This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product. Rapid rescoring is a process that allows borrowers to … 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. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to … Read more
The best time to pay your credit card bill is by the due date to avoid late fees and dings to your credit, but there may be situations when making a payment before the billing cycle ends can provide additional benefits. Paying your credit card bill on time eliminates the negative consequences of late payments, … Read more
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is the sum of all of your gross income from all sources minus the changes listed on Schedule 1 of Form 1040. Your AGI is calculated before you take your standard or itemized deduction on Form 1040. Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is your adjusted gross income with some … Read more
The USDA home loan program offers affordable financing to low- to moderate-income homebuyers. But each lender has different credit score requirements. The USDA doesn’t have a strict minimum, but it’s still important to know these rules. Getting a mortgage can be a complicated and stressful process. But USDA loans offer a more accessible path to … Read more
Its an age-old question we receive, and to answer it requires that we start with the basics: What is the definition of a credit score, anyway?. Generally speaking, a credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850. Credit scores are calculated using information in your credit report. Your payment history, the amount … Read more
When a homeowner dies, the inheritance of a home is typically decided by a will or probate proceedings. But what happens when the property has a mortgage on it? Will your next of kin be responsible for your mortgage debt? What will happen to your surviving family members who still live in the home?. Let’s … Read more
When it comes to credit limit increases, your credit scores could be affected in a few ways. But it depends on how the increase happens and how an expanded credit limit is used. Here are some facts that will help you understand how raising your credit limit might impact your credit scores. It can be … Read more
Ah, adulthood: an entire world of new possibilities and financial decisions. If you’re in the fortunate position of having steady income and a little bit in the bank, you may be wondering if you should buy a car or a house first. The answer depends on your own set of circumstances, but if you’re worried … Read more
Quick answer: Yes, you can through a cash-out refinance and it’s a great option for some people. In the end, it comes down to this: interest rates on home loans are usually lower than interest rates on credit cards…. Some people use mortgage rates to pay off credit card debt. Cash-out refinances let you “cash … Read more