Credit Score
12 articles
For U.S. consumers, having “good credit” or a good credit score is everything. Black marks on your credit report can prevent you from acquiring rental housing, certain jobs, or student loans – and cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest for your mortgage, medical loans, vehicle loans, and other lines of credit. Yet for
Credit utilization is one of the most important factors contributing to your credit score. Your credit utilization ratio refers to how much available credit you have at a given time. Credit utilization is critical because it signals to lenders whether you can use credit responsibly and pay your debts. In fact, credit experts say that
The worst part about foreclosure is losing your house, but the indirect financial fallout is pretty bad too. A foreclosure can cause your credit score to drop by 100 to 200 points, with much of the damage coming in the first two or three months after you first fall behind on your mortgage. If that’s
Finding out how much your credit score really matters can be a hard blow. Fortunately, diligently paying down a small, short-term loan gradually increases your credit score over time. And following these steps, you can potentially have the funds in your hand in a day or two.
Being creditworthy has a massive impact on your life, from your ability to get credit cards and borrow money to signing up for utilities. But what does it mean to be “creditworthy”?
If you’re a homeowner, you have a powerful tool that can help with debt consolidation: your home’s equity. A home equity line of credit uses your home’s equity to offer you a built-in line of credit you can draw on for various purposes, debt consolidation included.
Discover how credit-builder loans can help you establish or rebuild credit quickly. Learn how they work, their features, and the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Suddenly need a major infusion of cash? A line of credit may be a cheaper and more convenient option than loans or credit cards. But it comes with its own downsides. Find out more about credit lines before opening one.
It can be kind of annoying that your biggest, most important payment — your rent — doesn’t even count toward your credit score. Fortunately, these days, you can add rent payments to your credit report to improve your credit score without a lot of hassle.
An active-duty alert tells potential creditors and lenders you’re deployed and they should verify your identity before giving you credit. It’s a handy tool when you’re serving your country away from home. But there are other options for locking down your credit report. Which one’s right for you?
Are you concerned about identity theft and credit card fraud? Placing a fraud alert on your credit report is one option. Find out whether it’s the best option for you and whether you need a regular or extended fraud alert.
As an American consumer, you have rights when it comes to your credit. From credit score access to the right to prevent fraud, learn about each right you have under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and how to protect them.
Trending stories
Explore Borrow Money
You’re borrowing it. Do it wisely.