A better credit score can give you access to loans and other forms of credit, generally at lower interest rates. A clean credit report can help lower your insurance premiums, open up broader rental housing opportunities and even help when you apply for a job.
DFPI and credit
The DFPI is your ally in keeping your credit score accurate and your credit report free of errors or negative remarks. We help you understand your rights, and provide guidance on credit-related laws and credit reporting. It’s our responsibility to safeguard your interests and the interests of consumers throughout our California.
Featured Resources
Basic Banking and Credit for New Americans (Part One)
Many banks offer workshops and resources to help you manage your money. The staff is trained to help if you have questions or run into issues. Also, remember that the DFPI is always here to ensure you get a fair deal.
Checking Your Credit – What You Need to Know
Reviewing your credit report can help protect your credit history from mistakes, errors, or signs of identity theft. The DFPI strongly encourages you to pull your report annually, so there are no surprises when you need to open a new account or use your credit for an important purchase, such as a car or home.
New Year, New Financial Goals
Follow these eight tips to help you set your financial goals for the coming year and create a plan for successfully achieving them.
Useful Terms
Credit Score
Your credit score uses information from your credit history to assess your creditworthiness.
FICO Score
The FICO score is the most widely used credit scoring model, and it’s used by many lenders to assess credit risk.
Credit Report
Your credit report is a detailed record of your credit history, including your accounts, payment history, balances, and relevant public records.
Credit Bureaus
Credit bureaus are companies that collect and maintain consumer credit information.
Credit Utilization Ratio
Credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you have access to compared with the amount of credit you’ve actually used.
New Credit
It’s important to track your new credit because opening too many credit accounts over a short period can impact your credit score.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) compares monthly debt to income. It plays a big role in how lenders assess your eligibility for a loan.
Grace Period
The stretch of time in which you can pay your balance in full without incurring any interest charges is called the grace period.
Interest Rate
Your interest rate represents the cost of your loan. It is the percentage of the total loan amount that you’re obligated to pay to the lender on the money you’ve borrowed.
Principal
Your principal is the original amount of money borrowed, minus any interest and fees.
Other Useful Links
- Financing & Lending Education: Insights and guidance for managing debt, fixing debt problems and protecting yourself from fraud.
- Brochure: Reduce Your Debt: A handy, downloadable guide to help you manage debt and control your economic future.Understanding Your Credit: The FTC’s invaluable site dedicated to understanding your credit and how to protect it.
- Consumer Credit Law & Practice in the US: Don’t be misled by the legalistic title; this PDF from the FTC lays out consumer credit basics in a way that’s simple, clear and easy to remember.
- How to get out of debt: If you’re worried about how to get out of debt, this FTC resource provides key insights on how to find trustworthy help.
Consumer Insights
Student Loan Borrowers: How will new federal laws affect me?
The latest updates from our student loan expert, Celina Damian. Find out how to get free assistance with your student loans.
Consumer Insights
Know your debt collection rights
Dec 22, 2025
Fed up with notices from debt collectors? Learn your rights and get help.
Alerts
CCG & Associates and EZ Loan Falsely Posing as a California-licensed debt collection entities
Dec 23, 2025
The DFPI has received reports of entities using the names CCG & Associates and EZ Loan posing as debt collectors and contacting consumers.
Alerts
Sham Letter Impersonating DFPI Requests “Security Deposit” for Crypto Mining Activities
Dec 5, 2025
The DFPI has been alerted to a scam involving sham letters and emails impersonating the Department.
Stay Connected
Resources and Publications
Industries we regulate
- Commercial Banks
- Industrial Banks
- Public Banks
- Credit Unions
- Trust Services
- Securities
- Franchises
- Capital for Businesses
- Broker-Dealers & Investment Advisers
- Money Transmitters
- Debt Collectors
- Check Sellers, Bill Payers & Proraters
- Consumer & Commercial Loans
- Payday Lenders
- Insurance Premium Finance
- Residential Mortgage Lenders
- Mortgage Loan Originators
- Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
- Escrow
- Student Loan Servicers
