Credit scoring
Credit utilization
How much revolving credit you are using compared with your available revolving credit limits.
Sources:myFICO score factors
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Reference hub
A-Z
Credit glossary.
Short, citation-backed definitions for the terms that decide what to do next.
Debt collection
Debt validation notice
Information a debt collector must give about the debt and your right to dispute it.
Read definitionDebt collection
Time-barred debt
A debt that is beyond the time limit for a lawsuit under the applicable statute of limitations.
Read definitionCredit reporting
Charge-off
An accounting status a creditor may use after a debt has gone unpaid for several months.
Sources:FTC debt help and charge-offsCFPB credit reporting companiesCFPB credit reporting time limits
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Credit reporting
Credit report dispute
A request asking a credit reporting company or data furnisher to investigate inaccurate or incomplete information.
Read definitionFederal law
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The federal law governing accuracy, privacy, use, and dispute rights for consumer reports.
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Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
The federal law restricting abusive, unfair, or deceptive third-party debt collection practices.
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Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
The federal law prohibiting discrimination in credit transactions.
Sources:FTC Equal Credit Opportunity Act
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Federal law
Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
The federal lending-disclosure law implemented by Regulation Z.
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