Americans rely on credit and credit scores to give lenders an idea of their trustworthiness when they want to open a credit card, get a mortgage, or take out a loan. But for every strategy to increase your credit score and improve your credit, there’s a sneaky misstep that can […]

You might think people who are good with money aim for a perfect credit score of 850. However, I’m convinced you don’t need your credit score to be perfect. Your credit score is a tool for your life and finances, and a perfect credit score means you probably aren’t using […]

If you have bad or poor credit, i.e. a score somewhere between 300 and 579, you may have trouble renting an apartment if you live in a city where credit checks are a part of the rental process. There are a few things you can do to rent an apartment […]

A high credit score makes it easier to move through the world, but according to one financial planner, there are other indicators of long-term financial health that could be more important. Factors like ability to survive a job loss, retire on your terms, and take time off or switch careers […]

Apple Card, Apple’s new credit card, applications are now available for iPhone users. The bank behind the card, Goldman Sachs, has been approving users for the card who have “subprime” credit scores at the direction of Apple, CNBC reported. Sources told CNBC that Apple asked Goldman Sachs to make sure […]

FICO is the numeric credit-scoring system created by the Fair Isaac Corporation; it’s the first and most-used credit-scoring system in the US. All three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax – use the FICO system, though other credit-scoring systems exist. Your FICO score may be slightly different at each […]

A good credit score to buy a car is usually above 660, which is the minimum score to be considered a “prime” borrower by Experian. However, there’s no industry-wide, official minimum credit score in order to qualify for an auto loan. Generally, the higher your credit score, the better terms […]

It’s important to review your credit reports often to check for mistakes, and to do that you need to know how to read a credit report. Credit reports are typically broken down into sections that make them easier to understand, including personal information, open and closed accounts, and collections. You’re […]

Capital One reported that it was hit with a data breach in late March affecting an estimated 100 million users in the US. The breach compromised approximately 140,000 customers’Social Security numbers and 80,000 linked bank account numbers. If you think you may have been affected, you have two options to […]

Capital One said on Monday that information from over 100 million people, including Social Security and bank-account numbers, had been compromised. Capital One said that while it is still investigating, “it is unlikely that the information was used for fraud or disseminated by” the hacker. If you’re a Capital One […]

Capital One reported that it was hit with a data breach in late March. The breach affected an estimated 100 million users in the US, and approximately 140,000 customers’ Social Security numbers and 80,000 linked bank account numbers were compromised. The issuer said it will notify affected individuals and make […]

I’ve been aggressively working on paying off debt and building my credit, so I check my free credit score at least once a month. During a recent probe, I analysed it more closely than usual and realised there was $US12,000 of debt in my name that wasn’t actually mine – […]

Your credit score may go down after paying off a loan or credit-card balance. When you pay off an old loan and the account closes, the average age of your active accounts could drop, which has a moderate impact on your credit score. When you pay off a credit-card balance, […]

In 2017, the credit-monitoring agency Equifax revealed that a massive hack exposed the data of over 147 million Americans, including Social Security numbers, names, addresses, and other personal information. Following a class-action lawsuit, Equifax agreed to pay out hundreds of millions of dollars to the victims. If you’re an American, […]

A hard inquiry is a request made by a lender who wants to view your credit report before approving you for a new loan or line of credit. With your permission, a lender receives a copy of your credit report, which lists your account and payment history, and other hard […]

Money is a common source of conflict in relationships, especially when one person spends more money than the other thinks. We asked relationship and personal finance experts for signs your spouse is secretly spending more money than you think. Red flags include frequent shopping trips, a decreasing credit score, and […]

I’ve spent years moving around the US, renting homes for as little as six months at a time. To do that, though, I’ve had to maintain an excellent credit score to make me an appealing tenant for landlords. I keep my credit score above 740 by being diligent about paying […]

If you’ve ever had a credit card or taken out a loan, you have a credit report. You should never pay to get your credit report. If a website is asking you to pay for your credit report in exchange for personal information, it is probably a fraud. You can […]

