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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I determine what Agency regulates my bank?
If you're not sure which Agency has jurisdiction over your institution, call your bank or visit the following website:
National Information Center Federal Reserve System
You can also use the FDIC’s Institution Directory to locate banks and branches.
- How do I file a complaint with my regulator?
How to File a Written Complaint
FDIC's Electronic Customer Assistance Form
- I've made a payment, but it's not showing up on my credit card statement. What do I do?
Fair Credit Billing (Federal Trade Commission - FTC)
- My bill is wrong. What do I do?
Fair Credit Billing (FTC)
- How do I file a billing dispute?
Fair Credit Billing (FTC)
- Why did my statement get charged additional finance charges even though I paid my previous balance in full?
Ready, Set, Credit (FTC)
Choosing & Using Credit Cards (FTC)
- Can the bank close my account, lower my credit limit or increase the interest rate?
The right of a bank to manage the account relationship is a contractual agreement between the bank and the cardholder. However, this information must be detailed in your Cardmember agreement. If you do not have a copy or can not locate the agreement, contact your institution for a copy. If you have additional questions, you may contact the FDIC Consumer Affairs branch at 1-877-275-3342.
- Can the bank charge me an overlimit fee or a late fee?
If you are not prompt in the payment of your account (pay by the designated due date) or you exceed the designated credit limit, the bank may charge you a fee. However, information about such fees must be included in your Cardmember agreement. If you do not have a copy or can not locate the agreement, contact your institution for a copy. If you have additional questions after reading the Agreement, you may contact the FDIC Consumer Affairs branch at 1-877-275-3342.
- I'm the victim of identity theft. How can I clear my name?
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft (FTC)
FDIC Consumer Alerts - ID Theft
FDIC Consumer Alerts - Phishing Scam
- My credit card has been stolen/lost. What do I do?
Credit & ATM Cards: What to do if They're Lost or Stolen (FTC)
- Who do you contact if you have problems with a collection agency?
Fair Debt Collection (FTC)
- I don't understand the terms of my account. Please help me.
Refer to your Cardmember agreement to view details of the account terms.
- My husband has passed away. How do I establish credit in my own name?
Equal Credit Opportunity (FTC)
Ready, Set, Credit (FTC)
- I'm a college student and I need to establish credit. What do I do?
Credit Card Savvy Students
- I'm a senior citizen and have never had a credit card. How do I get one?
Getting Credit When Your Over 62 (FTC)
- I've been denied credit. What can I do?
Call or write to the credit bureau listed on your denial notice. You have the right to contact the credit bureau and obtain the nature and substance of all
information in your file. The information you receive will also include the source of the reported items. There is no charge for your credit report if it is requested within 60 days of receiving your denial notice.
- Consumer Protection Laws - what are these rules? Where can I find more information?
Consumer Financial Rights
Consumer Alerts
- What are my rights when a creditor calls?
Fair Debt Collection (FTC)
- I keep getting collection calls. How do I stop them?
Fair Debt Collection (FTC)
- What's the best credit card?
It depends on your needs. You need to determine what's important to you.
Choosing & Using Credit Cards (FTC)
Gold and Platinum Cards (FTC)
- My credit cards are maxed out and my spending habits are out of control. Where can I get help?
Knee Deep In Debt (FTC)
Fiscal Fitness: Choosing a Credit Counselor (FTC)
- I have bad credit. What can I do to improve it?
Credit Repair: Self-Help May Be Best (FTC)
- My credit report contains inaccurate information. How can I fix it?
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors (FTC)
- How do I order a credit report?
Your Access to Free Credit Reports (FTC)
- What is my credit score?
Credit Scoring (FTC)
- How long can negative information be reported on my credit report?
Your Access to Free Credit Reports (FTC)
- I received my credit report and it contains accounts that I never applied for. How do I have them removed?
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors
(FTC)
- Can a bank close my account or suspend my charge privileges based on my credit score even when I have paid my account with them as agreed?
Yes. A creditor may take action on an account based on the overall credit history on which the credit score is based.
Credit Scoring (FTC)
- How long can bankruptcy stay on my credit report?
Bankruptcy information may be reported for 10 years. For more information see:
Your Access to Free Credit Reports (FTC)
- I am divorced, yet the bank is trying to collect a debt, and reporting this in my credit report. Is this legal?
If you had a joint account with your spouse, you are both responsible for the debt even if you are divorced. For more detailed information see:
Credit & Divorce (FTC)
Cosigning a Loan (FTC)
- How can I put an end to receiving telephone and mail solicitations?
Unsolicited Mail: Where to go to "Just Say No" (FTC)
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