Personal Finance Center
Credit: Cards, Reports and Repair
Types of Credit – Credit Cards
CardRatings.com [18]
This site, created by the U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms, offers over 1,000 credit card descriptions with ratings. Consumers can use this site to evaluate credit card offers from particular vendors or to compare similar offers (Low Introductory Rate, No Credit, etc.)
Federal Trade Commission – Choosing and Using Credit Cards [19]
The Federal Trade Commission offers information on a variety of consumer credit issues. This web page offers information specific to choosing and using credit cards.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Credit Cards [20]
This government site explains various factors to consider when choosing a credit card. Additionally, it outlines legal rights and protections as a consumer.
Credit Reports/Credit Scores
USA.gov – Credit Reports [21]
Find out how to get your credit report, make corrections, and more from USA.gov.
AnnualCreditReport.com [22]
AnnualCreditReport.com was created by the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This site provides a centralized service where consumers are able to request a free credit report from each of the three reporting companies once per year. *During the COVID-19 pandemic, the credit reporting companies are offering free WEEKLY credit reports.
Free Credit Freezes [23]
As of September 21, 2018, you can place a security freeze (also known as a credit freeze) to restrict access to your credit report with each credit bureau for free. Fraud alerts are also free and last up to a year.
myFICO Credit Education [24]
Information about FICO scores, credit scores, how scores are calculated, and what goes into consumer credit reports.
RESTORING Credit
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission offers information on a variety of consumer credit issues.
Operation Hope – Memphis [28]
Operation Hope offers free education and counseling to consumers in order to help them understand and improve their credit and financial well-being.
Last review 11/21/2022