Improve Your Credit Related Articles List

• How To Dispute Credit Card Charges Under the Fair Credit Billing Act

  Have you ever checked out your credit card statement and saw a charge that you did not authorize?  Or, have you been billed for something you returned to the store, or never actually received? Have you been charged twice for the same item, or never received a refund that you were supposed to?

  It happens all the time.  It’s frustrating, and can lead to credit problems if you don’t take action (and we never want credit problems!  They turn into credit score issues eventually).  Here’s the good news: These errors can be corrected. Here’s how.

• The Big Three Bureaus: Credit Reporting Powerhouses

  Who are the big three bureaus of credit?  By name they are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.  Though they are often referred to as the 3 major credit bureaus they are actually known by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as consumer reporting agencies.  Their job is to collect personal information and financial data on consumers from their sources of information.  These data furnishers are made up of creditors that each individual has had previous dealings with.  They may include commercial creditors, lending institutions, debt collection agencies, courts or utility companies.  All relevant information, including payoffs, open accounts, late payments, delinquent accounts and bankruptcy will be reported back to the credit bureaus.  That information will be of great interest to future lenders that want to know how creditworthy their new applicant is. 

• Looking for a New Credit Card? Scores are Important

  Are you looking for a new credit card?  Whether this is your first credit card, a new credit card after so many years, or just another one of the collection, you are probably looking forward to this new level of financial freedom.  Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards with no questions asked.  Just beware that this temporary financial freedom doesn’t become a restricting debt over time!

• Credit Monitoring Reports: What Are They?

  Credit Monitoring Reports are frequently sold to consumers who want to keep track of their credit score and their credit reports.  Find out what they are, and how you can use them to improve your credit score.

• Where Your Credit Reports Come From

  Ever wonder where credit reports come from?  How are these detailed credit histories compiled, and what companies are involved?  Learn more in this brief overview of where credit reports come from.

• Your Credit Score Impacts All Aspects of Your Life

  Its true.  Your credit score is used in many different ways.  It is checked when you apply for a credit card, a car loan, a mortgage, and other traditional credit products.  But did you know it may also be consulted when you change jobs? When you are considered for a promotion?  Did you know it is used by utility companies and cell phone companies?  Yes, your credit score does impact all aspects of your life.  Improving your credit score is more important than ever.

• TransUnion Credit Bureau

  One of the “big 3” credit bureaus in the United States is TransUnion.  Like the other major credit bureaus, Trans Union plays an important role in consumer credit—they collect, maintain, and distribute information about your credit history.  Read on to learn more about TransUnion.

• Considering a Reverse Mortgage? Here are a Few Things to Consider

  Seniors who have bad credit, and who own a home may be able to get cash by taking out a reverse mortgage.  If you are considering a reverse mortgage, here are a few things you need to consider.  Make sure to read this article before borrowing.

• How Your Credit Reports Are Used

  Ok, so let’s assume that you have (or are going to have) a credit reputation that is shown in credit reports compiled by several credit bureaus.  How do banks and other companies use that information to give (or deny) you credit?

• What Goes Into Your Credit History?

  Your credit reputation is developed over time.  You aren’t born with good credit (even rich kids don’t start out with a good or bad credit history).  Your credit reputation develops once you start having access to and using credit.  Only once you start repaying creditors (such as credit card companies, car finance companies, etc.) does information start building in your credit report.  See, the only information that goes into a credit report is information that was reported to the credit bureaus.  Not all companies report to the credit bureaus.