You can increase the credit limit on your credit card by submitting a request to your bank, either online or by phone. No matter how or where you apply for a credit limit increase, you’ll need to provide your employment status, annual gross income, and monthly housing payment. Most banks […]

Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. We may receive a small commission from our partners, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. How many credit cards you should you have? There’s no definitive number, but […]

Have you been having trouble getting approved for credit cards? It could be because your credit isn’t in the best place – even though some credit reporting services might say you have good credit. If you don’t have a credit history, have more credit card debt than long-term debt, or […]

Cancelling a credit card you don’t use can often do more harm than good. You shouldn’t close a credit card that has been open for a long time or a card with a high credit limit. Closing the account could negatively affect your credit history and credit utilization, and in […]

It’s easy to check your credit score, and it should always be free. Your credit score is a three-digit summary of your credit report, which outlines all of your credit activity for your entire history as a borrower. To check your credit score, consider using a free website like Credit […]

To increase your credit score, the first thing you’ll want to do is check your credit report and score and flag any inaccuracies that could be negatively influencing your credit. Then, it’s about good habits: creating a system to pay your bills on time, getting a handle on your debt, […]

Your credit score is calculated using a number of factors, including your credit-card balance, also known as your revolving debt. Paying off that balance is often the fastest way to improve your credit score. While a quick boost to your credit score is one benefit of paying your balance, another […]

Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. We may receive a small commission from our partners, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. You can improve your credit score by focusing on two factors: your payment […]

The author, Holly Johnson, has 26 credit cards and a consistently high credit score. The most important factors that make up your FICO score include your payment history (35%) and how much you owe in relation to your credit limits (30%), she wrote. Hard inquiries from new cards usually cause […]

Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. New credit cards temporarily lower your credit score, but using […]

A person’s credit score determines the likelihood they will repay debt. Simple mistakes or oversights can sink a credit score. Getting caught up in life events such as the purchase of a new home or going on vacation can make it easy to overlook seemingly minor financial mistakes. Thankfully, all […]

Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. In 2011, author Eric Rosenberg discovered the world of travel […]

An excellent credit score is anything above 800, according Fair Isaac Corp.’s FICO model. According to a LendingTree analysis of people with credit scores of at least 801, those with excellent credit have an average of nine open accounts. These borrowers also have a credit limit around $US71,000, a credit […]

It can seem intimidating to build your credit, but it’s not hard to maintain once it’s established. Your credit is represented by a credit score, a three-digit number that gives lenders an idea of how risky you are as a borrower that fluctuates with credit-related activity, like taking out a […]

A good credit score is typically anything above 670. Your credit score is a three-digit number that tells a lender how risky a borrower you are. A credit score can determine whether you get approved for a mortgage, auto loan, or new credit card. It also influences the terms of […]

Short-selling positions in the credit agency Equifax have spiked to their highest level since its data-leak scandal in 2017. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has slammed the company as part of what she calls a “dice game” of privatised credit scoring. Part of short-sellers’ motivation may relate to class-action lawsuits resulting from […]

Your credit score may slowly be getting worse over time without you realising it. Maxing out your credit cards can hurt your credit score, even if you pay your bills on time each month. Things beyond your control, such as a change in loan servicing, can also hurt your credit […]

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said in an interview with Business Insider in July that the bank was considering ways to reward customers for boosting their credit score, such as offering rewards points or reducing the rate on a loan. The ideas are part of a larger effort at the firm’s […]

Credit-card debt is at an all-time high in the US, with differences in balances and credit scores across regions. Residents in the Northeast and Upper Midwest generally own more credit cards and have higher credit scores. Southerners, on the other hand, have lower scores and fewer cards. Here’s how people […]

A credit score is a number, used in countries like the US and Canada, which aims to predict your likelihood to meeting financial obligations like paying back a loan. Having a low credit score can make it harder and more expensive to get a mortgage, for example. Mant countries do […]

The majority of online daters would prefer a partner with a good credit score than a nice car. A good credit score is perceived to be a sign of responsibility, trustworthiness, and intelligence. Finding a partner who is financially responsible is more important than having a physically attractive significant other, […]

The Equifax breach exposed sensitive personal information for nearly 150 million Americans. A credit freeze protects against new accounts being opened in your name, which happens to 4% of identity-theft victims. However, freezing your credit will not prevent the most common type of identity theft: misuse of current accounts. After […]

Data breaches suck. And on Thursday, we had...

