CFPB launches credit report complaint database
CFPB launches credit report complaint database Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The CFPB just announced their new online credit report complaint database. Credit reporting agencies like TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, provide reports and credit scores that effectively tell lenders what sort of human being you are. Your credit reports influence whether or […]
How Can I Avoid My Credit Card Being Closed?
How Can I Avoid My Credit Card Being Closed? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Don’t Not Use Your Card – Ok, the poor grammar was intentional and corny but I think I’ve made my point. Credit card issuers are in busy to make money and make a profit. They can’t do either […]
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Personal Loan?
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Personal Loan? Credit for Beginners by David B. Coulter Share Share Email If you’re looking to meet additional expenses or expand into new ventures and don’t want to rely on credit cards, one option is to apply for a personal loan. One of the criteria that lenders […]
Should I care which credit bureau the lender uses when I apply for credit??
Should I care which credit bureau the lender uses when I apply for credit?? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email “John, I’ve read articles where you use the term “strategic shopping” to describe choosing lenders that use the credit report where you have the highest FICO or VantageScore credit score. Can you elaborate […]
Are Auto Insurance Claims on My Credit Reports?
Are Auto Insurance Claims on My Credit Reports? Auto Loans by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email When you file a claim on your auto insurance policy, it is reported to insurance claims databases compiled LexisNexis. LexisNexis is the most widely used by the insurance companies. These companies are consumer reporting agencies, just as Equifax, Experian […]
Can Student Loans Lower My Credit Scores?
Can Student Loans Lower My Credit Scores? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email FICO, the company that invented the credit score, recently conducted a study of student debt using data from one of the three major credit bureaus. The average debt was $26,549 in 2012, compared to $17,236 in 2005 or a 54 […]
Why Are My Credit Scores Different On Each Credit Report?
Why Are My Credit Scores Different On Each Credit Report? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Circa 1997, that was one of my interview questions when I was interviewing for my job at FICO. Whew, it’s a good thing I answered correctly or I might be writing about something other than credit. This […]
Simple Steps to Disputing Credit Report Errors
Simple Steps to Disputing Credit Report Errors Credit Monitoring by Maria Shahid Share Share Email Credit report errors are quite common, which makes knowing how to dispute them very important. But how exactly can a credit report error affect you, and what do you do if it happens to you? If you find something in […]
What Happens to My Credit If I Didn’t Pay My Taxes?
What Happens to My Credit If I Didn’t Pay My Taxes? Civil Penalty by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email April 15th, 2013…affectionately referred to as “tax day.” Not only is today a Monday but it’s also the day we have to either file our tax returns or an extension. And for those of us who […]
The Best Age to Start Credit Monitoring
The Best Age to Start Credit Monitoring Credit Cards by Maria Shahid Share Share Email The secret to unlocking many financial opportunities? Good credit. An excellent credit score means lower interest rates on car loans, credit cards, and mortgages. Many landlords and employers also check credit reports before they make a job offer or approve […]