Articles for Credit Reports
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Rapid Rescore Can Boost Credit Rating Quickly
Many consumers may be in the process of attempting to boost their credit score so that they can qualify for more favorable lines of credit, but some of the changes they made may have not been reflected in their rating.
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Highest U.S. Credit Scores Belong To Californians
California mortgage applicants carry the highest credit scores in the country, new data shows.
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Healthy History Makes It Easier to Obtain Credit
Consumers who are having trouble obtaining a line of credit are often struggling because they don't have a good enough credit score. But, by taking steps to improve that rating, consumers will likely have a better time with their finances.
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Consumer Advocates Speak Out Against Tax Liens
Financial professionals say tax liens adversely affect struggling Americans' credit scores and do not improve collection methods.
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Important to protect a credit report
Many consumers may be aware that their credit report is incredibly important to their finances, but may not take the necessary precautions to make sure it's as healthy as it can be.
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A good credit report can get a discount on TV service
A consumer's credit report affects more than their ability to qualify for loans or obtain a favorable interest rate. Some utility companies may also use this document to determine whether they can qualify for coverage.
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Credit reports still used in employment
Despite criticism from consumer groups and laws outlawing the practice in some states, many employers across the country still access applicants' credit reports as a means of determining their qualifications for a position.
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Getting a perfect credit score is possible, but not necessary
The idea may seem daunting: how can anyone possibly be so good with their finances that their credit score is perfect? However, some people have done it.
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Many things can take a chunk out of a credit score
Consumers may be aware of what they need to do to maintain a healthy credit score, but they may also make missteps that damage their rating without their knowledge.
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Many factors decide a credit score
A consumer's credit score is the single most important piece of financial information about them, and many lenders consult only this figure when determining whether the person is creditworthy. It is therefore important to keep in mind some of the factors that go into this three-digit number.
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Many ways to improve your credit score
In order to qualify for a number of financial products, from a home loan to a credit card, many consumers may need to improve their credit score. Luckily, there are a number of ways to do this.
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Credit Score Differences Among Spouses Can Have Negative Impact
Lenders may not assign prime rates when couples with credit score differences apply jointly for loans.
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Erroneous medical bills affect millions of credit scores
Many Americans find their credit scores damaged due to unpaid medical bills sent to collections in error.
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Mortgage agreements to include credit score alerts
Beginning on January 1, consumers who apply for new mortgages will find an addition to the familiar paperwork.
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Improve your credit score in the new year
As the economy continues to recover, many consumers may want to see their credit score improve with it. Fortunately, there are a number of simple options available to those who want to repair their rating.
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More consumers with bad credit scores receive card offers
While many consumers have previously been unable to obtain a new line of credit because financial difficulties led to their credit score dropping severely, many lenders are now extending them new offers in hopes of buoying profits.
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Some consumers denied loans despite great credit scores
There are a number of consumers who have been able to keep their credit score relatively healthy despite the national economic meltdown that caused most Americans' ratings to take large hits. However, those who maintained prime or even super ratings may still be denied for loans.
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A bad credit score can't be fixed overnight
Many consumers may have accidentally made a few missteps in dealing with their finances, resulting in lower credit scores and potentially making themselves ineligible for new loans. Unfortunately, there's no way for a consumer to quickly repair his or her rating.
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Credit score is actually a ranking, Zillow says
A consumer's creditworthiness is often measured against the credit health of others.
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Credit score minimums for FHA loans take effect
Credit score minimums for FHA loans take effect
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Government to investigate claims of discrimination
A number of consumers who should have qualified for their loans based on their credit scores say that many banks and mortgage lenders opted to decline their applications based on their race, and now a major government agency is looking into the matter.
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A bad credit report can carry some surprises
Many consumers are aware of how much sway a credit report has over their entire financial life, but there are a number of factors it can impact that some may not be be cognizant of.
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Potential employers can check your credit report
When consumers apply for a job, there's a lot to worry about, including whether they're properly qualified and what the other potential candidates bring to the table. However, one factor they may not consider is the health of their credit report.
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Consumers can dispute errors on their credit report
When consumers examine their credit reports, it's likely that they will discover an error of some kind, as a large percentage of these documents contain at least one mistake. However, they don't have to live with these inaccuracies.