A site Equifax set up to help users check to...

Equifax, a company that provides credit scores...

• Millions of Americans with subprime...

Explanations of the Millennial generation have...

It's one of the cardinal rules of good...

Warning: This post contains slight spoilers for...

James Altucher says you shouldn't worry about having a low credit score.

Credit cards are a hot topic. Some people...

Before Sophia Amoruso founded vintage clothing...

Your credit score is a representation of your...

VIDEO: Podcaster and blogger James Altucher has a better way to get rid of your credit card debt.

According to psychologist Arthur Aron, the...

A new government report has revealed that nearly one-fifth of American adults have little to no credit history.

Your credit score plays a role in everything...

If you're fixated on your 750-plus credit score...

According to Credit.com, the typical...

Mortgage and auto lenders aren't the only...

A new survey by BMO Harris Bank of 1,500...

Your three-digit credit score is a go-to...

Once you're out of school, it's pretty unusual...

Raise your hand if you've heard that you...

There's one thing all of us know about our...

An uncluttered living room is admirable. An...

We're all pretty clear by now on the fact that...

Keeping tabs on your credit score can be a big help in spotting problems or issues before they become severe. All too often, though, that information comes at a price. Requesting a copy of your FICO credit score can cost up to $US20 each time, according to an article in […]

Credit scores are crucial — especially when it comes to finding a home. In major metropolitan areas like New York City, the strength of your credit can be a major factor in whether a landlord will rent to you. And not making the cut can be a devastating blow, especially […]

What will the New Year bring? NerdWalletpredicts it may come with a few changes that will boost your bank account. The personal finance site published a list of upcoming financial trends and policy changes that could shape 2014. We pulled out three predictions that would be good for you and […]

Marathon, not a sprint.

Get them for free online.

Rapid fire.

"Banks are worried that you'll game the system."

Fact from fiction.

Timing is everything.

Don't believe the scams.

Not always a total knockout.

It all depends.

Not a dumb question.

Don't close out your cards. 

Bubble wrap. And a llama.

[credit provider=”www.shutterstock.com” url=”http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-530809p1.html#id=94242181&src=dca973816d377eb04e5b835d66f6ed6e-1-83″] Everyone is talking about the new credit score on the block –– VantageScore 3.0. It’s a completely revamped version of the original VantageScore, which is a generic credit scoring model that has been around since 2006. It was launched as a joint effort by the three major credit […]

[credit provider=”artnoose” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/artnoose/2263480871/”] Credit Scores: Have you ever wondered how they come up with a three-digit number that can predict whether you’re a good or bad credit risk?Back in the 1980s, a group of credit grantors, Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) and one of the three national credit bureaus got together […]

[credit provider=”statigr.am/xjldx” url=”http://statigr.am/p/314590405594680284_11168553″] Credit scores are one of the most important numbers in consumers’ lives. They can mean the difference between renting a home or owning one, and getting a great interest rate on your car loan or walking off the lot with a subprime contract.And yet, the credit reporting […]

[credit provider=”Instagram” url=”http://instagram.com/p/R5dxIIAGCS/”] Think you’re financially savvy?When it comes to their personal finances, people carry around notions all their lives that may or may not be valid.

[credit provider=”Giampaolo Macorig / Flickr” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/113872396/”] Credit.com reader Tanya wrote us recently with this question:My score is 606. At this moment, I only have a Macy’s card with a limit of $100. Divorced 5 years ago, when my ex filed bankruptcy and included the house we had together.

