How To Protect Yourself Under The New CARD Act
The new credit card bill that takes effect in February will have huge ramifications for both issuers and cardholders. Restrictions on rate increases, fees and increased disclosure requirements will bring about many changes for issuers. Borrowers should learn about the crucial stipulations in the law and the loopholes.
Despite the fact that the new rules will heavily confine retroactive rate increases, they will not stop all negative changes to card accounts. Even consumers with high credit scores may be affected by unwanted adjustments.
For a consumer to maintain an adequate credit score and keep account provisions intact in the best way is to be on the defense. This includes paying on time, not closing accounts unless its necessary and keeping balances as low as possible.
Decreasing your outstanding balance will protect you against bad changes to your account, improve your credit score, and most importantly saves you money. This is because a lower balance may help protect your credit score against credit limit reductions. If your credit limits decrease, and your debt doesn't decrease, your credit score may drop. According to the CARD Act, issuers have to give you the option to opt out of a considerably large change in terms.
In these situations, issuers have to send out a notice that is 45 days in advance at the least from the effective date. The purpose of this is to give you time to decide if you want to reject the proposed change.
It is key that you check your credit score frequently; this is based on your credit report. Mistakes such as collection accounts or delinquencies will lower your score. This is why it is imperative to check on your credit reports at the three major credit reporting agencies on a regular basis. You can do this free of charge.
Any drastic change in law that could affect your financial situation is a big deal. Consumers should educate themselves as much as possible to protect their credit report and finances.
Despite the fact that the new rules will heavily confine retroactive rate increases, they will not stop all negative changes to card accounts. Even consumers with high credit scores may be affected by unwanted adjustments.
For a consumer to maintain an adequate credit score and keep account provisions intact in the best way is to be on the defense. This includes paying on time, not closing accounts unless its necessary and keeping balances as low as possible.
Decreasing your outstanding balance will protect you against bad changes to your account, improve your credit score, and most importantly saves you money. This is because a lower balance may help protect your credit score against credit limit reductions. If your credit limits decrease, and your debt doesn't decrease, your credit score may drop. According to the CARD Act, issuers have to give you the option to opt out of a considerably large change in terms.
In these situations, issuers have to send out a notice that is 45 days in advance at the least from the effective date. The purpose of this is to give you time to decide if you want to reject the proposed change.
It is key that you check your credit score frequently; this is based on your credit report. Mistakes such as collection accounts or delinquencies will lower your score. This is why it is imperative to check on your credit reports at the three major credit reporting agencies on a regular basis. You can do this free of charge.
Any drastic change in law that could affect your financial situation is a big deal. Consumers should educate themselves as much as possible to protect their credit report and finances.
About the Author:
Mallory McGuinness-Hickey works for a debt collection agency. She also writes pieces about consumer spending, business, finance, and debt collection.
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11:30 AM
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