Everything you need to know about credit reports and credit scores. Includes detailed information on how to read and understand your credit report, how a credit score is used, the huge and powerful agencies behind your credit report and score, and real strategies to help you build, improve, and maintain a solid credit score.
Your credit report is used to evaluate your creditworthiness when taking out a loan, opening a credit card, renting an apartment, and sometimes even getting a job. With that being said, it’s incredibly important to know how to read your …
Financial hardship doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Follow these proactive steps to assess your situation, budget effectively, and rebuild your credit score.
Understand the Australian credit reporting system, how scores are calculated, and how it differs from the US credit system.
There are three main credit reporting agencies in the United States – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each agency (or bureau) has a slightly different way of collecting and organizing a consumer’s credit information to form a credit report. Because of …
Your credit score can be both a blessing and a curse. A good score can give you access to much better financial products at lower interest rates, but it also takes a significant amount of effort to keep your credit …
Your personal credit report is used to evaluate your creditworthiness when taking out a loan, opening a credit card, renting an apartment, and sometimes even getting a job. With that being said, it’s incredibly important to know how to read …
One way or another, you need to know what the credit reporting agencies are saying about you in your credit reports. Because if your reports are inaccurate, it could affect your ability to get a loan or a job. It …
A credit report is a compilation of various factors that involve your finances. The information it contains is vital to maintaining your credit and repairing it if there are problems. This article goes over how to get your report for …
When your bank tells you that your credit score isn’t high enough to support the loan you applied for, you may scratch your head and wonder what went wrong. The last time you checked your score it was in great …
In a perfect world, there would be a crash course in credit where you would learn everything you need to know to navigate the world of finances. Unfortunately, learning about credit reports and credit scores is not included in mainstream …
Your credit score is an important factor for major life purchases. Whether it be renting an apartment, buying a car, or applying for a loan, your credit score can be a deciding factor in the process. If your credit score …
In the United States, there are two different credit scoring models; FICO and VantageScore. Understanding the difference between the two scoring models and when each one is used can provide you with some valuable insight into how lenders and other …
In 2017 Equifax was hacked, and, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 147 million American’s data was stolen. This breach left those people wide open to identity theft. The unexpected damage that can be done to your finances and life, …
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a U.S. Government legislation that ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy when it comes to your credit reports. Instead of reading through the 115-page legislation, this article highlights the most important aspects that pertain …
If you find yourself in a position where your credit score has dropped significantly, you may have trouble taking out a loan, applying for a mortgage, or getting a credit card. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to …
How do credit cards affect your credit score? Learn about credit utilization, payment history, and how to manage card debt to build a stronger financial profile.
Understand the difference between a short sale and foreclosure. Learn how a short sale impacts your credit score and whether you can buy another home afterward.
Avoid common credit mistakes like keeping a zero balance or closing old accounts. Learn the ideal number of credit lines and inquiries to maintain a high score.
Did you know on-time rent payments can help your credit score? Learn about rent reporting services like RentReporters and Rental Kharma to build your credit history.
Can’t find the address for a debt collector? Use your credit report, the BBB, or state resources to locate creditors so you can send dispute or settlement letters.
See the real cost of bad credit in dollars and cents. Learn how a lower FICO score leads to thousands more in interest on car loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
Learn if potential or current employers have the legal right to pull your credit report and how bad credit can impact hiring, promotion, and firing decisions.
Discover how auto accidents and associated medical debt can affect your credit score, and learn how to manage insurance coordination of benefits effectively.
Understand the relationship between credit card limits and your credit score. Learn why keeping your utilization ratio below 30% is crucial for rebuilding credit.
If you have no credit history, you’re credit invisible. Learn six practical ways to establish a credit profile, from secured cards to rent-reporting services.
Learn how collections affect your credit and discover methods for removal, including debt validation, “pay for delete” negotiations, and disputing aged accounts.
Collections and charge-offs are devastating for credit scores. Learn how these negative items impact your FICO score and how to recover from these credit dings.
Aiming for Tier one credit? Learn about the “A” credit rating criteria, including FICO score ranges, and discover how excellent credit saves you money on loans.
The majority of the articles found in our credit reports section of our website deal with topics such as; how to get your credit reports, how to read and understand your credit reports, and best of all, how to remove negative items found on …
A security freeze, sometimes known as a credit freeze, allows individuals the ability to control the release of their credit information to lenders or anyone trying to access their credit information. Consumers have the right, by law, to freeze, or …