Credit History

CFPB: Final Rule Issued to Implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today issued a final rule to restate and clarify prohibitions on harassment and abuse, false or misleading representations, and unfair practices by debt collectors when collecting consumer debt. The rule focuses on debt collection communications and gives consumers more control over how often and through what means debt collectors…

CFPB: New Study Shows Credit Builder Loan Could Help Consumers Build Credit

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released a report indicating that a credit builder loan could increase the likelihood of establishing a credit record for consumers without one, and could help improve the credit scores of those with no current outstanding debt. The Bureau issued “Targeting Credit Builder Loans: Insights from a Credit Builder…

CFPB: Credit Reporting Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic Issued

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released a policy statement outlining the responsibility of credit reporting companies and furnishers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the pandemic, many lenders are being flexible when it comes to consumers’ making payments. The Bureau’s statement underscores that consumers benefit if lenders report accurate information about these…

CFPB: Resources for Consumers During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) has recently released several resources to help consumers take steps to protect their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to avoid financial scams and submit complaints to the Bureau. “During this difficult time, the Bureau is doing everything it can to facilitate the work of responsible financial companies…

FHFA: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Publish Joint Enterprise Credit Score Solicitation

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) have published a Joint Credit Score Solicitation.      “The publication of the solicitation is the first step in the process of evaluating new credit score models,” said FHFA Director Mark Calabria.  “FHFA will ensure that the Enterprises validate and approve credit score…

HUD: New Report Explores Problem of “Credit Invisibility” Among HUD-Assisted Households

First-of-its-kind study examines reporting rent payments to credit reporting agencies Landlords and property management groups regularly use credit checks to make determinations about renting to potential tenants and many employers incorporate credit checks in hiring decisions. A low credit score or credit invisibility can thusly limit housing choice and employment opportunity for low-income families. A…

FDIC: Comprehensive History of Risk-Based Pricing Published

First in a series of staff studies chronicles 85-year evolution of deposit insurance premiums In the first of a series of staff studies to be released to the public, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today published a comprehensive history of how the agency assessed banks to build FDIC’s now 85-year-old Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF)…

FDIC: Money Smart for Small Business Credit and Banking Modules Updated

Enhanced tools can help banks support small businesses As part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening bank-community partnerships, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today released two updates to the popular Money Smart for Small Business curriculum. The updated modules focus on banking and credit, and are now available for banks…

CFPB: Federal Regulators Issue Joint Statement on the Use of Alternative Data in Credit Underwriting

Five Federal financial regulatory agencies today issued a joint statement on the use of alternative data in underwriting by banks, credit unions, and non-bank financial firms. The statement from the Federal Reserve Board (Federal Reserve), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency…

ABA: Credit Card Delinquencies Fall as Other Consumer Delinquencies Rise Slightly

Consumer credit delinquencies were mixed in the second quarter, with delinquencies falling for bank cards (credit cards provided by banks) and rising for the composite index of closed-end loans, according to results from the American Bankers Association’s Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin. Overall, delinquencies rose in eight of the 11 categories tracked by ABA while three…