The Treasury Department said today that on its opening day the agency’s Consumer Response Center began accepting credit card complaints on its new website, consumerfinance.gov.  The CFPB will also be sending introductory letters to the CEOs of the depository institutions – generally large banks and their bank affiliates – that are subject to CFPB supervision. These letters, which outline the agency’s approach to supervision and examination, mark the beginning of the CFPB’s regular communications with the institutions it supervises.  In addition, the CFPB’s Enforcement Team is ready to begin enforcing federal consumer financial laws, when necessary.

The Bureau said it would also refer distressed homeowners to housing counselors and, over the coming months, expand its operations to handle complaints about other consumer financial products.

“Two years ago, the consumer agency was just barely an idea. A year ago it became law. And this week, the CFPB will open its doors and begin to make a difference in the marketplace,” said Elizabeth Warren,s pecial advisor to the secretary of the Treasury on the CFPB. “This agency is ready to be a cop on the beat for American families – and I couldn’t be prouder.”