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Credit & Debt Matters
| Credit/Debit Cards | Managing Your Debt |
| Credit Repair | Credit Laws, Bankruptcy, ID Theft... |
| Credit Reports & Credit Scores | Where To Go For Help |
| When To Use Them | Debt Collectors |
| Finding & Keeping Low Rates | Low Rate Loans To Pay Off Debt |
| Managing Your Debt | Pay Half The Amount Bi-Weekly |
| Lost Or Stolen Cards |
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Finding &
Keeping The Lowest Rates
Finding
The Lowest Rates
Finding
The Lowest Rates
LookUpCreditcards.com
For the best deals on balance transfers, low rates, airline miles, etc,
see index on left hand side.
CardRatings.com
Has good balance transfer rates.
www.bankrate.com
Search for the cheapest credit card according to Geography, Type of Card,
and your credit needs.
CardWeb.com
Secured Credit Cards (Consumer-SOS)
Don't look for a
secured card only unless you're been turned down for other credit cards.
Eloan
Offers some credit cards with very low rates.
Dedicated to helping debtors and others with credit problems to
obtain either a secured or unsecured credit card for the purpose of
re-establishing good credit.
Google Search On The Lowest Rates
Get the best savings for auto loans, credit cards,
savings accounts and CD's, home equity loans & mortgages and unsecured credit
lines.
-
Lost Or Stolen Cards
ATM, Debit & Credit Cards (Texas)
Liability for unauthorized charges and your right to cancel or get a refund for services paid for by credit card.
Basics On Lost Or Stolen ATM & Credit Cards (Scroll Down)
Where To Go For Help
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.
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Credit Repair
A
Guide To the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act
For complaints against deceptive credit repair
companies.
Negotiating With Creditors (Consumer-SOS)
Credit Scores (Consumer-SOS)
A good credit score is like having a good SAT score. If your score is high,
creditors love you and will give you cheap rates. If your score is low,
you'll have to work twice as hard just to get the loan.
Build A Better Credit Record
Rebuilding
Your Credit
5
Steps To Credit Repair
Rebuilding Your Credit Rating through correcting errors, negotiating with
creditors and adding pertinent information to your credit file.
Credit
Repair-Help Yourself First (FTC)
Regulation Of Credit Repair Companies
See Sec 407-Your 3 Day Right To Cancel The Contract.
Illegally Establishing A New Credit Identity (BBB)
Credit Reports-What You Need To Know
(Consumer-SOS)
Identity Theft-What To Do When Your Identity Is Stolen
FTC Brochures On Credit
Repair
State
& Federal Laws Governing Credit Matters (All 50 States)
Select your state and see what additional protections your state offers in
addition to federal law. For federal laws, scroll down to their federal
section and click on the link of your choice.
Secured
& Unsecured Credit Cards To Help Rebuild Your Credit
A Website dedicated to helping debtors and others with credit problems to
obtain either a secured or unsecured credit card for the purpose of
re-establishing good credit.
Where To Go For Help
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.
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| Ordering Them | Correcting Them/Rebuilding Credit |
| Understanding Them | Your Legal Rights |
A good credit score is like having a good SAT score. If your score is high,
creditors love you and will give you cheap rates. If your score is low,
you'll have to work twice as hard just to get the loan.
Order a free credit credit report on line, by
phone or by
mail
from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax,
Experian and TransUnion.
Trans Union
Can order credit reports by phone or by mail. Reports are free if you've been
denied credit in the last 60 days, live on welfare or suspect fraudulent items
on your credit report. Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey
and Vermont residents are automatically entitled to a free report
regardless of their circumstances.
Experian
Can order free copies of your credit report online if you've been denied
credit in the last 60 days, live on welfare or suspect fraudulent items on
your credit report. Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and
Vermont residents are automatically entitled to a free report regardless
of their circumstances.
Equifax
(Scroll Down Page for Free Credit Report Info)
Can order free copies of your credit report by phone if you've been
denied credit in the last 60 days, live on welfare or suspect fraudulent items
on your credit report. Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey
and Vermont residents are automatically entitled to a free report
regardless of their circumstances. For a fee you can also order your credit
report online.
Request
For Credit Report
Fill in the blank form for requesting your credit report.
Cost of Obtaining Your Credit Report (All 50 States & DC)
Getting
Your Free Credit Score.
E-loan
will give you your one time free credit score just for filling out a loan profile. There is
no requirement to apply for a loan, and no fee for the service -- just log on
and answer a few questions about the kinds of credit information that would be
useful to you. Then, fill in your name, your Social Security number, your
address, and the first six digits of any credit card account or installment
loan you have. Within a few hours, you have the same number that lenders use
to determine just how fast they'll say yes to your loan application.
Free Credit Score For
Providian Card Holders
If you have a Providian credit card, establish a user name an login ID to see
your free credit score.
