Understand your rights
Navigating your financial issues such as loans, mortgages, and debt can be challenging. While we cannot provide individual legal advice, we can help you understand your rights as a consumer, and provide information so you can make informed decisions about your finances.
Banks and credit unions
Having a bank or credit union account is an important part of your financial management and security. Without one, you will get stuck paying check cashing and money order fees to cash checks and pay bills. Banks and credit unions also provide an additional layer of security to your money. Without an account at a bank or credit union to keep your money safe, you and your family could easily lose your money to theft or fire.
When you deposit money into a bank or credit union, it is protected by the federal government – insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration. In fact, up to $250,000 of your money is protected. If you do not have a checking or savings account, visit
BankOnOregon.org to learn how to get one, even if you have been turned away in the past.
Mortgage and foreclosure help
Are you having trouble paying your mortgage or worried about foreclosure?
Learn about your foreclosure options and rights.
Investments
Remember, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Learn more about investing.
Payday and title loans
Payday loans are also known as a “cash advance” or “check loan” because the loan is typically paid off at the next payday; however, Oregon requires payday loans to be for at least 31 days. The legal limits on payday loans include:
- A one-time 10 percent loan origination fee, up to a maximum of $30 for a new loan
- Interest rates are limited to 36 percent annually. The maximum APR (interest and fees) is 153.77 percent
- No more than two renewals, or roll overs, are allowed on an existing loan. After two renewals, you must pay the loan amount and interest in full
- The payday or title loan must be for at least 31 days and not longer than 60 days
Check cashing
Those that cash checks, money orders and other money instruments are limited to the fees they can charge.
Learn more about check cashing.