Credit Scores

If you have a credit score that ranges anywhere between 670 and 739, you have good credit. With a score like this, you should be able to get approved for an unsecured personal loan. These loans are typically structured as installment loans with a fixed repayment period and often —though not always — a fixed interest...

If you have a credit score of 669 or less, you fall into the category of fair credit, which is still not great in the eyes of most lenders. You are considered a subprime borrower, so getting credit might be difficult and interest rates will likely be high. If you’re looking to get a personal loan,...

If you have a credit score of 579 or lower, you are considered to have poor credit.  Finding loans with a credit score this low is a challenge because lenders see you as a high risk borrower. Even if you are approved for anything, you will pay very high interest rates. But, it’s not impossible....

Has a credit card company or maybe even a store waived a shiny new credit card deal in front of you lately? If so, you may be considering getting it, especially if there’s a great discount or special offer coming along with it. But, even for a great deal, you might think twice before getting...

Just because you have available credit, doesn’t mean you should use it. In fact, if you want to improve your credit score, you are encouraged not to use it. Getting caught in high balances looks unfavorable to credit bureaus. They see it as your credit utilization ratio (the ratio of your credit card balance to credit...

When you’re trying to clean up your credit score, you can’t help but want to pay things off. But that may not be a good idea. Keep in mind that when you’re not paying, the lender isn’t happy. So, you actually have an upper hand in this situation with negotiating power. After all, they do...

There are plenty of sources to find obtain your credit scores. However, the scores created by Fair Isaac Corp., aka FICO, is most commonly used. This is what you want to go by when checking out your credit report. Credit scores through this system range from 300 to 850 and are broken down into these...

This month, make it a point to start improving your credit score. First step, check your credit report, especially if you haven’t checked it in a while. Where to check? The three national credit reporting agencies are a great start. Check Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They all keep credit reports on consumers. You can obtain...

If there is a delinquency on your credit report, all hope isn’t lost. There are ways to negotiate to get it removed. It may not work with every lender all the time, but it’s definitely worth a try. Call the lender and offer them a certain amount of money to settle the account, provided they...

Here’s a great strategy to follow for using a secured credit card to build credit. Use it and your score will start to see an increase in about 6 months. 1 – Use the card every month for a very small amount like $10 or $20. 2 – Pay the balance in full and on...