Recent Articles
How To Check Credit Scores Without A Social Security Number?
A Social Security number (SSN) is a term used for a nine-digit number assigned by the U.S government to its legal residents. Your SSN is mainly used to monitor employment and earning rates for Social Security benefits. However, both citizens and non-citizens also use their SSNs to apply for bank loans and bank accounts and determine their credit scores. You can do all these with your SSN. But there is a big question: Can you check your credit...
Does Applying for a Debit Card Affect Your Credit Score?
When it comes to your credit scores, it’s essential to pay attention to what can impact them. Depending on your credit, you can get better rates on loans, mortgages and credit cards. But does applying for a debit card negatively impact your credit? Here’s everything you need when it comes to debit cards and your credit. Does Getting a Debit Card Impact My Credit Score? Most lenders tend to use credit scores, a three-digit number, that comes...
Can Working Remote Help My Credit?
Remote work isn’t a brand-new concept, but it became commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many employers have continued to embrace it, allowing their employees to work remotely full-time or part-time, even as COVID restrictions have become relaxed. Remote work has changed the way millions of workers do their jobs, and it can have larger implications for work-life balance, business costs and even consumer credit scores. So,...
What Credit Score is Needed for a Travel Credit Card
Among the many benefits of a good credit score is the travel credit card. After all, it helps you earn points toward vacations! So, if you feel like taking a cruise to the Bahamas this year and want to utilize your creditworthiness, here’s what you need to know about a travel credit card. What is a Travel Credit Card? A travel credit card is the mix of a regular credit card and a travel card. When you combine the perks and functions of the...
How Does a Divorce Affect Your Credit Score?
A broken marriage can leave your financial life in shambles, especially if you have to take care of commingled accounts and accumulated assets. Assuming that you’d split everything equally, your finances will drop by half. But, if you are in for a rocky road, then your wealth can plummet even more. Many couples who split can lack retirement savings. Mainly if they decided to call it quits after 55, according to AARP. While divorce won’t...
How Can I Help My Credit Score to Buy a House?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, getting your finances in shape ahead of your house hunt is important to save you a good deal of money when it comes to your mortgage interest rate. And the first thing on your agenda to assess should be your credit scores. You might have money in the bank and a steady stream of income coming your way, but if your credit scores are lacking, a lender can knock you for it – and that costs you money. Most...
What You Need to Know About Debt-to-Income Ratio
If you’re thinking of getting a mortgage, car loan, credit card or another line of credit, you may have stumbled upon the term debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. DTI plays a significant role in determining whether you are going to be pre-approved for a loan or not. It’s an important ratio that shows lenders how your debt stacks up against your monthly income. Here’s more information on what DTI is, how to calculate it and if it affects your credit....
Do You Need to Notify Credit Bureaus About a Death?
When someone dies, their survivors or the executor of the estate often have a lot of work to do. Common tasks include reaching out to friends and family, making funeral arrangements and contacting insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions. That’s just for starters. With all these other tasks, notifying the three major credit bureaus about the death might feel like a low priority. But it’s a good idea to check this off your...
Is Autopay Good for Your Credit?
Autopay is a fantastic tool that automatically schedules payments repeatedly to pay your bills, such as your electricity bill, credit card, gym membership, etc. Basically, you’re authorizing the credit card issuer or lender to automatically withdraw funds from your bank account on a stipulated date. Once set, the tool deducts the minimum payment due, the amount you choose to pay, or the full statement balance. Late credit card payments can harm...
Can Someone Check Your Credit Without Your Permission?
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), strict guidelines dictate what parties can run a credit check on consumers and what circumstances allow them to do so. Generally, only businesses and organizations with specific, legitimate purposes may check your credit scores. In most cases, they must get your permission, but there are a few instances where that isn’t the case. Who Can Check Your Credit? When you submit certain applications or...
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