Credit Rating | Credit Reports

Identity Theft
Karen was frustrated when she realized that her purse had been stolen, but at that time she didn’t fully understand the significance as she was about to become a victim of identity theft.

Checking Accounts and Credit
Are you aware that a  simple checking account can affect your credit rating?  One or two checks returned for insufficient funds by your bank can make it next to impossible to open an account at another bank ...

Common Credit Mistakes
Though it's common knowledge that a good credit score is the key to low interest loans and credits cards, it's possible you've made a mistake that affects that credit rating without realizing it.   Below are the three most common mistakes consumers make when dealing with finances and credit...

Get Credit Reports
A credit report is often thought of as something that lenders use when deciding whether or not to extend credit.  That’s true—you won’t be able to apply for a credit card, car loan or mortgage without the potential lender first checking to see if you’re a good credit risk.  But there’s more...

Sample Credit Report
Understanding what your credit report says once you get it requires understanding how your credit history is listed on the report itself.  See a sample credit report page with explanations.

Credit Rating Facts
The credit rating is a snapshot of everything you’ve ever done regarding the use of credit and your payment history.  Fair Isaac Company (FICO) compiles all of this information and then applies a complicated mathematical formula that calculates your credit rating.  The formula is not public knowledge and this is done with the blessing of the Federal Trade Commission.