[credit provider=””>Daniel Goodman / Business Insider”] Can Paying a Credit Card Bill Weekly Hurt My Score? Everyone knows that paying your bills on time is essential if you want to get — or keep — strong credit scores. But does the size of your payments affect your credit scores? Our […]

[credit provider=””40 Million Mistakes: Is your credit report accurate?”” url=”http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50140748n”] Consumer activists were rattled Monday after the FTC released a report on widespread credit reporting errors.According to the agency, as many as one in five consumers have errors on their credit reports that could hinder their ability to apply for […]

[credit provider=”statigr.am/luvfithealth” url=”http://statigr.am/p/189094647498632818_19411370″] The information in your credit reports is what’s used to create your credit scores, so you don’t want to let mistakes on your credit reports potentially throw your credit scores out of whack.An FTC study released today shows that one in five consumers have errors on their credit reports […]

[preserve] [/preserve] WATCH: Here's How To Track Your Credit Score [credit provider=”Business Insider”] The Federal Trade Commission just released a report on the credit reporting industry that could spell trouble for tens of millions of consumers. When the agency reviewed 1,000 consumers’ credit reports, it found 25 per cent of people […]

[credit provider=”Flickr/regokorosi” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/korosirego/3937122174/”] I was thrilled to pay off one of two credit cards last fall, and as of last week, I hadn’t touched the thing.Then I got a letter from my bank, announcing a pretty incredible limited time bonus – 5 per cent back on travel-related purchases made by […]

[credit provider=”mariachily / Flickr” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariachily/5250474332/”] If you are preparing to apply for a new credit card or a loan, you’ll want to achieve the highest credit score possible.While FICO cannot provide an exact correlation between individual actions and specific points earned because there are so many variables in each credit […]

[credit provider=”Instagram/ericabibi_” url=”http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/detail/330701328408357971_245075490″] It’s time for new beginnings, and perhaps that means a new credit card.Finding a good card — and managing it well — can boost your buying power and credit score. But be careful.

Every year, he makes a list and checks it twice. He notes who’s naughty or nice.

[credit provider=”markusreuter via Instagram” url=”http://instagram.com/p/SYam8ZiU8Y/”] Despite a slowly strengthening economy, job seekers have plenty to worry about these days.Stiff competition and fewer available jobs are holding many Americans back from joining the labour force.

[credit provider=”Flickr / JefferyTurner” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/respres/2539334956/in/photostream/”] As reported by the NYT, a recent study has revealed a pattern of risky lending by the Federal Housing Administration that could trigger a spike in the agency’s foreclosure rates.This comes at a time when the agency’s market share of mortgages remains alarmingly high.

Usually it’s easy to tell if you’ve stumbled upon a good idea at the office; your boss gives you positive feedback in the form of either an “atta boy” or maybe even a raise.

[credit provider=”Flickr via prayitno” url=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/4275722518/in/photostream/”] For the next few weeks, Wells Fargo customers can get a free credit score by visiting any bank branch in the U.S.Since credit scores are typically sold by credit reporting agencies separately from reports (which are free once a year), Wells Fargo’s offer is great at face […]

[credit provider=”Michael Loccisano/Getty Images”] With the average FICO credit score estimated at 690 (the highest possible score is 850), chances are most Americans wouldn’t mind some advice on how to improve. Of all consumers, just 25 per cent have managed to achieve a score of 785 or higher.

[credit provider=”John Moore/Getty Images” url=”http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/tracy-munch-looks-over-an-album-of-familiy-photos-after-an-news-photo/84590743#”] It’s not uncommon for borrowers to ask: “Why can’t I get the interest rates I see advertised on the Internet?”One of the most important characteristics of securing a mortgage is your FICO score. Simply put, the lower the credit score, the higher the interest rate.

[credit provider=”Jill Krasny “] The credit scores that consumers buy from credit reporting agencies sometimes differ from the scores lenders see when deciding the terms of loans, potentially to the detriment of the consumer, a U.S. watchdog agency said on Tuesday.About one in five consumers purchasing a credit score is […]