Help With My Credit, A Resource For Consumers
A new resource formed by leading credit card issuers and payment networks called Help With My Credit was recently launched, designed to assist consumers having trouble making their credit card payments. Launched last week, the service offers a toll-free phone number (1-866-941-1030) that consumers can dial into to express their credit card concerns.
Depending on the counseling you need, you will be forwarded to either specially-trained customer service representatives from participating creditors or credit counseling agencies, who will provide the necessary assistance. They also provide a website dubbed HelpWithMyCredit.org which details the goals of the service, along with specific advice to consumers about managing their debt.
That’s at least one good thing coming out of the whole economic mess: credit card companies actually reaching out to help consumers for a change. Faced by the prospect of a large number of default accounts, they’ve finally wisened up and are finally getting the word out on how consumers may be helped. I say it’s high time!
Currently involved in the program are credit card issuers Citi, Bank Of America, Capital One and Discover Card, along with payment networks Mastercard and Visa. Three national non-profit credit counseling agencies are also participating in the initiative, namely Take Charge America, Money Management International, and Novadebt.
When consumers place a call to the toll-free line, operators will give them a choice whether to talk to a customer service representative from their card issuers or, if they prefer not to work with the banks directly, to a one of the three credit counseling agencies. With the added help, banks are hoping that consumers will be able to better manage their debt as well as explore additional avenues of settling it.
