About Us
Our Standards for Performance Our Commitment to Service Our Services Frequently Asked Questions Strategic Alliances Credit Unions
We are ClearPoint
Board of Directors Officers Financial Specialists Success Stories Locations Corporate Website
Careers
Press Room
Press Releases Media Kit Media Contacts In The News
Privacy Policy
Donate/Support CCCS
Contact Us
Client Testimonials
Group Presentations
Tools and Calculators
Ask an Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

How does credit counseling work? What is a debt management program? Listed below are answers to questions about how ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions can help you.

1. Can anyone get a copy of my credit report?
2. Do I have a right to know what's in my credit report?
3. Can my employer get my credit report?
4. Am I entitled to a free credit report under state law?
5. What kind of information do credit bureaus collect, and how long does it remain on my report?
6. What is a credit report?
7. How often should I check my credit report?
8. What information is not in a credit report?
9. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?
10. How do I begin?
11. Is my information submitted through this website secure?
12. What happens after I have submitted my information?
13. What type of ongoing customer support can I expect?
14. What do our services cost?

1. Can anyone get a copy of my report?

No. Only people with a legitimate business need may do so. Creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use the information in your report to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home are among those that have a legal right to access your report.

Back to top


2. Do I have a right to know what's in my report?

Yes, if you ask for it. The credit reporting agency must tell you everything in your report, including medical information, and in most cases, the sources of the information. The credit reporting agency also must give you a list of everyone who has requested your report within the past year -- two years for employment related requests.

Back to top


3. Can my employer get my report?

Your employer can get a copy of your credit report only if you agree. A consumer reporting company may not provide information about you to your employer, or to a prospective employer, without your written consent.

Back to top


4. Am I entitled to a free credit report?

By law, each of the consumer reporting companies--Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion--are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up a central website, a toll-free telephone number, and a mailing address through which you can order your free annual report. To order, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. Do not contact the three nationwide credit bureaus individually.

You may order your reports from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies at the same time, or you can order your report from each of the companies one at a time every four months to keep an eye on your credit year-round.


Beware of imposter sites, only the site mentioned above is authorized to fill orders for free.


Back to top


5. What kind of information do credit bureaus collect, and how long does it remain on my report?

Credit bureaus gather information supplied by your creditors. This includes how much credit you have available, whether you've had any 30- or 60-day late payments, and whether any accounts have been referred to a collection agency. Your credit report may also contain information that's part of the public record, including bankruptcies, foreclosures, liens and judgments against you. Bankruptcies remain on your credit report for ten years. Other negative information is eliminated after seven years.

Back to top


6. What is a credit report?

A consumer credit report is factual record of an individual's credit payment history. It is rather like a snapshot because it reflects information that is current as of that date, but is subject to change. Credit reports are provided to credit lenders for a purpose permitted by law. The main purpose of a credit report is to help a lender make a decision quickly and objectively about extending credit to an individual.

Click here for more on Understanding Your Credit Report.

Back to top


7. How often should I check my credit report?

Your credit history plays a major role when you apply for any type of credit or loan, such as a credit card, auto loan, mortgage, employment screening, utilities deposits and insurance. It is a good idea to know what is included in your credit history before applying for credit or a loan. Creditors and lenders use your credit history to determine if you are a credit risk. Experts recommend that you check your credit report at least once a year to make sure your identity has not been stolen and that it doesn't contain inaccuracies. It's also a good idea to also check your credit report before applying for a loan, if you've been denied for credit or you think your identity may have been stolen.

Back to top


8. What information is not in a credit report?

Your credit report does not contain - data about race, religious preference, medical history, personal lifestyle, political preference, friends, criminal record or any other information unrelated to credit.

Back to top


9. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?

Yes, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions is a system wide member of the Better Business Bureau and the BBB Online Reliability Program; you can count on ClearPoint to provide sound quality service and assistance.

Back to top


10. How do I begin?

To begin on the path to financial freedom, simply complete the online application or call one of our Financial Specialists directly. To assist in expediting either enrollment process, have your most recent creditor statements available for quick and easy reference.

Back to top


11. Is my information submitted through this website secure?

Yes, our agency is committed to maintaining your privacy and online confidentiality. ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions has produced a privacy statement that outlines the steps that we have taken to ensure that any information that you provide is kept confidential and cannot be used improperly.

Back to top


12. What happens after I have submitted my information?

A Financial Specialist will contact you to discuss the details of your proposed Debt Management Plan. Our professional, certified counselors will assess your financial situation, assist in creating a spending plan, and discuss options for debt repayment.

Back to top


13. What type of ongoing customer support can I expect?

Our Financial Specialists are available to guide you to your financial goals. As a client, access to detailed information about your repayment program is available on our customer information line or by accessing your account anytime online.

Back to top


14. What do our services cost?

To best fulfill on our educational mission of increasing financial literacy, ClearPoint provides financial education, budget analysis, credit/debt counseling, and group workshops as a service to the community. There is no obligation to participate in any of our paid services. As a non-profit organization which focuses on helping consumers achieve financial stability, ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions works diligently to offer its voluntary services for a modest fee. Our voluntary debt management program fees and contributions vary by state of residence, and your Financial Specialist will provide a written agreement outlining your exact costs and terms. For more details, click here.

Back to top