Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Gift Cards
Credit Card Practices
The OCC has issued guidance to national banks on credit card practices that are unacceptable because they may constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The OCC has also taken a number of formal enforcement actions against national banks that have engaged in abusive practices and has required the payment of millions of dollars in restitution to customers harmed by such practices.
Debit Cards
Consumers often use debit cards similarly to credit cards, but they are very different. Debit cards take money directly from the bank account rather than borrowing money at a rate of interest, and they often use a personal identification number (PIN) instead of a signature. Because debit cards deduct the purchase amount from your account, using the card carelessly can result in overdrafts, which may result in high fees.
Gift Cards
SeeAnswers about Gift Cardsat our HelpWithMyBank website.
Popular Links
Apply for a Free Annual Credit Report
Identity Theft
Get answers to questions and file a complaint at HelpWithMyBank.gov
Related News and Issuances
| Date | ID | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 12/16/2025 | NR 2025-128 | OCCâs Semiannual Risk Perspective Highlights Key Risks in Federal Banking System |
| 11/13/2025 | OCC 2025-36 | Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Updated Comptrollerâs Handbook Booklet |
| 10/06/2025 | NR 2025-95 | OCC Announces Actions to Reduce Regulatory Burden for Community Banks |