Credit Business Association (CBA) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 

Effective Date: January 1, 2025 
Issued by: Credit Business Association (CBA) 
Website: www.cbasite.org 

 

INTRODUCTION 

The Credit Business Association (CBA) is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to advancing integrity, competence, and accountability within the field of credit business services. As representatives of a professional community entrusted with specialized knowledge, CBA members must uphold standards that preserve public confidence and protect the welfare of consumers, businesses, and the credit industry as a whole. 

The privileges of professional recognition are balanced by responsibilities. Society entrusts us to self-regulate, to do no harm, and to govern our own conduct in a manner that strengthens trust, fairness, and transparency in the credit ecosystem. 

This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct establishes the principles and standards that guide all CBA members in their professional behavior. It reflects our shared values of honesty, fairness, and respect for the law. Members who accept CBA membership agree to be bound by this Code and to submit to its disciplinary processes when violations occur. 

If this Code prescribes a higher standard of conduct than required by law or other ethical frameworks, CBA members are expected to meet the higher standard. Where conflicts arise between this Code and legal requirements, members must disclose the conflict to the appropriate CBA authority and act responsibly to resolve it. 

 

PREAMBLE 

CBA members serve diverse roles—as consultants, educators, lenders, credit analysts, compliance officers, and business owners—each contributing to a transparent and responsible credit environment. Their work influences the financial health of individuals, families, and enterprises. 

Accordingly, CBA members are expected to: 

• Promote financial literacy and fair access to credit. 

• Refrain from any deceptive, misleading, or abusive practices. 

• Avoid making false promises or manipulating credit data. 

• Respect the public’s trust and always place the consumer’s welfare above personal or financial gain. 

This Code serves as both a guide and a commitment—defining the ethical foundation on which the credit profession stands and providing standards that help members navigate dilemmas with integrity and professionalism. 

 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES 

Principle A: Competence 

Members shall maintain the highest professional standards in their work. 
They will: 

• Provide only those services for which they are qualified by education, experience, or training. 

• Pursue continuing education to remain current with laws, technologies, and credit-industry practices. 

• Seek consultation or referral when issues fall outside their expertise. 

• Use all reasonable measures to ensure accuracy and reliability in credit reporting, analysis, and advice. 

 

Principle B: Integrity and Truthfulness 

Integrity is the foundation of all CBA membership. 
Members will: 

• Act with honesty and fairness in all professional dealings. 

• Never misrepresent qualifications, credentials, or results. 

• Deliver tangible value for any fees collected. 

• Avoid deceptive advertising, credit jamming, or “credit sweep” tactics. 

• Clearly inform clients that they have the right and ability to dispute or correct credit errors on their own. 

 

Principle C: Professional Responsibility 

Members have an obligation to protect both the public and the reputation of the profession. 
They will: 

• Adhere to this Code and report known violations to CBA when appropriate. 

• Refuse to participate in, condone, or ignore unethical behavior. 

• Cooperate with colleagues and regulators to promote ethical and lawful credit practices. 

• Accept disciplinary actions when warranted by due process under CBA governance. 

 

Principle D: Respect for Rights and Dignity 

Members respect the fundamental rights, dignity, and privacy of every individual. 
They will: 

• Safeguard personal and confidential information obtained in the course of professional duties. 

• Avoid discrimination based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. 

• Communicate with empathy and respect, recognizing the emotional and financial stress often associated with credit challenges. 

 

Principle E: Consumer Welfare and Transparency 

Members shall always act in the best interest of clients and the public. 
They will: 

• Explain all services, fees, and timelines in plain language. 

• Provide copies of all correspondence and dispute letters generated on a client’s behalf. 

• Respond promptly to client inquiries and maintain reasonable accessibility. 

• Avoid exaggerating outcomes or implying guaranteed results. 

• Issue refunds or make-good efforts when clients experience misunderstanding or unmet expectations. 

