Updated Articles and Resources
- Credit Report - 6 People Who Check Your Credit Report…Created: 2009-11-18 @ 13:58:00 EST
Your credit report is used by many businesses to make a decision whether to approve you for certain products and services. These are some businesses that might check your credit report… - 8 Questions to Ask Before You Make a Credit Card Balance Transfer…Created: 2009-11-18 @ 13:43:16 EST
Before you make a credit card balance transfer, there are some things you need to know, like whether the balance transfer will save you money. Here are some questions to make sure you answer before… - Pros and Cons of a Credit Card Balance Transfer…Created: 2009-11-17 @ 23:39:25 EST
There are some benefits to a credit card balance transfer, but there are some negative aspects, too. Looking at the pros and cons of a credit card balance transfer can help you decide whether to tr… - Fixed Credit Card Interest Rate vs Variable Credit Card Interest Rat…Created: 2009-11-12 @ 02:28:13 EST
Credit card interest rates can either be fixed or variable. In reality, both interest rates can change, but there are stricter rules about fixed rate increases… - Retail Store Credit Card - 5 Drawbacks of Store Credit Cards…Created: 2009-11-08 @ 01:43:53 EST
Store credit cards are fairly easy to get, but they're not everything the customer service reps want you to believe they are. Learn the drawbacks of retail store credit cards and why you should thi… - Credit Card Balance Transfer BasicsCreated: 2009-11-07 @ 16:51:17 EST Updated: 2009-11-07 @ 16:59:04 EST
A credit card balance transfer is a type of transaction where you use one credit card to pay off another credit card's balance. Balance transfers can help you save money, but they can also lead to … - Prime Rate Definition - What is the U.S. Prime Rate…Created: 2009-11-06 @ 14:57:21 EST
The prime rate is the interest rate that banks give to their most creditworthy customers… - What's Your Worst Credit Card?Created: 2009-11-06 @ 14:27:11 EST
Have a credit card that you hate? Tell us about your worst credit card… - Why You Should Avoid a Credit Card Cash Advance…Created: 2009-11-06 @ 00:36:04 EST
Your credit card comes with the ability to take out a cash advance, but this type of transaction might be the worst of all. Learn why you should avoid a credit card cash advance… - 10 Ways to Avoid Credit Card Debt - How to Avoid Credit Card Debt…Created: 2009-11-01 @ 17:31:32 EST Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 17:31:32 EST
Credit card debt has the potential to ruin your life. Learn how what you can do to avoid credit card debt… - Credit Card Urban Legends Quiz Results - About Credit/Debt ManagementCreated: 2009-10-28 @ 02:53:21 EDT Updated: 2009-10-28 @ 03:05:20 EDT
Thanks for taking our quiz about credit card urban legends… - Credit Card Urban Legends QuizCreated: 2009-10-28 @ 02:42:32 EDT Updated: 2009-10-28 @ 03:03:40 EDT
: sans serif font prepaid credit cards urban legends document url finance charges… - A Maxed-Out Credit Card is Bad - 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Max Out You…Created: 2009-10-27 @ 03:15:31 EDT
Maxing out your credit card happens when your credit balance is very near, at, or above your credit limit. Here's why a maxed-out credit card is such a bad thing… - 10 Holiday Credit Card MistakesCreated: 2009-10-27 @ 02:51:10 EDT
‘Tis the season when normal credit card rules and safe spending habits are forgotten. Here's a list of 10 holiday credit card mistakes you should avoid… - How Long Will a Debt Collection Stay on My Credit Report…Created: 2009-10-27 @ 02:38:01 EDT
A debt collection will be included on your credit report for up to seven years. You may be able to remove an inaccurate collection account with a credit report dispute… - Can I Make a Partial Credit Card PaymentCreated: 2009-10-27 @ 02:36:33 EDT
Are you allowed to send a partial credit card payment? You may face a penalty if you don't send the full minimum payment by the due date… - Authorized User Definition - What is a Credit Card Authorized User…Created: 2009-10-22 @ 02:09:22 EDT
A credit card authorized user is someone who is able to make purchases on a credit card, but isn't legally liable for the credit card balance… - Why is the Credit Card Balance Wrong on My Credit Report…Created: 2009-10-22 @ 02:03:31 EDT
You may check your credit report and notice the credit card balance that's listed isn't the balance you're most familiar with. There's a reason why that happens and it's not always an error… - What is Liquidation - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Liquidation Definition…Created: 2009-10-11 @ 02:07:53 EDT
