The Office of Treasurer Erick Russell

Credit Management

Help is available if you need advice on how to deal with debt.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
The NFCC offers credit counseling, debt reduction services, consumer tips, budget worksheets, and classroom presentations. Visit www.nfcc.org or call 1-800-388-2227

How to Get Credit

On your first try to get a credit card you might be frustrated. If you have never used credit before, some creditors may turn you down. You need to prove you are "credit worthy." Here's how to become credit-worthy:

  • Open a checking account or a savings account in your name. This will show the credit card issuers how you manage your money.
  • Apply for a department store credit card. Repaying credit card bills on time helps you get a good credit history.
  • If you do not qualify on your own, ask someone to "co-sign" your application (this means they will be responsible if you do not pay back the money you owe).

How Creditors Make Decisions About You
Creditors will look at you and your finances and decide whether, or not, to give you a credit card. Today, creditors assess the creditworthiness of potential credit card customers much more thoroughly than they have in the past. They evaluate household income, debt levels, number of credit cards now held by the consumer, and how much credit is available on them. It is important to note that the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract); because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from any public assistance program; or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Trade Commission, Office of Equal Credit Opportunity ,in Washington, D.C. enforces the Act and oversees creditors' compliance with it.

Your Credit Report
A potential creditor may look at your "credit history." This is information they get from a "credit reporting agency" or "credit bureau." This information is called your "credit report" or "credit history." It is a file with computerized information about the payments you have made on credit cards, car loans or other types of credit.

Federal law gives you the right to know what your credit report says. The credit bureau must help you understand your credit report. There is no fee for this help if you contact the credit bureau within 30 days after you are turned down for credit, employment, or insurance because of information in your credit report.

Accurate negative information generally can be reported for seven years, but there are exceptions:

  • Bankruptcy information can be reported for 10 years; however, a bankruptcy filing could affect your credit for a lifetime;
  • Information reported because of an application for a job with a salary of more than $20,000 has no time limitation;
  • Information reported because of an application for more than $50,000 worth of credit or life insurance has no time limitation;
  • Information concerning a lawsuit or a judgment against you can be reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer; and
  • Default information concerning U.S. Government insured or guaranteed student loans can be reported for seven years after certain guarantor actions.

Be sure your credit record is complete and correct. Mistakes on your credit record can hurt you. If you find wrong information, you can ask to have it corrected. If you find a mistake, write to the credit bureau and explain to them the problem. The credit bureau will investigate your complaint and report back to you. The credit bureau should not charge a fee for this service. If you are not satisfied with the results of the investigation, you may send a brief letter to the credit bureau to keep in your file. In the letter, explain why you think the record is wrong. The credit bureau must include your letter with your report in the future.

How to Get Your Credit Report
If you would like to see your credit report, contact one of the three national credit reporting agencies listed below. Each of these credit bureaus may keep a credit file on you. Your request will need to include your name, address, previous address, and Social Security number. Remember, you are entitled to receive the report free if you were turned down for credit because of the report. There may be a fee charged if a credit report is requested and there has not been a denial of credit.

Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
(888) 397-3742		 Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
(800) 916-8800

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111

If You Are Turned Down for Credit
The law says you must be told whether you are approved for credit or not. A creditor has 30 days to tell you, in writing, if you are denied credit. If you are denied credit, find out why.

Using Your Credit Card
Now that you have credit, use it wisely. Consumers should accept only as much credit as they can comfortably handle and should use it sparingly. Some personal financial experts recommend that monthly consumer debt payments -- including credit cards and auto loans, but excluding rent or mortgage payments -- should not exceed 12 percent of the consumer's monthly take-home pay.

  • Shop around for cards to determine the best card to suit your needs. For instance, if you pay off your balance every month, you may settle for a low annual fee and high interest rate. If you carry a balance, you may want to exchange a high annual fee for a low interest rate. If you choose to use credit, try to pay it off each month. That way, you're getting an interest-free loan.
  • Don't be swayed by impulse buying and don't charge more than you can afford. Go home and think about it before putting more debt on a credit card.
  • Make a realistic budget and stick to it.
  • Pay off creditors who can take the quickest action to hurt you, not those who are calling you the most often. First pay for necessities like utilities and rent or mortgage.

Credit Warning Signs

  • Paying only the minimum payment month after month.
  • Being out of cash constantly.
  • Being late making crucial payments, such as rent or mortgage.
  • Borrowing from one lender or credit card to pay another.

Tips to Protect Your Credit Card

  • Do not give your credit card number or expiration date over the phone unless you have placed the call.
  • Credit card numbers are never needed for "Identification" purposes. If you hear that line - hang up.
  • Rip up or retain credit card transaction carbons.
  • Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.
  • Make a list of everything you carry in your wallet, including your credit card numbers. Keep this list in a safe place, separate from your wallet or purse.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately.
  • Save your receipts and check them against your monthly statement. This is an easy way to discover if someone is using your card number or if there is a billing error.
  • Do not reveal personal information when using your credit card.
  • Make sure that you understand the terms of a credit card plan before you accept the card.As always, be wary of credit card deals that sound too good to be true.

Source: Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.

Tired of Credit Card Offers? -- You can remove your name from lists that credit-reporting agencies provide to credit card issuers by calling toll free (888) 5-OPT-OUT (888-567-8688) for instructions.

 

Be Smart With Credit Card Issuers, by Linda Stern, personal finance writer for Reuters
"The bottom line today for companies who issue credit cards to consumers is to make sure they profit from the use of their card. It's not on their agenda to keep you from spending more than you should, or to encourage you to pay low rates instead of high ones, or to teach you to avoid the behavior that will cause you to pay more than you have to. Learn to be similarly selfish, to ensure that you keep your good credit. Be especially aware of the following three "traps" that many credit card companies are setting for their cardholders today ... read more here.