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Your credit score affects your whole financial life
While many consumers may be aware that their credit score has a bearing on many aspects of their finances, they may not know the extent of its reach.
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Improve credit score to lower mortgage costs
Consumers who have poor credit will face larger mortgage rates and down payment requirements.
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One in seven 'creditworthy' Americans unable to pay bills
The economic crisis has forced many responsible Americans into default and delinquency.
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Some new credit cards carry no spending limits
In an effort to draw in new customers, some credit card lenders are now offering accounts that carry no limits, but these can also present some dangers.
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Economy dragging down consumers' credit scores
Even as the national economy continues to improve, there are a number of pitfalls causing consumers to see drops in their credit score.
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Your credit score affects your mortgage
Many consumers have seen their credit score shrink in the last year because of difficulty paying their monthly loan bills. But this money trouble, even if it's minor, can lead to higher mortgage rates.
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Practice patience in improving credit score after foreclosure
Rebuilding credit is time-consuming, but not impossible.
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Improve credit score with secured credit card
Secured credit cards may offer less expensive alternative to traditional credit card.
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Some retirees unconcerned over personal debt levels
A new study shows many older Americans do not plan to pay off outstanding balances, despite mounting debt and credit score damage.
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Look into credit score requirements before applying for a credit card
Consumers should make sure they qualify for certain credit cards before submitting an application.
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NAR demands credit reform to help potential homebuyers
Many eligible homebuyers are unable to secure a mortgage loan due to credit practices that are beyond their control.
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Past mistakes may linger on your credit report
Many consumers may be aware that a mistake when it comes to paying their monthly bills can have a serious negative impact on their credit score, but unpaid debts can remain on a credit report for many years.
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Insurers check applicant credit scores
As with lenders who issue most financial products, insurance companies run a credit check on applicants as a means of helping determine their premium rates.
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Credit scores change all the time
If a consumer orders a copy of their credit score, they may find that it changed considerably from the last time they checked it, and there is a reason for this.
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Too many credit cards can hurt your credit score
When consumers have a large number of credit cards, they can often find that their credit score takes a hit.
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Parents discouraged from using 401(k) to finance kids' education
Jeopardizing retirement to fund child's education could put nest egg, home and credit score at risk.
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Online resources may help students explore financial aid options
Students should look beyond universities and federal aid websites to search for education financing
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Credit utilization rate may trump score
Using too much credit each month may hurt loan eligibility
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Premarital counseling may lead to successful marriage
Couples who agree on big issues before marriage are more likely to stay together.
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New domestic violence course emphasizes 'financial abuse'
A new class will teach mistreated women how to take control of their finances and overcome financial abuse.
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Professionals question new FHA practices
Many mortgage brokers are concerned the new FHA requirements will not solve real estate crisis.
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Can't rent an apartment due to bad credit? Steer clear of corporate-owned buildings
Individual or family-owned apartment landlords may be more willing to accept tenants with poor credit.
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Paying off loans and credit card debt can improve damaged score
The nationwide economic downturn may have led many consumers to lose their jobs, and face mounting credit card bills and other debt they could no longer afford to pay.
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Even improved credit scores may not be enough to get the best interest rates
While many consumers have made a conscious effort to boost their credit score in recent months, thanks to worries in the banking industry, that may not be enough to qualify for the best loan rates.
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Minnesota has high average credit rating
Minnesota has high average credit rating
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Houston credit scores leave much to be desired
Houston credit scores leave much to be desired
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Apply for mortgage loans at same time to reduce credit score damage
Submitting mortgage applications all at once may lower the impact to a consumer's credit score.
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Auto insurance survey scaled down in size
A study to determine how heavily insurance agents rely on credit scores, education and occupation will be toned down.
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FHA credit score requirements take effect
Consumers who want a government-backed home loan will now need to have better credit scores than in the past.
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A good credit score can lead to a better interest rate
Typically, when lenders consider a person's loan application, they are primarily concerned with the borrower's credit score.
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Credit score benefits may dwindle after reaching 720
Consumers who carry credit scores at the higher end of the spectrum may not see much of a difference in their benefits.