In bankruptcy, liquidation is the process of selling your nonexempt assets and using the proceeds to pay your creditors… - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - How to Qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy…Created: 2009-10-11 @ 01:58:10 EDT
Not everyone can file for relief under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Certain individuals must file a different type of bankruptcy and some cannot file at all. Find out whether you qualify for Chapter 7 ban… - Bankruptcy Automatic Stay - What is an Automatic Stay…Created: 2009-10-11 @ 01:44:51 EDT
The automatic stay goes into effect when you file bankruptcy and prevents creditors and collectors from trying to collect from you… - 7 Types of Loans - What Are the Types of Loans…Created: 2009-10-08 @ 12:08:06 EDT
There are many different types of loans. When you're shopping for a loan, it's important to know the types of loans that are out there… - 3 Ways a Loan Affects Your CreditCreated: 2009-10-08 @ 12:06:32 EDT
Taking out a loan can impact your credit score. Even applying for a loan can reduce your score. Learn how borrowing a loan affects your credit… - Annual Credit Report - How to Order Your Annual Credit Report…Created: 2009-10-06 @ 03:49:00 EDT
Federal law gives you the right to order a free annual credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. Learn the right way to order your annual credit report and avoid free credit report scams… - 7 Reasons to Avoid Using Your Credit Card for Holiday Shopping…Created: 2009-09-24 @ 01:10:56 EDT
The holiday season is the biggest shopping season of the year. It's also the time when many consumers rack up most of their holiday credit card debt. Here are the top reasons you shouldn't use your… - Avoid Finance Charges - How to Avoid a Finance Charge…Created: 2009-09-18 @ 04:13:13 EDT
A finance charge is the fee you pay for carrying a balance on your credit card. Learn how you can avoid paying credit card finance charges… - Bad Credit Repair - 10 Signs You Need Bad Credit Repair…Created: 2009-09-17 @ 16:36:16 EDT
If you have bad credit, you might question whether you need bad credit repair. Here's a list of signs you need bad credit repair… - Personal Loans - The Basics of Personal Loans…Created: 2009-09-17 @ 14:31:37 EDT Updated: 2009-09-18 @ 03:25:18 EDT
Personal loans are unsecured loans that have a fixed amount, interest rate, and repayment period… - Student Loan Forgiveness Programs - How to Get Your Student Loans Fo…Created: 2009-09-17 @ 14:15:57 EDT
Student loans are a heavy burden for many college graduates. There are many student loan forgiveness programs that might eliminate some or all of your student loan debt… - Avoid Student Loan Default - How to Avoid Student Loan Default…Created: 2009-09-10 @ 00:18:12 EDT
Student loan default is one of the worst things for your credit. Find out how you can avoid student loan default and protect your credit score… - Secured Loans - How Secured Loans Are Different From Unsecured Loans…Created: 2009-09-09 @ 11:28:09 EDT
Secured loans are different from unsecured loans in one key way. Secured loans require you to use an asset to secure the loan… - Credit Counseling Debt Management Plan -DMP - What is a Debt Manage…Created: 2009-09-07 @ 23:55:02 EDT Updated: 2009-09-08 @ 00:33:47 EDT
A debt management plan or DMP is a formal plan to repay your creditors created by consumer credit counseling agency… - Fraud Alert Definition - What is a Fraud Alert - Credit Report Fraud…Created: 2009-09-01 @ 01:13:05 EDT
A fraud alert is a statement on your credit report that warns credit report viewers that you have been or may be a victim of identity theft… - 9 Best Credit Card Payoff Calculators - Credit Card Debt Payoff Calc…Created: 2009-08-31 @ 11:21:57 EDT
There are hundreds of credit card pay off calculators on the internet. Here is a list of the best credit card debt payoff calculators… - New Credit Card Rules for Young AdultsCreated: 2009-08-24 @ 23:40:15 EDT
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 restricts credit card companies from giving credit cards to a consumer under 21 unless that person has the means to repay th… - How Many Credit Cards is Too Many?Created: 2009-08-24 @ 17:37:38 EDT Updated: 2009-08-24 @ 17:39:58 EDT
How many credit cards should one person have? Weigh in with your opinion. What's the right number of credit cards?… - Credit Card Minimum Payment Increase - Dealing With a Minimum Paymen…Created: 2009-08-20 @ 17:05:53 EDT
