An influx of unexpected money opens the door to exciting possibilities, but whats the smartest way to use that extra cash? Whether it’s a tax refund, inheritance, a well-deserved bonus, or just a buildup in your checking account, it can feel tempting to indulge in a splurge. But before you book that Michelin-starred meal or … Read more
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. The advice in this article is offered by the team independent of any bank or credit card … Read more
Credit scoring systems comb and analyze credit reports to evaluate how you manage credit. Their main concerns are your payment history, the amount of debt you have, how you use available credit, the length of your credit history, the types of credit you have, and any new credit you get. Credit scoring systems such as … Read more
When you first get a credit card, your credit line (also called a credit limit) may not be as high as youd like. You might be able to ask for a higher credit limit after a while of having the new credit card. It can be helpful to have a credit card with a high … Read more
With most credit scores, any damage from a high credit card utilization goes away when credit bureaus have up-to-date information on your new, lower balances. When you report a new, lower balance to the credit bureaus, a high credit card balance usually stops hurting your credit score. The main way to reduce your credit card … Read more
Generally, having good credit means youâre more likely to be approved for a car lease and more likely to score a lower interest rate. Just as with a car loan, you generally need good credit for a car lease. The Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market report says that the average credit score for … Read more
Applying for an auto loan with a co-borrower might help you get approved for a larger loan or better interest rate. But consider whether you want to co-own the vehicle with someone else and how the joint loan might affect your relationship. A joint loan application might help you qualify for an auto loan, especially … Read more
They say looks aren’t everything, but let’s be honest: It’s hard to ignore the striking [applyLink pid=”6344″ overridetext=”American Express® Gold Card”] in rose gold. With its pinkish gold hue and metallic texture, Amex’s Gold Card in rose gold is one of the best-looking cards out there. Luckily for all of us, the card is great … Read more
Having a credit score of 450 or below severely limits your borrowing options, but getting a personal loan may still be possible. Some lenders accept bad credit scores if you demonstrate sufficient creditworthiness in other areas, such as income and spending history. However, such loans typically come with stricter terms and higher costs. Your credit … Read more
Having a card account closed by the issuer can hurt your credit scores. Use your cards regularly to avoid it. Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. … Read more