Your
FICO Credit Score (Fair, Isaac and Company)
Learn why it's important and how to raise it, right from the company that
invented it.
Your
Credit Score
What’s a good and bad score and the weight each factor has in
deciding your score.
Interest
Rates for a Car or House Based on Your Score
Percentage Of US Population With Particular Credit Scores
Some statistics about the score distribution (percentiles):
15% of the US population is below 600
35% of the US population is below 670
50% of the US population is below 710
70% of the US population is below 755
90% of the US population is below 790 Your Credit Report: What Lenders Look At -- And Where They Draw The Lines
Negative Items-How Long They Stay On Your Report
The Negative Info That Hurts MostCredit Scores (Consumer-SOS)
A good credit score is like having a good SAT score. If your score is high, creditors love you and will give you cheap rates. If your score is low, you'll have to work twice as hard just to get the loan.http://mix6.com/credit/credit.html#TOC
A great site on the ins and outs of credit and credit reports. Learn how to challenge credit reporting errors, order your free credit report on line and what your credit report can and can't be used for. It also tells you how to rebuild and improve your credit, supplies sample form letters, tells you about the laws that control debt collectors and has lots of valuable help agencies.
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Correcting Them/Rebuilding Credit
Credit Repair (Consumer-SOS)
Credit Inquiries-What Are They & How To Erase Them
Correcting Mistakes (Consumer-SOS)
Notice To Correct Credit Report (Form Letter)
Fill in the blank form for correcting your credit report.
More Form Letters
Once on page scroll down for even more form letters.http://mix6.com/credit/credit.html#TOC
A great site on the ins and outs of credit and credit reports. Learn how to challenge credit reporting errors, order your free credit report on line and what your credit report can and can't be used for. It also tells you how to rebuild and improve your credit, supplies sample form letters, tells you about the laws that control debt collectors and has lots of valuable help agencies.Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.Your Legal Rights (Credit Reports)
Who Can View Your Credit Report?
Lists the legal and illegal reasons people can access your credit report under the Graham, Leach, Bliley Act.
See also This Google Search.Brochures From The Federal Trade Commission
Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.State & Federal Laws Governing Credit Matters (All 50 States)
Select your state and see what additional protections your state offers in addition to federal law. For federal laws, scroll down to their federal section and click on the link of your choice.Credit Laws, Bankruptcy, ID Theft, etc (Consumer-SOS)
http://mix6.com/credit/credit.html#TOC
A great site on the ins and outs of credit and credit reports. Learn how to challenge credit reporting errors, order your free credit report on line and what your credit report can and can't be used for. It also tells you how to rebuild and improve your credit, supplies sample form letters, tells you about the laws that control debt collectors and has lots of valuable help agencies.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Regulates Debt Collectors)
Describes what debt collectors may and may not do if you owe money. It applies only to third party debt collectors (i.e., collection agencies), or those who use a name other than their own in collecting consumer debts. Very few commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions are covered by this Act, since they usually collect only their own debts. Complaints concerning debt collection practices, such as harassment or abuse, should generally be filed with the Federal Trade Commission.Using The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Debt Collection Letter
Use this letter to ask collection agencies to provide you with information concerning their basis for claiming that you owe a debt ("verification of the debt") and also ask them to stop contacting you. This only applies to collection agencies, not to creditors who directly sold you goods or gave you credit or loaned you money.Fair Credit Reporting Act
Establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on an individual's credit record. A credit record may be retained seven years for judgments, liens, suits and other adverse information except for bankruptcies, which may be retained ten years. If a consumer has been denied credit, a free credit report may be requested within 30 days of denial.Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendment(1996)
Strengthens privacy provisions and defines more clearly the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses that provide information to-and access data from-credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers, or prospective employers must obtain an applicant's written consent prior to obtaining credit information, background, and medical information regarding an applicant.Fair Credit Billing Act
Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.
Credit Reports/Correcting Mistakes
Correcting Mistakes (Overview)
7 Steps To Fixing Your Credit Report
Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.Using The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Debt Collection Letter
Use this letter to ask collection agencies to provide you with information concerning their basis for claiming that you owe a debt ("verification of the debt") and also ask them to stop contacting you. This only applies to collection agencies, not to creditors who directly sold you goods or gave you credit or loaned you money.Fair Credit Reporting Act
Establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on an individual's credit record. A credit record may be retained seven years for judgments, liens, suits and other adverse information except for bankruptcies, which may be retained ten years. If a consumer has been denied credit, a free credit report may be requested within 30 days of denial.Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendment(1996)
Strengthens privacy provisions and defines more clearly the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses that provide information to-and access data from-credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers, or prospective employers must obtain an applicant's written consent prior to obtaining credit information, background, and medical information regarding an applicant.Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.
