re exploring the use of a list of companies that offer free credit scores
We're exploring the use of a list of companies that offer free credit scores to their existing customers. Give us your input by commenting on the Federal...
How to avoid credit repair service scams
Look out for these five red flag examples when
offered credit repair services.
Protecting one’s credit while in the criminal justice system
There are many in the criminal justice system who may be at risk of identity theft and other consumer financial fraud. Our new fraud protection tip sheet...
You have the right to request your consumer reports
You may be aware that a credit report provides you with a useful summary of your credit history. You may not be aware of where and how to actually request...
6 tips for using your credit card this season
Credit cards can help you build and maintain good credit, as long as you use your cards responsibly and pay your bills on time each month.
Fall 2015 rulemaking agenda
An important part of the CFPB's mandate from Congress is to make rules governing consumer finance markets more effective and to create new rules when...
Servicemembers: Protecting your credit when you’re away from home
Being away and mission-focused means you won't be able to regularly check your accounts or credit report, so you may be at increased risk for fraud or...
This month’s Complaint Report: Credit reporting issues
In the past month, credit reporting complaints showed the greatest monthly percentage increase compared to other products the CFPB accepts complaints about...
Removing an outdated bankruptcy from a credit report: Jorge’s story
In Jorge's words, "Within two weeks, everything was finalized . . . [I got] a letter saying it's gone." He continued, "Having a good credit score and a...
Fact-check your specialty consumer report
Some of these companies, called specialty consumer reporting agencies, compile and sell reports with all kinds of personal data including, but not limited to, the history of your employment, rental, banking, lending, insurance, and criminal background. This includes other public record data such as tax liens, civil suits and bankruptcy data. We’ve got a list of consumer reporting agencies, so you can fact-check them to ensure your personal report data is accurate and complete.
Here’s what we’re hearing from Servicemembers and their families
Today, we're releasing our third Snapshot of Complaints Received from Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families. The report details the data and trends...
Millions of consumers will now have access to credit scores and reports through nonprofit counselors
All three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) will now allow nonprofit counselors to share credits reports, as well as the...
Seven ways to keep medical debt in check
An estimated 43 million Americans are dealing with medical debt. Debt collection is the top complaint we’ve received since September 2013 and medical collections make up 52 percent of collection accounts on credit reports, far outpacing all other types of debt. Learn more about how you can keep medical debt in check.
Here’s how medical debt hurts your credit report
Since September 2013, debt collection has been the top complaint at the CFPB. A staggering 52 percent of all collection accounts on credit reports are...
Veterans: Take advantage of student loan forgiveness, but don’t let it damage your credit
We encourage all consumers to check their credit report regularly, but we want to especially encourage veterans who use this benefit to be sure that their...
Encontrando la ayuda que necesitas, en el idioma que entiendes – La historia de Higinio
Imagina que alguien te dice que tú debes dinero por una deuda que ya pagaste. ¿Te molesta y te frustra, verdad? Además, te cuesta más dinero y más tiempo.
Getting the help you need, in the language you understand – Higinio’s story
Imagine being told that you owe money for a debt you've already paid. It's not only annoying, but frustrating, right? Not to mention expensive and...
We can help you fight improper actions by debt collectors: Venida’s story
We’re glad Venida got the help she needed, and we want to make sure that you know that we’re here for you too.
How to protect vulnerable children from credit reporting problems
Youth in foster care are particularly susceptible to identity theft because they often lack a permanent address, and their personal information is...
Now you have better options to dispute a credit report error
If you're trying to correct an error in your credit report at one of the nation's largest credit reporting companies, there is some good news. Some credit...
Save the date: Join us for a Consumer Advisory Board meeting in Washington, D.C.
Join us for a Consumer Advisory Board meeting with Director Cordray where we will discuss the consumer experience in the credit reporting market.
What’s the deal with health care credit cards? Four things you should know
Recently, many patients facing medical procedures have seen their health care providers suggest deferred interest rate credit cards as a payment option...
Good credit – I want that!
Did you know that there are now dating websites where potential partners provide their credit score for you to check out? People know it's important to have...
Is your credit report wrong? How to find out and fix it
The Federal Trade Commission this week released its latest findings in a ten-year study on the accuracy of credit reports. This report is another reminder...