Consumer Information
The following is a list of Federal Reserve System resources that consumers can use to learn more about topics such as credit card interest rates, credit reports, and identity theft.
- 5 Tips for Protecting your Checking Account
: Describes the 5 ways consumers can protect their checking account. - Credit Card Information : What to look for when choosing a credit card (Board of Governors).
- Credit
Guide : Helps you get a good start in establishing credit,
avoid hazards, and know where to go and what to do if you have credit problems (FRB Chicago).
- How to Establish, Use & Protect Credit: Discusses how to qualify for credit and use it wisely.
- Identity
Theft: Protect Yourself : Explains what identity theft is,
how it happens, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take if your
identity is stolen (FRB Boston).
- Preventing Payment Card Fraud: Dos and Don’ts: Provides consumers with information on how to protect payment cards from loss or theft; also outlines what to do if a payment card is used for fraudulent purchases. (PDF, 205 KB, 8 pages)
- Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft: Describes the steps consumers should take to protect their personal information and the steps to take if they do become victims. (PDF, 209 KB, 8 pages)
- What You Need to Know About Payment Cards: Provides answers to frequently asked consumer questions on payment cards. (PDF, 260 KB, 12 pages)
- What Your Credit Report Says About You: Explains what a credit report is, how it is used, and why prospective borrowers should obtain copies of their credit report before applying for credit.
- Your Credit Rating: Explains what a credit rating is and why it is important to protect it.
- Your Credit Rights: Summarizes the major consumer protection laws relating to credit.
Links with this icon go to pages outside of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia website.