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Office Of The Consumer Credit Commissioner (Texas)
To protect consumers from abusive and deceptive practices regarding mortgages and home loans, fraud, and misrepresentation by a pawnshop, regulated lender, or registered creditor.Texas Attorney General
For deceptive business practices and other consumer complaints.The Federal Trade Commission Nearest You
Federal Trade Commission (Online Complaint Form)
The FTC regulates credit reporting agencies and can impose fines and other penalties.
On their drop box next to "Subject of Your complaint" Choose "Credit Reports" or whatever your problem is.Banks & Credit Unions (Consumer-SOS)
If your credit card issue is a bank or credit union, find out who regulates them.Find Your Local Newspaper, Magazine, Radio & TV Stations
Give them a little bad press and you're bargaining power increases tremendously. Select your state, and then click on your county or city for the proper media to report to. (DC Not Included).
Find The AARP In Your State
The AARP offers legal advocacy for seniors and may also have state specific consumer brochures which are available to everyone.
National Help Orgs For A Variety Of Consumer Problems
The Elderly, Environment, Families, Fraud, Health & Safety, Insurance The Handicapped, Medical Problems, Telemarketing and more.
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Options, Tips & Advice Student Loans Debt Collectors Credit Laws, Bankruptcy, etc.
Bartering For Goods or Services When You Have No Cash (Consumer-SOS)
Step by step on what to do and where to go for assistance.Anti-Garnishment Letter (Texas)
To protect the garnishing of exempt income.
Requires Acrobat Reader.Bills To Pay Off First (Consumer-SOS)
Credit Repair (Consumer-SOS)
Time Limit On Collecting A Debt and the Maximum Amount You Can Be Charged (Consumer-SOS)
Negotiating With Creditors (Consumer-SOS)
Credit Counseling (Consumer-SOS)
Consolidating Your Debt (Consumer-SOS)
Pay Half The Amount Bi-Weekly (Consumer-SOS)
Keeping Credit Card Rates Low (Consumer-SOS)
Tips on the balance transfer game and more.
How To Crawl Out From Under Your Credit Card Debt
Tired of making big monthly payments to finance your cost of living? Here's some basic good sense advice on tackling your credit card debt. (Ignore their advice about shunning low teaser introductory rates and instead see Keeping Your Credit Card Rates At A Minimum).Bartering For Goods or Services When You have No Cash
You can improve your chances for finding someone willing to barter with you if you focus on an equitable trade, are upfront and detailed with barter terms and are willing to get creative. Check out the sites below.
Barter QuestCraigslist
Choose your city and look for Barter which is usually under their for sale section.Where Else To Barter Your Goods & Services (Google Search)
Bills To Pay Off First
Bills To Pay Off First (Consumer-SOS)
Tells you which bills are most important and the ones that can do the most harm.
What Happens When I Fail To Pay My Bills (Nolo.com)
Short takes on student loans, mortgages, utilities, car payments, etc.Negotiating With Creditors (Before Settlement)
What every debtor should know before negotiating with their creditors. Learn about the risks and realities of being in debt, the importance of statutes of limitation, and how long a debt can remain on your credit report.Negotiating With Your Creditors (During Settlement)
Negotiate your loan amount and your credit rating!Paying Off Your Debts Once You've Settled
Essential strategies for paying off your debt after you've settled with your creditors.Debt Consolidation
The Pros and Cons of consolidating your debt. Also has articles and an interest calculator.
Related Topics
Bankruptcy
Divorce
Home Matters
Student Loans
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Debt Collectors
Debt Collection In Texas
Forbidden practices by debt collectors and some protections you have.Time Limit On Collecting A Debt and the Maximum Amount You Can Be Charged (Consumer-SOS)
Negotiating your debt, credit counseling, bills to pay off first, etc.Frequently Asked Questions on Owing Money & Debt Collection
Find out things like: How long before your overdue bill is sent to a collection agency? Whether a credit card company or the IRS can force the sale of your home in order to pay your bill? And what to do if you think a debt collector has violated the law?Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Regulates Debt Collectors)
Describes what debt collectors may and may not do if you owe money. It applies only to third party debt collectors (i.e., collection agencies), or those who use a name other than their own in collecting consumer debts. Very few commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions are covered by this Act, since they usually collect only their own debts. Complaints concerning debt collection practices, such as harassment or abuse, should generally be filed with the Federal Trade Commission.Using The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Debt Collection Letter
Use this letter to ask collection agencies to provide you with information concerning their basis for claiming that you owe a debt ("verification of the debt") and also ask them to stop contacting you. This only applies to collection agencies, not to creditors who directly sold you goods or gave you credit or loaned you money.Fair Credit Reporting Act
Establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on an individual's credit record. A credit record may be retained seven years for judgments, liens, suits and other adverse information except for bankruptcies, which may be retained ten years. If a consumer has been denied credit, a free credit report may be requested within 30 days of denial.Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendment(1996)
Strengthens privacy provisions and defines more clearly the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses that provide information to-and access data from-credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers, or prospective employers must obtain an applicant's written consent prior to obtaining credit information, background, and medical information regarding an applicant.Fair Credit Billing Act
Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.Debt Collection FAQs (Nolo.com)
Debt Collectors/Your Rights/Form Letters (May Take A While To Download)The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Letter
If you're not from GA, address your letter to the
Federal Trade Commission Nearest YouState & Federal Laws Governing Credit Matters (All 50 States)
Select your state and see what additional protections your state offers in addition to federal law. For federal laws, scroll down to their federal section and click on the link of your choice.
