By BEV O’SHEA of NerdWallet&nbsp;&nbsp;

(AP)-Many businesses are offering relief on bills to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. 

Contact creditors to find out what’s available and document the details of any agreements. Remember to change automatic payments for accounts you don’t have to pay or pay in full. Then check your credit reports to make sure accounts are reported correctly. 

Thanks to the CARES Act, accounts that had been in good standing will still be reported to credit bureaus as “current” while payment accommodations are in place. 

Taking time to protect your credit can help preserve your options in case you need to borrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By BEV O’SHEA of NerdWallet&nbsp;&nbsp;(AP)-Many businesses are offering relief on bills to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. Contact creditors to find out what’s available and document the details of any agreements. Remember to change automatic payments for accounts you don’t have to pay or pay in full. Then check your credit reports to make sure accounts are reported correctly. Thanks to the CARES Act, accounts that had been in good standing will still be reported to credit bureaus as “current” while payment accommodations are in place. Taking time to protect your credit can help preserve your options in case you need to borrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How COVID-19 payment accommodations may affect your credit