Major issuers have joined forces to provide additional assistance…
A new resource has been introduced to assist and educate consumers who are struggling to make their credit card payments. Bank of America, Capital One, Citi, Discover, MasterCard and Visa have joined forces to form “Help with My Credit”, a free service designed to assist consumers and provide helpful information and credit counseling services. Most credit card issuers have long-established programs in place to help people manage their credit, but given the difficult economic environment, they have come together to help consumers struggling with their credit card payments. “We understand that people may fall behind in their credit card payments for a variety of reasons. If customers miss a payment, or if they’re worried about a change in their financial situation, we want them to know there are actions they can take to get back on track,” said Joe Ganley, spokesperson for Help With My Credit.
Advertising will run in national newspapers and magazines, on TV and online to help support the campaign and make consumers aware and encourage them to take advantage of of these assistance resources. Consumers are invited to call a toll-free number (1-866-941-1030) or visit HelpWithMyCredit.org. Consumers can find information on how to manage credit cards and can discuss their concerns with their credit card company or credit counselors.
Consumers who call the toll-free service regarding their account from one of the participating issuers will be given the opportunity to be transferred to that issuer directly. If a caller prefers to work with someone else, Help With My Credit operators will be able to connect them to an accredited credit counseling agency. Three national credit counseling agencies have agreed to participate, Take Charge America, Money Management International, and Novadebt. These counseling agencies were chosen because they are non-profit organizations; accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and/or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies, licensed and operating in all 50 states; and able to handle a large volume of calls and provide the necessary services to consumers.
The operators at the toll-free number will not provide credit counseling or collect any personally identifiable financial information from callers, but rather will inform consumers about resources available from the participating issuing banks, accredited credit counselors and at HelpWithMyCredit.org. For callers who do not have access to the Internet, a consumer brochure with useful tips and information will be provided on request.
* Find out more by visiting Help With My Credit.org >