Credit and Loans

If you extend credit to consumers, are in the business of offering loans, or help companies that do, know your compliance responsibilities.  (Looking for information about credit reports or consumer reports?  Visit Credit Reporting.)

Advertising Consumer Leases [PDF]

Does your company advertise consumer leases? This publication focuses on your legal obligations under the Consumer Leasing Act and Regulation M.

Complying with the Credit Practices Rule

If your company is a creditor subject to FTC jurisdiction, the Credit Practices Rules applies to you. Read this guide to find out what the Rule requires and what transactions are covered.

Consumer Reports: What Insurers Need to Know [PDF]

When using credit reports to consider whether to underwrite policies, insurers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Credit Reports: What Information Providers Need To Know [PDF]

If you provide information to a consumer reporting agency – like credit bureaus, tenant screening companies, check verification services, and medical information services – the Fair Credit Reporting Act spells out your legal obligations.

Getting Business Credit [PDF]

Thinking about starting your own business or expanding the one you own? When you shop for a loan or line of credit, the law protects you against discrimination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from denying you a loan based on reasons that have nothing to do with your credit-worthiness.

How to Write Readable Credit Forms

If your company offers consumer credit, you probably use standard forms and notices. The FTC has “plain English” tips on writing credit forms so your customers can understand them.

Medical Identity Theft: FAQs for Health Care Providers and Health Plans [PDF]

Explains how medical identity theft occurs, and how health care providers and insurers can minimize the risk and help their patients if they’re victimized.

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Business [PDF]

The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule makes it illegal to charge upfront fees and requires specific disclosures in ads and when you forward a lender’s offer to a homeowner. Are you covered by the Rule? Are you up on your compliance obligations?

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Lawyers [PDF]

The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule includes specific provisions that address attorneys’ obligations. Learn more about activities that fall within the scope of the rule and how to make sure you're in compliance.

New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers [PDF] [En español]

If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.

New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers - Chinese [PDF] [In English]

If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.

New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers - Korean [PDF] [In English]

If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.

New Rules on Electronic Payments Lower Costs for Retailers - Vietnamese [PDF] [In English]

If your business accepts payment by credit or debit card, new rules on electronic payments may help you lower your costs.

Pay As You Go? Sharable

Payment plans can be convenient for shoppers on a budget. But before businesses extend credit to consumers to finance their purchases, they need to be mindful of the law.

Talkin' 'Bout Lead G-G-Generation Sharable

If your line is lead generation, well-established truth-in-advertising principles still apply — and depending on the nature of your business, other rules may kick in, too. Do your practices comport with the law?

Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know

When you use consumer reports to make employment decisions like hiring, promotion, reassignment, and retention, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires you to take important compliance steps. Find out more about keeping your company within the law.

Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know [PDF]

Landlords may use credit reports to evaluate rental applications — as long as they follow the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.