 

Principle F: Compliance with Laws and Regulations 

Members must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws—including but not limited to: 

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) 

• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) 

• The Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) 

• The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) 

• The Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA) on data privacy 
  Failure to adhere to these laws constitutes both an ethical and disciplinary violation. 

 

SPECIFIC ETHICAL STANDARDS 

1. Competency and Training

Members shall ensure that all staff or associates performing credit services are properly trained, supervised, and compliant with this Code. Continuing education and professional development are mandatory for maintaining certification and membership. 

2. Avoidance of Harm

Members must avoid causing harm—financial, reputational, or emotional—to clients, colleagues, or the public. 
They will not exploit client vulnerabilities or use confidential information for personal gain. 

3. Misuse of Influence or Work

Members will not allow their work or materials (letters, templates, research, or software) to be misused by others to deceive, defraud, or violate the law. 
If misuse occurs, members must take reasonable steps to correct or report it. 

4. Fair Fees and Financial Transparency

Members must clearly disclose all pricing and billing terms before providing services. 
They will: 

• Avoid hidden charges or misleading “setup” fees. 

• Not collect advance payments for unrendered services where prohibited by law. 

• Provide receipts and clear documentation for every transaction. 

5. Informed Consent

Before initiating any credit-related activity, members shall obtain informed written consent from clients that describes: 

• The purpose of the service. 

• The specific actions to be taken (e.g., disputes, education, analysis). 

• Any foreseeable risks, limitations, or third-party involvement. 

No disputes or correspondence shall be initiated without explicit client authorization. 

6. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Members must maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information. 
Disclosure is permitted only: 

• With written consent of the client, 

• When required by law, or 

• When necessary to prevent imminent harm or fraud. 

Members must use secure data storage and transmission practices consistent with FTC and GLBA standards. 

7. Objectivity and Independence

Members must base professional opinions and decisions on objective evidence, not on personal relationships, financial incentives, or external pressure. 

8. Conflicts of Interest

Members must disclose any relationship, compensation, or interest that may compromise impartiality. 
They must avoid dual roles that create conflicts between business gain and client welfare. 

9. Communication and Responsiveness

Members shall maintain accessible, courteous, and transparent communication with clients. 
If unavailable, they must provide a recorded message, written notice, or online status update regarding delays or absences, ensuring clients are informed of ongoing progress. 

10. Advertising and Public Representation

All public statements—including social media posts, marketing materials, and webinars—must be truthful, factual, and professional. 
Members must not: 

• Make exaggerated claims of credit improvement or results. 

• Display inappropriate or unprofessional imagery in association with CBA or its marks. 

• Misuse the CBA logo or certification titles. 

11. Professional Collaboration

Members are encouraged to cooperate with colleagues, regulators, and allied organizations to advance the credit profession. 
Constructive peer review and shared learning strengthen collective credibility. 

12. Prohibition of Unethical Credit Practices

CBA explicitly prohibits: 

• Credit jamming (mass frivolous disputes designed to overwhelm bureaus). 

• Credit sweeps (false claims of identity theft to remove accurate data). 

• Misrepresentation or falsification of consumer information or documents. 
  Violation of this rule will result in immediate membership termination and public notation of forfeiture. 

13. Resolution of Ethical Conflicts

When faced with ethical dilemmas: 

• Members should seek peer consultation, legal counsel, or guidance from CBA’s Ethics Committee. 

• Members must document their reasoning and steps taken to resolve conflicts responsibly. 

• Unresolved concerns may be referred to the CBA Ethics Review Board for evaluation. 

 

ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS 

Violations of this Code may result in: 

1. Written Warning or Probation 

1. Suspension of Membership or Certification 

1. Permanent Revocation 

1. Public Listing on CertificationForfeited.com or similar registry 

CBA reserves the right to disclose disciplinary actions where public protection or transparency requires it. Members subject to discipline will be given due process, including notice, opportunity to respond, and appeal rights.