We know that it can be tough to navigate the complex terms of your credit card agreement, but the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is here to help. The CFPB is a government agency dedicated to shedding light on the financial landscape, and we hope you’ll take advantage of the resources we provide.

For example, we recently launched Ask CFPB, a search tool that can help you get plain-language answers to your financial questions and even features a whole section on credit cards. You can rate the questions on Ask CFPB and even suggest your own if you don’t find what you’re looking for.

Sometimes information isn’t enough. That’s why we continue to take your complaints. You can submit a complaint about your credit card company on our website or by calling (855) 411-2372. When you submit your complaint, you will be given a password and a tracking number to follow its progress. We’ll work to get a response from your card issuer.

Or, if you don’t want to submit a formal complaint, you can tell us your story. Share your experiences with personal financial products and services – good or bad – and help inform our ability to protect others.

Answer provided by Maggie Anderson, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Consumer Engagement.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1970 to regulate the dissemination and use of consumer information, including credit information.

The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain correct and complete files. It also requires the agencies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report every year. Annualcreditreport.com is the ONLY website authorized to get free credit reports. 

Learn more about the FCRA and how to get a credit report.

This week is National Consumer Protection Week. Today we are answering your consumer questions. You can join us for a live social media chat at 2 p.m. EST. Learn more about the chat and how to submit your questions.

There is no federal law that limits the interest rate that a credit card issuer can charge. The law of the state where the credit card issuer has its headquarters generally determines the maximum interest rate the card issuer can charge.

However, if you are a servicemember serving on active duty, you may have unique protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Find out how you can protect your finances by visiting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.

Answer provided by Dave DuBois, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Servicemember Affairs.

You can order your free credit report online at annualcreditreport.com, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by completing a request form and submitting it through the mail. 

When you order your credit report, you need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may be asked to provide additional information that only you would know.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, make your credit report available for free, once every year. 

When requesting your report on annualcreditreport.com, you may be offered additional products or services, but you are not required to make a purchase in order to receive your credit report. Don’t fall for imposter websites that offer a “free” report when you purchase a membership or only if you buy other products.

Learn more about how to get your free credit report and what to look for when you review your report.

Credit counseling agencies can help you manage credit and get out of debt. They also offer assistance with negotiating better terms with your creditors and guidance on budgeting your money and meeting your debt obligations.

Find approved credit counseling agencies in your state or learn more about how to choose a credit counselor.