Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a federal agency created after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices in the financial marketplace. It oversees banks, lenders, credit reporting agencies, and other financial entities to ensure fair treatment and transparency for consumers.

Enforcement and Consumer Relief

The CFPB enforces federal consumer financial laws and has returned over $21 billion to consumers harmed by unfair practices. It investigates complaints, supervises financial companies, and takes enforcement actions to hold institutions accountable for fraud and predatory behavior.

Rules That Protect Your Wallet

The agency has created important rules that limit excessive fees, such as capping credit card late fees and overdraft charges, and preventing medical debt from harming credit reports. It has also addressed junk fees—the hidden costs Americans pay—to promote transparency and help consumers understand what they are charged.

Consumer Complaints and Education

Beyond enforcement, the CFPB collects consumer complaints and publishes them to identify harmful patterns. It offers educational resources and tools to help consumers make informed financial decisions about mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and more.