A federal law regulating collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information (15 U.S.C. §§ 1681 to 1681x). In the employment context, the FCRA limits an employer's use of employee and applicant information provided by consumer reporting agencies. It creates specific notice, disclosure, and consent requirements, both related to obtaining information and taking adverse action because of that information. For more information on the FCRA and background checks, see Practice Note, Background Checks and References.

Outside of the employment context, the FCRA limits how consumer reports and credit card account numbers can be used and disclosed. For more information, see Practice Note, US Privacy and Data Laws: Overview: FCRA and FACTA.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and transferred primary authority to publish rules and guidelines under the FCRA from the Federal Trade Commission to the CFPB.