Chase recently announced a minimum payment increase to some credit cardholders. More card issuers could follow. Here's what you can do about an increased minimum payment… - Credit Report - What is a Credit Report - Why Your Credit Report is …Created: 2009-08-14 @ 01:49:57 EDT
Your credit report is a compilation of information about the way you pay your bills. Credit reports are maintained by credit bureaus and used by lenders to decide whether to give you a loan… - Comparing Free Credit Report Online Offers - Ordering a Free Credit …Created: 2009-08-14 @ 01:12:42 EDT
There are quite a few ways to get a free credit report online. When you're ordering your free credit report online, make sure you read through the offers before signing up… - Free Online Credit Report Offers - Where to Find Free Online Credit …Created: 2009-08-14 @ 00:54:41 EDT
This list of free online credit report offers lets you know the best places to get a free online credit report… - Choosing a Credit Consolidation Loan - How to Choose a Credit Consol…Created: 2009-08-14 @ 00:12:26 EDT
Credit consolidation loans can be used to pay off your credit card debt. But, these loans vary in amount, repayment period, and interest rates. When you're ready to get a new credit consolidation l… - Credit Card Skimming - What is Credit Card SkimmingCreated: 2009-08-05 @ 02:53:15 EDT
Credit card skimming is a type of credit card fraud that can be difficult to detect until fraudulent charges have been made. Learn how to avoid credit card skimming… - Credit Card Telephone ScamCreated: 2009-08-05 @ 01:56:04 EDT Updated: 2009-08-05 @ 03:05:01 EDT
Thieves use credit card telephone scams to trick you into giving out your personal information. Learn to recognize and avoid credit card telephone scams… - Credit Card Email Scam - Fraudulent Credit Card EmailsCreated: 2009-08-05 @ 01:19:49 EDT
Credit card phishing scams are used by sneaky thieves trying to get your credit card information. Learn how to recognize and avoid credit card phishing… - Stolen Credit Cards - Your Liability for Stolen Credit Card ChargesCreated: 2009-08-05 @ 00:47:17 EDT
Dealing with a stolen credit card isn't easy. Here are some tips for resolving issues with a stolen credit card… - When Can Banks Increase Credit Card Interest RatesCreated: 2009-07-28 @ 14:37:30 EDT
Banks can only increase your credit card interest rate under certain circumstances. Learn when the law says banks are allowed to increase your credit card interest rates… - When Will the Credit Bureau Respond to a Credit Report DisputeCreated: 2009-07-27 @ 03:35:27 EDT
When you submit a credit report dispute, the credit bureau has a limited time to respond… - Where Should I Send Credit Report DisputesCreated: 2009-07-27 @ 03:23:57 EDT
You should send your credit report disputes directly to the credit bureau who provided the report that contains the error. Each credit bureau has an address where you can send your disputes… - Which Credit Report Errors Can I DisputeCreated: 2009-07-27 @ 03:18:05 EDT Updated: 2009-07-27 @ 03:24:12 EDT
You can dispute any incomplete or inaccurate information on your credit report… - A Balance Transfer Could Affect Your Credit ScoreCreated: 2009-07-26 @ 01:06:38 EDT
A balance transfer can come in handy when you want to pay a lower interest rate on your credit card balance. However, a balance transfer could affect your credit score. Here's how… - Lower Your Debt With Credit Card Debt SettlementCreated: 2009-07-26 @ 00:59:41 EDT
If your debt is too high to pay and you're already behind on your bills, credit card debt settlement can make your debt more affordable… - Legal Credit Repair - What is Legal Credit RepairCreated: 2009-07-26 @ 00:54:59 EDT
Many credit repair companies advertise their services as "legal credit repair." Why is there a distinction? What things should you look out for?… - Cash Payday Loan - How Cash Payday Loans WorkCreated: 2009-07-20 @ 00:44:46 EDT
A cash payday loan is a quick way to get access to cash in an emergency. Learn how cash payday loans work and why you should stay away from them… - How Long to Pay Off Balance With Minimum Only Credit Card Payments …Updated: 2009-11-13 @ 16:35:09 EST
If you only make the minimum payment on your credit card, it could take years to pay off the balance. Not even that, you could end up spending hundreds, possibly even thousands, in interest by the… - Credit 101Updated: 2009-11-12 @ 23:23:52 EST
An introduction to credit that walks you through understanding the importance of credit and teaches you how to build a solid credit history… - Credit RepairUpdated: 2009-11-12 @ 23:21:42 EST