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More Americans can't get mortgages because of credit scores
Many people may be aware that their credit score has a direct affect on their ability to qualify for loans of all types, but mortgage lenders have tightened restrictions so much that a large percentage have been locked out of the home loan market.
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Low credit score reduces apartment options for consumers
More young adults with credit score damage have difficulties renting apartments.
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Fannie Mae provides mortgage aid to military members
Government-backed mortgage guarantor Fannie Mae will temporarily suspend credit reporting and monthly payments in the event of a servicemember's death.
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Employment and credit create a Catch-22 for job applicants
Many adults have seen their credit scores drop due to unemployment, making it harder for them to secure a job.
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Mortgage loans difficult for consumers with credit scores below 620
Lenders continue to tighten their mortgage loan criteria, turning away many with lower credit scores.
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Organizations running credit checks on volunteers
Many consumers may be interested in donating their time to helping charitable organizations, but now their credit history could be considered before they're allowed to do so.
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More banks create 'second look' programs for loan applicants
Second review of denied credit applications may help more consumers secure loans.
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New law would mandate free credit reports
A law that is being considered by U.S. lawmakers would mandate the companies that suffer data breaches would have to provide consumers with free credit reports.
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Secured cards may help consumers obtain credit
Non-traditional lines of credit can help consumers boost their credit scores.
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Minnesota carries highest credit score in U.S.
A recent report shows credit score rankings by state, highlighting the nation's credit score gap.
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Potential homeowners denied mortgage loans due to falling credit scores
Tightened lending and credit score restrictions have inhibited many prospective homeowners from securing mortgage loans.
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Financial crisis causes some consumers to check credit report
As the national financial crisis worsened, more consumers became concerned about their finances and checked their credit scores as a result.
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Not all financial factors affect a consumer's credit score
Income, overdrafts and personal credit report checks will not lower a consumer's credit score.
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New legislation to protect bill-paying tenants from credit score damage
Tenants who are evicted as a result of their landlord's foreclosure will be protected from credit score damage by a new California bill.
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Some financial mistakes don't affect a credit score
While it's never advisable to miss payments of any kind, some missteps with a consumer's finances will not have an impact on their credit score.
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FICO reveals how late payments impact credit scores
The extent of credit score damage following a late payment will depend on a number of factors, a recent report shows.
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Know which debts to pay off first
Facing a mountain of debt is stressful enough, but trying to determine which bills take priority can be even more tedious.
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Illinois prohibits pre-employment screenings
Job seekers in Illinois may benefit from the new legislation enacted by Governor Pat Quinn, which aims to protect applicants during their employment search.
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Credit Risk Index declines, report shows
Americans pose less of a credit risk to lenders, indicating their financial condition is slowly improving, according to a recent report from TransUnion.
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Demographics can affect a consumer's credit score
While many consumers know there are a number of factors that go into calculating their credit score, they may not be aware that their age might be one of them.
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Correcting Your Credit Report
Correcting errors on your credit report can seem like a daunting task, but this step-by-step reference can help you successfully navigate the dispute process. Be better prepared by determining who you need to contact and what you need to do to keep your reports accurate.
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Credit score monitoring more important than ever
In the midst of a troubled economy, it's especially important to pay special attention to your credit scores and credit reports. To help you do that, you need to manage your debt responsibly, communicate with your creditors if you have trouble paying, and correct any credit report errors.
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How to Order Your Free Annual Credit Report
Consumers are allowed to view their credit report once a year — for free — from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies, thanks to the FACT (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions) Act. These tips can help you get the most out of your right to your free credit report.
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Employers may weigh some information on credit report more heavily than others
Correcting errors on your credit report can seem like a daunting task, but this step-by-step reference can help you successfully navigate the dispute process. Be better prepared by determining who you need to contact and what you need to do to keep your reports accurate.
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Understanding Your Credit Score
From "excellent" to "bad" or no credit, you can find out how your credit score is calculated, what your score means to lenders, and what you can do to improve it, based on commonly used credit scoring formulas.
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Credit Reports: Inaccuracies Can Be Costly
Credit report errors can cheat you out of getting credit, better interest rates, or even put you out of the running for a job. Know how to correct costly errors in your report before they have a bad impact on your finances.