Credit and Debt

Getting Credit

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

Did you apply for credit and get turned down? Or did a lender offer you less favorable terms for credit? If so, they have to give you a notice with certain information. Improving your credit may take some time, but taking some steps will help you do it.

Getting Utility Services: Why Your Credit Matters

Getting utility services ― gas, electricity, water ― has a lot to do with your credit history. The better your credit history, the easier it can be for you to get services. And your on-time (or late) payment history with utility companies can be an important factor for your credit in the future.

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.

Disputing Errors on Your Tenant Background Check Report

Your tenant background check report can affect whether you get rental housing, the terms of your lease, and how much you pay for rent or a security deposit.

Fixing Your Credit FAQs

Here’s what to know about how to dispute 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

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

Different types of payment cards work in different ways. When you’re deciding which kind of card is right for you, consider how each card works, what fees you might have to pay, and what legal protections each type of card offers.

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.

How To Get Back on Track After a Weather Emergency

Includes a list of contacts and practical steps to help you get your finances back on track after a weather emergency.

How To Organize Your Important Papers Before a Disaster Strikes

Advice on how to organize important papers before a disaster strikes.

How To Recognize 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.

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.

Sample Letter for Disputing Credit and Debit Card Charges

Were you charged for something you returned, ordered but never got, or don’t recognize? Were you charged without your permission for more than you agreed to pay, or for things you didn’t buy? If so, here’s what to do and a sample letter to help get your money back.

Using Credit Cards and Disputing Charges

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

What To Know About Prescreened Offers for Credit and Insurance

Companies sometimes try to get new customers by sending “prescreened” offers. Learn how prescreening works and how to opt out.

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

How To Get Out of Debt

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

What to Know Before Selling Your Disability Payments

Signing over your disability settlement payments to raise cash fast can hurt your finances in the long run. You may end up without enough money to live on.

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

Spot scams while getting out of debt

BCP Staff

July 28, 2025

Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you’re retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging. As you explore your options, know that scammers might promise to take away your debt — for a fee. If you pay them before they help you, you’ll likely lose money instead of getting a fresh start. So, what’s the best way to pay down debt while avoiding scams?

Consumer Alert

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

BCP Staff

May 5, 2025

You get a call out of the blue. The caller insists you owe money and says you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately. You have no idea what she’s talking about. What do you do?

Consumer Alert

Protect yourself (and your money) from scammers this Financial Literacy Month

BCP Staff

April 1, 2025

All year long, scammers are looking for ways to steal your hard-earned money. FTC data shows people reported losing $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, which is up $2.5 billion from 2023. April is Financial Literacy Month: a great time to check out the free resources at consumer.gov to help manage your money while protecting it from scammers.

Consumer Alert

How to spot scams that offer to lower your interest rate

Terri Miller

November 1, 2024

Mortgage interest rates may be on the way down, but scammers’ false promises are likely on the way up. If you’re looking to lower your mortgage payment — by refinancing your home or VA loan — learn about your options and how to avoid mortgage relief scams.

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Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don’t recognize?

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Credit and Debt

Getting Credit

Credit Reports and Scores

Credit and Debit Cards

Managing Debt

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Debt Collection

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