The good thing about bad credit is that it can be fixed. Find out what's bad and what's good for your credit and how to recover from your credit mistakes… - Debt ManagementUpdated: 2009-11-12 @ 23:19:45 EST
Debt management is an important skill for anyone who owes someone else. Understanding your options for managing debt will help you stay in control of your debt rather than letting it control you… - How to Pay Off Your Credit Cards - Two Payback Methods That Work…Updated: 2009-11-07 @ 01:20:40 EST
Stumped on how to pay back your credit card debt. Here are two methods that will work… - Credit Card Variable Interest Rate Definition - What is a Variable I…Updated: 2009-11-06 @ 14:52:17 EST
A variable interest rates moves up and down based on another interest rate, often the U.S. prime rate… - Credit Card Credit Limit Definition - What is a Credit Limit…Updated: 2009-11-06 @ 01:03:22 EST
A credit card credit limit is the maximum amount that can be borrowed on a credit card without penalty. If you exceed your credit limit, you face penalties from your credit card company… - Credit Card Annual Fee Definition - What is an Annual Fee…Updated: 2009-11-06 @ 00:58:05 EST
A credit card annual fee is a yearly fee, usually ranging from $15 to $300, that's charged by your credit card company for the convenience of having the credit card… - Credit Card Cash Advance Fee Definition - What is a Cash Advance Fee…Updated: 2009-11-06 @ 00:47:48 EST
A credit card cash advance fee is the fee charged when you take out a cash advance against your credit limit. The cash advance fee affects the amount you pay for a cash advance… - Credit Card Finance Charge Definition - What is a Finance Charge…Updated: 2009-11-06 @ 00:37:09 EST
cost of credit calculated using the APR and the balance… - Double-Cycle Billing - Double Billing Cycle Finance Charges Revealed…Updated: 2009-11-05 @ 00:56:24 EST
Explains the double billing cycle method of computing finance charges and demonstrates how it can be more costly for cardholders who want to pay their balance off quickly… - Universal Default Definition - What is Universal Default…Updated: 2009-11-02 @ 00:20:13 EST
Universal default is a policy held by many credit card issuers that allows them to enforce enforces default terms when you've only defaulted with another lender… - Cash Advance Definition - What Is a Credit Card Cash Advance…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 18:26:34 EST
A cash advance is cash borrowed against your credit card limit… - Emergency Fund - Build an Emergency Fund to Fend Off Debt - How to B…Updated: 2009-11-01 @ 17:24:47 EST
Without an emergency reserve of cash, you'll feel forced to use credit cards or loans to cover unexpected expenses. Build an emergency fun to avoid credit card debt… - 5 Ways to Respond to a Credit Card Interest Rate Increase…Updated: 2009-10-23 @ 01:27:03 EDT
When your interest rate increases, you’ll typically have an opt-out period allowing you to reject the interest rate change. There are some cases you might not want to close your credit ca… - Credit Report FAQ - What does "account closed at grantor's request" …Updated: 2009-10-20 @ 00:30:58 EDT
On your credit report, some accounts might read "account closed at grantor's request" or "account closed by grantor." This means your credit card issuer, for some reason, had y… - Garnished Wages Definition - What Is Wage Garnishment…Updated: 2009-10-10 @ 14:01:13 EDT
a court order for an employer to withhold a certain amount of employee's wages as repayment for debt… - Charge-Off Definition - What Is A Charge-OffUpdated: 2009-10-10 @ 13:56:09 EDT
debt that has been determined uncollectible by the original creditor, usually after the debtor has become seriously delinquent… - Credit Card Grace Period - What is a Grace Period…Updated: 2009-10-10 @ 13:54:33 EDT
the period of time in which credit card payments can be made without interest penalty… - Must Reads: Essential Articles and Resources about CreditUpdated: 2009-10-01 @ 02:39:00 EDT
- Debt Validation - Sample Debt Validation Letter for Debt Collectors…Updated: 2009-09-29 @ 16:32:36 EDT
Debt validation requests should be made in writing. Here is a sample debt validation letter you can send to collectors… - Secured Credit Cards - How to Choose A Secured Credit Card…Updated: 2009-09-26 @ 06:45:56 EDT
Secured credit cards are good for establishing or re-establishing credit. Before you apply for a secured card, make sure to get the important facts about the card… - Avoid Holiday Debt - 8 Tips To Avoid Sinking Into Holiday Debt…Updated: 2009-09-24 @ 00:02:48 EDT
