Learn how to get your credit score, how it is calculated, and what you can do to improve it. Improving your FICO credit score by even just a few points can make a big difference in your ability to get approved for loans and credit cards at favorable interest rates. If your goal is to … Read more
When you click on product links, like credit card links, from one or more of our advertising partners, we may get paid. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. American Express is well-known … Read more
Credit scores operate on a scale of 300 to 850. The better your credit score, the easier (and cheaper) it is to borrow money. While a bad credit score can hamper your borrowing efforts, having no credit can shut you out entirely. Some of the most important money choices you’ll ever make, like buying a … Read more
Yes, you can use a personal loan to buy a car, and it could be a good choice in certain scenarios. But auto loans generally offer lower interest rates, making them a better option in most cases. Car prices remain elevated in 2023 due to the persisting impact of the pandemic. The average loan amount … Read more
Having a high credit limit can be useful for big purchases emergencies and building your credit. But is it possible to get a credit card with a $100,000 limit? The short answer is yes, but it’s extremely rare and you’ll need exceptional finances to qualify. Let’s break down everything you need to know about obtaining … Read more
Regularly checking your credit reports and credit scores is a good way to ensure information is accurate. But can checking your credit hurt your credit scores? [Duration: 00:54]. A lot of people are scared to ask for a copy of their credit report or check their credit score because they think it will hurt their … Read more
This can be both a good and bad thing: good because late payments dont always automatically count against you, and bad because your on-time payment history doesnt help your score. That is changing, however: As youll see, on-time utility payments can now actually help your credit score. Utility payments like electricity, gas, water, cable TV, … Read more
Credit card debt is a common problem nationwide. The level of credit card debt consumers face recently reached record highs, according to the U. S. Government Accountability Office, and Americans now owe more than $1 trillion to credit card companies. “Many Americans today are faced with weathering increased costs from higher-than-average inflation over the past … Read more
How Much Income Do You Need to Qualify for a $200,000 Mortgage? To get approved for a $200,000 mortgage, you need to carefully plan and prepare your finances. As a mortgage lender, I’m often asked, “How much income do I need to qualify for a $200,000 mortgage?” There isn’t a single answer that works for … Read more
Visa Infinite cards sit at the top tier of Visa’s lineup, offering premium benefits and services. But this high-end experience comes at a price – literally. Visa Infinite cards have hefty annual fees, often $400 or more. So how much does a Visa Infinite card really cost? Let’s break it down. The Annual Fee The … Read more