Consumer Credit
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Bankruptcy
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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.
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Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education (FTC)
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Credit Cards
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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
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College Credit Card Agreements Search
A tool that provides you access to the complete text of agreements between credit card issuers and educational institutions that provide for the issuance of credit cards to students.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Credit Card
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Auto Loans and Vehicle Leasing
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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
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Understanding Vehicle Financing (FTC)
Get the facts about dealership financing - what it is, how you apply, special financing offers, cash back and rebates you may be eligible for, and more.
Español Comprenda cómo funciona la financiación de vehículos
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Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide
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Other Credit Issues
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Co-Signing a Loan Can Be Costly (FDIC)
Carefully consider your rights and obligations before co-signing a loan.
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Credit Protection: Understand the Costs, Limitations and Alternatives Before You Buy (FDIC)
Know the difference between credit insurance, debt cancellation programs and debt suspension programs and your right to refuse coverage.
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Debit vs. Credit Cards: How They Stack Up (FDIC)
Understand how the two cards work and the potential benefits and concerns of both.
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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.
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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.
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When a Debt Collector Calls (FDIC)
Describes some of your consumer protections under the federal law and how to spot a debt collection scam.
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Your Credit Rights: How the Law Protects You
Understand how your credit is awarded or denied and what you can do if you are treated unfairly.
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Co-Signing a Loan Can Be Costly (FDIC)