Credit checks coming from lenders are reported to the credit reporting companies as an “inquiry. ” An inquiry typically has a small negative effect on your credit scores. Inquiries can be seen by other lenders when they check your credit. Inquiries tell other lenders that you are thinking of taking on new debt. An inquiry … Read more
Hey there, mate! If you’ve ever wondered, “Which South African banks use Experian?” then you’ve stumbled on the right spot. I’m here to spill the beans on this topic, and trust me, it’s more important than you might reckon. Your credit score, your loans, and even that sneaky debt you’ve been dodging—it’s all tied to … Read more
If your credit score is 697 or higher, it’s “good,” which means you shouldn’t have any trouble getting new credit, like a credit card or consumer loan. However, a 697 score falls below the top two FICO® credit tiers — “very good” and “exceptional” — so you likely won’t qualify for a lender’s best interest … Read more
For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent. Credit scores between 300 and 850 are good, with a score in the mid to high 600s or higher being … Read more
Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Heres an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Bankrate logo. Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial … Read more
While paying off your debts often helps improve your credit scores, this isn’t always the case. After making payments on a loan or credit card debt, it’s possible that your credit score will go down. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore what you owe. The benefits of paying your debts are far greater than … Read more
When you get your Social Security number or open a bank account, your credit report doesn’t show up right away. So how can you not have a credit score? Find out what it means if you have no credit score or credit report and the best practices for building credit. Did you know it is … Read more
The current average mortgage rate for someone with a good credit score (700) was 7. 42% as of January 3, 2025, according to Curinos data. Your credit scores can directly impact your eligibility for a mortgage and the interest rate you receive. You may need a score in the high 700s (or higher) to get … Read more
Depending on when you borrowed your Sallie Mae student loans, they may be a type of federal debt — and could be eligible for forgiveness programs. Editorial disclosure: Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will … Read more
Hey there folks! Ever wondered how businesses get their hands on some serious dough when banks slam the door in their face? Or how investors are makin’ a killing outside the stock market? Well, lemme introduce ya to somethin’ pretty slick—private debt. If you’re scratchin’ your head thinkin’ “What the heck is that?” don’t worry. … Read more