A good credit score will make your life a lot easier; it will help you qualify for loans, apartments and even jobs. But you’re not born with a credit history. Much like you have to spend money to make money, you need to borrow money to prove you’re good at borrowing (and paying back your... Read More

It’s a common scenario: You apply for a personal loan or credit card and get denied. The reason seems shrouded in mystery, and you receive a letter with language such as “lack of recent installment loan information” or “proportion of balances to credit limits.” Find out what these reason codes actually mean and what to... Read More

Thousands of people change their names each year, often as a result of marriage or divorce, and less frequently, just for fun. In fact, one man, armed with $50 and a written deed poll application, secured the moniker Bacon Double Cheeseburger in the United Kingdom. Although Mr. Cheeseburger may be perfectly satisfied with his colorful... Read More

Do people understand the benefits of a good credit score? Everyone knows your credit score is important, but what exactly are the benefits? In the United States, 28% of its citizens rely on credit when running out of money. While it’s good to use your credit, it’s not always wise to carry over a balance... Read More

Congratulations! You’re officially an adult. Turning 18 opens a world of possibilities and freedom, but it also comes with additional responsibilities. One important responsibility to start thinking about is building your credit profile. Credit can be a critical resource. A good credit score helps you get approved for loans and credit cards. It also helps... Read More

Identity thieves are almost always opportunistic—but the crimes they commit feel very personal. Unauthorized credit card charges, bogus loan applications, missing money, and other financial violations make fraud a major nightmare. To keep fraud in check, you need to know how to check your credit report for identity theft, and how to deal with problems... Read More