How to Read the Credit Score on Your Report
The score on your credit report is probably not what your lender uses, but it tells a story you need to understand.
Category: Credit Scores
How Long Do Negative Marks Stay on Your Credit Report?
Most negative items fall off your credit report after seven years, but their power to hurt your credit score shrinks much sooner.
Why Your Credit Score Can Drop After Paying Off a Loan
Paying off a loan is a win for your finances, but it can cause a confusing drop in your credit score. Here…
Authorized User: The Credit Score Shortcut With a Catch
Being an authorized user can build your credit fast, but only if the main cardholder has perfect habits.
Closing Your Oldest Credit Card: When the Score Hit Is Worth It
Closing an old card hurts your credit score, but high annual fees or bad habits can make it the correct financial decision…
Free Credit Reports Are Real. Here’s Where to Get Them.
The U.S. government mandates one free credit report site. We show you how to use it and explain what paid services are…
A Thin Credit File Is a Question Mark, Not a Red Flag
Lenders see a thin credit file as an unknown, not as a sign of bad behavior. Here's how they decide if you're…
Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull: How to Tell Before You Apply
A hard credit inquiry can lower your score, but a soft one will not. Here is how you can tell which is…
How to Dispute a Credit Report Error and Win
A mistake on your credit report can cost you money. Here is the step-by-step process to get it fixed.
Is the 30 Percent Credit Rule a Myth?
The common advice to keep your credit utilization under 30 percent is a good start, but it misses the real story of…