Effective : January 1, 2026

1. Introduction

Credit Scholar ("Company," "we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us online (collectively, the "Services").

This Policy is designed to comply with applicable United States privacy laws, including but not limited to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), and other applicable federal and state privacy laws.

By using our Services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

A. Identifiers

  • Full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Mailing address

  • IP address

  • Account username

B. Internet Activity

  • Browsing activity

  • Device type

  • Operating system

  • Referral URLs

  • Interaction data

We collect information:

  • Directly from you

  • Automatically through cookies and tracking technologies

  • From service providers and partners (where permitted by law)

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use your personal information to:

  • Provide and manage our Services

  • Process transactions

  • Verify identity

  • Improve website functionality

  • Communicate with you

  • Send marketing communications (in compliance with CAN-SPAM)

  • Detect fraud and enhance security

  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not use sensitive personal information for purposes beyond what is necessary to provide our Services unless legally permitted.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Where required under applicable state laws, we process personal information based on:

  • Performance of a contract

  • Compliance with legal obligations

  • Legitimate business interests

  • Your consent

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We may disclose personal information to:

  • Service providers and contractors

  • Payment processors

  • Legal and regulatory authorities

  • Business partners (only as permitted by law)

We do not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA/CPRA.

If we ever engage in data selling or sharing for cross-context behavioral advertising, we will provide required notice and opt-out rights.

6. Your Privacy Rights (California Residents)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information we collect

  • Access your personal information

  • Request deletion

  • Request correction

  • Opt-out of sale or sharing

  • Limit use of sensitive personal information

  • Non-discrimination for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at:

Email: legal@creditscholar.org

We may verify your identity before processing requests.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data

  • Secure server environments

  • Access controls

  • Ongoing security monitoring

However, no system can guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide Services

  • Fulfill contractual obligations

  • Comply with legal requirements

  • Resolve disputes

  • Enforce agreements

9. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)

Our Services are not directed to children under 13. We do not collect personal information from children under 13.

(CAN-SPAM Compliance)

We may send marketing emails. You may opt-out at any time by:

  • Clicking the unsubscribe link

  • Contacting us directly

We honor opt-out requests promptly.

11. Financial Information & GLBA Compliance 

12. Credit Scholar follows the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), as we:

  • Protect nonpublic personal information (NPI)

  • Provide required privacy notices

  • Maintain safeguards under the Safeguards Rule

  • Limit sharing as required by law

13. Do Not Track Signals

Our website may not respond to browser “Do Not Track” signals. You may control tracking through cookie settings.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify users by:

  • Updating the “Last Updated” date

  • Posting notice on our website

  • Providing additional notice if required by law

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:

Credit Scholar

115 Willbrook Blvd.

Suite S

Pawleys Island, SC 29585
legal@creditscholar.org