Credit 101
By LaToya Irby, About.com Guide to Credit / Debt Management
This introduction to credit walks you through understanding the importance of credit and teaches you how to start building a solid credit history.
- Introduction to Credit
- Building Good Credit
- How to Use Credit Cards
- Protecting Your Identity
- Laws Protecting Your Credit
Introduction to Credit
No one's going to make sure you understand credit before you start using it. That's why it's so easy to make severe credit mistakes. Taking the time to understand credit will help protect you from bad credit later down the road.
- Credit and Debt Terms You Should Know
- Complete Credit/Debt Glossary
- Credit Report and Credit Score 101
Building Good Credit
Once you understand credit and begin to use it, these tips will help you build good credit.
- Why Good Credit Matters
- Learning to Use Credit
- 5 Ways to Build A Good Credit History
- Do's and Don'ts Of Using Credit Responsibly
- Avoid Missing Payments, Or Else
- 7 Tips to Keep Your Credit Goals
- How to Share a Credit Card
- Why It's Good to Be a Credit Card Deadbeat
- Why You Shouldn't Co-Sign
- Credit Card Tips for Students
How to Use Credit Cards
Credit cards are one of the most commonly used credit instruments. Unfortunately, there are far too many consumers who don't truly understand how credit cards work. Avoid being one of those people.
- Types of Credit Cards
- Common Credit Card Fees
- The Monthly Credit Card Process
- How to Choose a Credit Card
- Type of Credit Cards to Avoid
- 4 Places to Get Your First Credit Card
- 5 Principles of Making Credit Card Payments
- 5 Responses to An Interest Rate Increase
- Tips for Sharing Credit Cards
Protecting Your Identity
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to make some kind of profit. They may get credit cards in your name, write checks against your checking account number, or even use your existing credit cards to make purchases. It can take years to completely recover your name, so protecting yourself is the best option.
- 10 Ways to Prevent, Detect, and Fight Identity Theft
- How to Avoid Credit Card Scams
- Reporting Lost and Stolen Credit Cards
- How to Freeze Your Credit Report at Each Bureau
Laws Protecting Your Credit
Many laws protect your credit and govern the businesses that give credit to you. Knowing these laws can keep businesses from taking advantage of you and help you fight back against those who violate your rights.