The holidays are ripe for spending. Find out how to make it through the holiday season with as little debt as possible… - Home Foreclosure Definition - What Is Foreclosure…Updated: 2009-09-18 @ 04:22:01 EDT
Foreclosure is a legal proceeding in which the bank can take possession of and sell a mortgaged property when the borrower does not meet his or her contractual obligations… - Student Loan Default - Student Loan Default Definition - What Is Stu…Updated: 2009-09-18 @ 04:17:39 EDT
Student loan default is a state of delinquency on student loans occurring after you have violated the terms of your contract, e.g. have not made a payment or arrangements for at least 270 days… - How to Check Your Credit Report - Places to Order Your Credit Report…Updated: 2009-09-18 @ 04:06:50 EDT
Your credit report has information about your past credit history. Creditors and lenders use your report to give credit and loans to you. Employers use it to hire you. Find out how to order your… - Credit Scores - Why You Have Different Credit Scores…Updated: 2009-09-09 @ 12:56:39 EDT
Find out why you may have a different credit score at each credit bureau… - Debt to Income Ratio Calculator - Calculate Your Debt to Income RatioUpdated: 2009-09-05 @ 12:13:34 EDT
Use this free debt-to-income ratio calculator to tell whether you have too much debt… - Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft - Will Credit Monitoring Preven…Updated: 2009-09-01 @ 14:54:09 EDT
The rise of identity theft has also sparked interest in credit monitoring services. Credit monitoring aids in early detection of identity theft, allowing you to quickly respond to suspicious chang… - Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Profile - FDCPA Background - Fair…Updated: 2009-08-31 @ 10:53:50 EDT
Debt collectors aren't free to take whatever means necessary to collect a debt. In fact, they are governed by federal laws. Being aware of these laws helps protect you from the unscrupulous pract… - Tax Lien Definition - What Is A Tax Lien - Tax Lien on Credit Report…Updated: 2009-08-29 @ 01:22:06 EDT
A tax lien is the right, usually by the county, state, or federal government, to take possession of property due to a delinquency on taxes… - Credit Card Application Fee Definition - What is a Credit Card Appli…Updated: 2009-08-29 @ 01:13:44 EDT
A credit card application fee is the fee charged by a credit card company or bank for processing your application for credit… - Charge Card Definition - What Is A Charge Card…Updated: 2009-08-29 @ 01:09:30 EDT
A charge card is a type of a credit card without a credit limit. With a charge card, the balance has to be paid in full at the end of each month… - Non-Revolving Credit Definition - What is Non Revolving Credit?…Updated: 2009-08-29 @ 01:01:32 EDT
Non-revolving credit is credit that can't be used again once it's been extended… - New Credit Card Rules - Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights Act of 20…Updated: 2009-08-25 @ 00:21:28 EDT
Signed by the President on May 22, 2009, the Credit Cardholder's Bill of Rights Act of 2009 will ban numerous predatory practices in the credit card industry, such as double cycle billing finance c… - Debt Validation - Making Collectors Verify Alleged Debts With Debt V…Updated: 2009-08-20 @ 00:30:07 EDT
Debt validation is your right to have the debt collectors prove you owe what they say you owe. If the collector can't validate the debt, they can't collect from you… - First Time Credit - How to Get Credit for the First TimeUpdated: 2009-08-20 @ 00:27:36 EDT
How to apply for credit for the first time. The steps you should take and what to watch out for… - Paying Debt Collectors - Should You Pay an Old CollectionUpdated: 2009-08-20 @ 00:16:11 EDT
When a debt collector contacts you to pay an old collection, you might wonder if it's worth paying, especially if the statute of limitations has run out… - Credit Card Charge-off - What is a Charge-offUpdated: 2009-08-20 @ 00:13:48 EDT
Ever see the words "charge-off" on your credit report and wonder what they mean? When your account has been charged off, it's the creditor's way of saying it doesn't believe you're going… - Types of Debt Consolidation Loans - Paying off Debt With a Debt Cons…Updated: 2009-08-12 @ 21:48:06 EDT
If you've managed to accumulate a large amount of debt, you may have considered a debt consolidation loan to give you some relief. With a debt consolidation loan, you combine all your high interest…