Denied for credit? Let's get a bill paid and get you back on track.
This fall, I'm giving $500 to help cover a bill for three people who were recently denied credit. Then we'll sit down together, live, and I'll show you exactly what banks look for and how to rebuild the right way.
Apply NowApplications open October 1, 2026. No purchase necessary. Official Rules
Real relief. Real answers.
$500 toward your bills
You receive $500 to put toward a household bill: a utility, rent, car note, phone, insurance or similar bill.
A live credit review
We walk through your credit report together and I explain it the way an underwriter reads it. You choose whether we use your first name or keep you anonymous.
A plan forward
You leave knowing why you were denied, what to fix first, and how to get approved the right way next time.
Life happens. A denial isn't the end of the story.
In 25 years of banking, I've sat on the other side of the desk. I've seen good, hardworking people get denied because life happened. A job loss. A spouse gone too soon. A medical emergency. Income that dried up overnight.
A denial letter doesn't tell you who you are. It tells you what the bank saw on paper. When you understand what they saw, you can change it.
This special is about relief and education. One person gets $500 toward their bills each month, and everyone watching learns what really gets you approved.
โ Lysa Davis, The Trusted Banker
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 18 or older and a legal resident of the United States
- Have been denied for credit within the last 90 days and still have your denial letter (called an "adverse action notice")
- Follow The Trusted Banker on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at @thetrustedbanker
- Subscribe to The Trusted Banker newsletter. This is how we'll contact you if you're selected.
- Share your story in a short letter (details below)
Four simple steps
Apply on this page
Fill out the short form below. It adds you to the newsletter, which is how we'll reach you.
Tell us your story
After you apply, you'll get an email with instructions for sending a short letter (500 words or less) about how you got here and where you want to go. Share only what you're comfortable sharing. We never need medical details.
Finalists are verified
If you're a finalist, we'll confirm you follow us on all three platforms and ask you to send a copy of your denial letter with account numbers blacked out.
Winner is selected and goes live
The winner pulls their own free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and joins me for a live review. Then they receive $500 to put toward their bills.
Three chances to be selected
Apply once. If you're not chosen in October, your application automatically stays in the running for November and December.
Winner announced by Friday, Oct. 23
Winner announced by Friday, Nov. 20
Winner announced by Friday, Dec. 18
Applications close Friday, December 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
My promise to protect you
We will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account numbers, card numbers or passwords. We do not pull your credit. The winner pulls their own free report and chooses what to share.
Beware of scammers. The Trusted Banker will never DM you asking for money, gift cards or banking information to "claim a prize." Winners are contacted only by email from [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. There is no fee and no purchase necessary.
How are winners chosen?
Winners are selected by The Trusted Banker team based on the written letter, using the criteria in the Official Rules: the circumstances that led to the denial, the applicant's commitment to rebuilding, and the educational value of their story for our community.
Do I have to show my face or use my real name?
No. The winner agrees to a live review of their credit report, but you choose whether we use your first name only or keep you anonymous. Account numbers and personal details are always blacked out.
How is the $500 paid?
The winner receives $500 directly. We ask that you use it toward a household bill such as a utility, rent or mortgage, car note, phone, internet or insurance.
Why do I need a denial letter?
When you're denied credit, the lender is required to send you a notice explaining why. That letter is proof of a recent denial, and it's also one of the most useful documents for understanding what to fix. Keep it.
Is the prize taxable?
Prizes may be considered taxable income. Winners should talk with a tax professional.
What if I'm not selected?
You still win the education. As a newsletter subscriber, you'll get notice of every live session so you can learn right alongside each winner.
Your denial is not your destiny.
Complete the form below to enter. Watch your inbox for next steps.
Apply for the Bill Relief Special
Enter your name, email and social usernames to apply. You'll be added to The Trusted Banker newsletter, which is how we'll send your next steps and contact you if you're selected.
Use an email address you check regularly. If you're new to The Trusted Banker, you'll need to confirm it before you receive your "Next Steps" email.