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Misc.
A Guide To the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection ActSearch Opinions Of The Texas Attorney General For Your Consumer Issue
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (Regulates Debt Collectors)
Describes what debt collectors may and may not do if you owe money. It applies only to third party debt collectors (i.e., collection agencies), or those who use a name other than their own in collecting consumer debts. Very few commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions are covered by this Act, since they usually collect only their own debts. Complaints concerning debt collection practices, such as harassment or abuse, should generally be filed with the Federal Trade Commission.Using The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Debt Collection Letter
Use this letter to ask collection agencies to provide you with information concerning their basis for claiming that you owe a debt ("verification of the debt") and also ask them to stop contacting you. This only applies to collection agencies, not to creditors who directly sold you goods or gave you credit or loaned you money.Fair Credit Reporting Act
Establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on an individual's credit record. A credit record may be retained seven years for judgments, liens, suits and other adverse information except for bankruptcies, which may be retained ten years. If a consumer has been denied credit, a free credit report may be requested within 30 days of denial.Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendment(1996)
Strengthens privacy provisions and defines more clearly the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses that provide information to-and access data from-credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers, or prospective employers must obtain an applicant's written consent prior to obtaining credit information, background, and medical information regarding an applicant.Fair Credit Billing Act
Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Act:
If you're a reserve component service member called to active duty, you're protected by a law that can save you some legal problems and possibly some money as well. Under the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, you may qualify for any or all of the following: • Reduced interest rate on mortgage payments. • Reduced interest rate on credit card debt. • Protection from eviction if your rent is $1,200 or less. • Delay of all civil court actions, such as bankruptcy, foreclosure or divorce proceedings.State Caps On Interest Rates/Usury (All 50 States & DC)
Careful! These caps may not apply to national and federally chartered banks, pawnshops, payday loans, rent to own contracts, and certain other lenders.
Note: Credit card rates are limited by the usury laws found in the lender's home state and not in that of the borrower's.State & Federal Laws Governing Credit Matters (All 50 States)
Select your state and see what additional protections your state offers in addition to federal law. For federal laws, scroll down to their federal section and click on the link of your choice.Summary of Federal Credit Laws
How Various Kinds Of Debt Are Treated In BankruptcyChapter 7 & Debt Reaffirmation
Privacy & Identity Theft (Consumer-SOS)
Garnishments (Brief Overview)Debt Collectors & Your Rights (Consumer-SOS)
The Credit Practices Rule (FTC Brochure On Your Rights)
What The lender cannot ask for as collateral, prohibited contract provisions, and required disclosures and notices.Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
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Related Topics
Banks
Bankruptcy
Divorce
Home Matters
Secured Credit Cards
Using Secured Credit Cards (BBB Basics)
Secured Credit Cards (List Of Cards & Options)
www.debtworkout.com/altcc.html
A Website site dedicated to helping debtors and others with credit problems to obtain either a secured or unsecured credit card for the purpose of re-establishing good credit.
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Disputing Billing Errors/Bad Services & Bad Merchandise
Disputing Billing Errors/Bad Services & Bad Merchandise
Establishes procedures for the prompt correction of errors on open-end credit accounts. It also protects a consumer's credit rating while the consumer is settling a dispute.Using The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Debt Collection Letter
Use this letter to ask collection agencies to provide you with information concerning their basis for claiming that you owe a debt ("verification of the debt") and also ask them to stop contacting you. This only applies to collection agencies, not to creditors who directly sold you goods or gave you credit or loaned you money.Fair Credit Reporting Act
Establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on an individual's credit record. A credit record may be retained seven years for judgments, liens, suits and other adverse information except for bankruptcies, which may be retained ten years. If a consumer has been denied credit, a free credit report may be requested within 30 days of denial.Fair Credit Reporting Act Amendment(1996)
Strengthens privacy provisions and defines more clearly the responsibilities and liabilities of businesses that provide information to-and access data from-credit reporting agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Employers, or prospective employers must obtain an applicant's written consent prior to obtaining credit information, background, and medical information regarding an applicant.Where To Go For Help (Consumer-SOS)
Getting help from the government, non-profits and the media.
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