Credit Builder Loans are available to enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to help with building and repairing credit scores.

To access the loan, participants must apply and be accepted into a year-long program that includes 1-on-1 counseling, class time, and independent work. The program includes:

• One-on-one counseling. You'll meet with a credit coach to get

  • Periodic credit checks throughout the program

  • Credit report review and analysis

  • Counseling sessions to address your private issues and needs

  • Specialized counseling with 3rd party providers (as needed) to address issues like student debt, debt consolidation, and legal issues

• Group education. You'll meet with others in a "cohort" setting that includes

  • Goal setting to determine your wants and needs

  • Creation of a spending/savings plan custom-designed for you based on your needs, goals, and credit score

  • Education sessions on how to check your accounts, the importance of savings, investments, interest, banking, borrowing, and more.

• Other work outside the classroom will include

  • Opening a bank account

  • Tracking your spending

  • Communicating with creditors