Are Charge Cards and Credit Cards the Same Thing?
Are Charge Cards and Credit Cards the Same Thing? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email They look the same, they’re used the same way, most retailers accept both…so credit cards and charge cards must be the same thing, right? Not really. Most people don’t realize that there is a difference between a charge […]
Which of These Is Considered Credit Repair?
Which of These Is Considered Credit Repair? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The definition of “credit repair” has different meanings to different people. What really matters, however, is how the term “credit repair” is defined by Federal and state laws. I put together a little quiz (below) which outlines 4 unique scenarios […]
With Holiday Season Just Around The Corner, A Review of Your Gift Card’s Protections
With Holiday Season Just Around The Corner, A Review of Your Gift Card’s Protections Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email When was the last time you tried to use an old gift card and found out, at the register, that the card had expired or the value was much less than when you […]
How to Help Your Child Develop a Good Credit Score
How to Help Your Child Develop a Good Credit Score Credit Score by David B. Coulter Share Share Email We all want the best for our kids. One of the most valuable financial lessons you can teach your child is how to develop a great credit score. A high credit score can save someone tens […]
How To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate
How To Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rate Credit for Beginners by David B. Coulter Share Share Email With the average credit card interest rate at just over 14.5% in the US, making purchases or borrowing on plastic can be expensive. But if your annual percentage rate (APR) goes above average — bearing in mind […]
Should I Pay Off Student Loan Debt Early?
Should I Pay Off Student Loan Debt Early? Credit Report by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Don’t get me wrong, not being in debt is infinitely better than being in debt. But, taking extraordinary steps to pay off certain debts early isn’t necessarily a good idea. So what does “early” mean in the context of […]
Why Is My Boyfriend’s Credit Card On My Credit Reports?
Why Is My Boyfriend’s Credit Card On My Credit Reports? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The following question was submitted as a comment to one of my articles, via Facebook. “John, I have an error on my credit report and I need to get it corrected. My boyfriend’s credit card is on […]
Will it hurt my credit if I’m denied for a loan or credit card?
Will it hurt my credit if I’m denied for a loan or credit card? Auto Loans by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email When you apply for credit, the potential creditor reviews your credit report and this act is recorded on your credit reports as an “inquiry.” This inquiry simply indicates that you’ve applied for credit […]
Can I Get An Auto Loan With Bad Credit?
Can I Get An Auto Loan With Bad Credit? Auto Loans by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Periodically the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) conducts a survey of bank risk professionals and lenders on behalf of FICO, the company that invented the credit score. A recent survey was conducted in June 2012 and received […]
Experian Donates over $17 Million of Credit Monitoring Services to Support The National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Experian Donates over $17 Million of Credit Monitoring Services to Support The National Foundation for Credit Counseling Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC) and Experian® jointly announced today that Experian committed 80,000 free, 12-month memberships to its freecreditscore.com product in support of the NFCC’s Sharpen Your […]