FREE Credit Card Training Program
Free program helps educate consumers about credit cards…
A joint program called “Credit Cards: What You Need to Know” was initially launced in 2005 by Consumer Action, a non-profit advocacy and education organization, and American Express. Today, the program distributes curriculum and educational brochures to community-based organizations in the U.S. - and around the world - with the sole purpose of educating consumers on how to best choose and use credit cards.
Translated in five languages - Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese - the free training events are offered in Washington D.C., Dallas and New York– with three additional cities scheduled in 2007: Plantation, FL, Phoenix, AZ and Birmingham, AL. “We are very pleased to expand the reach and impact of this important education initiative in partnership with American Express,” said Ken McEldowney, Executive Director of Consumer Action.
Through the program, educators and community leaders can teach consumers how to compare credit card offers, read and understand credit card terms and conditions, maintain credit card accounts in good standing and avoid fees, penalties and high interest rates. Included in the material available on the Consumer Action’s and American Express’ web sites are Q&A and classroom exercise manual, consumer brochures, handouts and worksheets to facilitate productive and effective learning environments.
In 2006, the brochure, “Families and Credit Cards”, was added to the program for parents to help educate their children about credit cards. More than $82,000 was awarded last year to thirty agencies, trained in the program, to help support their own education activities.
“By continuing to educate consumers about credit cards, we are enabling them to make smart financial decisions for themselves now and in the future.” “We believe in offering customers choice and clarity,” said Larry Sharnak, senior vice president and general manager, consumer lending, American Express. “Our work with Consumer Action is one way we help educate consumers on making smart, informed choices about credit cards.”
Consumers may request a hard copy of the “Credit Cards: What You Need to Know” and “Families and Credit Cards,” brochures by sending a self-addressed legal-sized envelope with 58¢ in postage to Consumer Action-CC Brochure, 221 Main St. Suite 480, San Francisco, CA 94105. Please specify the language of your choice: Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish or Vietnamese. Or, find out more information by visiting the Consumer Action Website.
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