The Looming Credit Crisis: How Student Loan Delinquencies Can Drop the Credit Score of Millions of Americans

Millions of Americans are on the brink of a credit crisis as student loan delinquencies are now starting to appear on credit reports for the first time since the pandemic. According to a recent analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, more than 9 million...

Do You Have to Pay a Loan Application Fee? 

When you’re preparing to submit a loan application, the lender may inform you they charge a loan application fee. These fees reduce out-of-pocket processing costs for the lender and make their borrower transactions more profitable.  Loan application fees are common...

What Are the Basic Types of Credit Cards?

IDIQ is not a bank, lender, tax advisor, or insurance company. Offers made on this page may come from our advertising affiliates, and we may earn a commission when you purchase products or services. There are many credit cards to choose from, which might be...

Can Old Addresses Be Removed from Your Credit Report?

It makes sense for your credit report to contain old credit account information or even loans you settled years ago. But, sometimes, you might be surprised to find old or inaccurate addresses. Don’t worry – most people often find themselves in this situation. So, why...

When Is Debt Relief Necessary? 

Are you drowning in debt, struggling to keep up with payments? Debt relief can be a lifeline. But what exactly is debt relief? When is debt relief necessary?   This article explores what debt relief is, the signs that you might need it, and the different options...

Why Credit Monitoring is Essential for Veterans 

Veterans and service members face unique challenges, especially when it comes to credit health. Strong credit is essential, as it affects access to important needs like housing, loans, and a secure financial future.   Credit monitoring helps veterans and active duty...

What Happens If You Go Over Your Credit Card Limit?

Trying to keep your spending under your credit card limit can be stressful. Sometimes, using up almost all of your available credit might be necessary. But what happens if you go over your credit card limit?   Credit cards are crucial for managing daily expenses and...

What is Credit Monitoring and Why is it Important?

Credit monitoring refers to a tool that alerts you of changes in your credit report and credit scores. It’s a great tool if you want to work on your credit and financial health because it allows you to watch your progress and adjust your behavior to reach your credit goals.

How to Improve Your FICO® Auto Score

Looking to buy your dream car? Having a strong credit score is an important early step in the process. Your creditworthiness determines the terms of your auto financing, making it crucial to understand how to enhance and maintain a strong credit profile. The most...

Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? 

Are you struggling with debt, overwhelmed by multiple payments? You're not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation, and debt relief programs may seem like a tempting solution. But before diving in, a critical question emerges: does debt relief negatively...

Recent Articles

Can Someone Check Your Credit Without Your Permission?

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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How To Positively Impact Your Credit as a College Student?

How To Positively Impact Your Credit as a College Student?

An excellent credit score allows you to enjoy financial opportunities, especially after graduating. For example, it can help you rent an apartment, secure a car loan, and even be approved for a mortgage. While it might seem hard to earn a good credit score while you’re a college student, it’s not impossible. Below, we’ve provided you with four tips to help you positively impact your credit while you’re still in school. Open A Student Credit...

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Does Retirement Affect My Credit Score?

Does Retirement Affect My Credit Score?

Once you've cashed your last paycheck and start enjoying your retirement, you might start wondering if this new chapter will alter how your credit report turns out. Here’s the answer to that question: being retired does not directly affect your credit scores. A credit report doesn't contain your age or employment status. Since your credit report doesn't explicitly label you a retiree, it won't impact your credit report. With that said, your...

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How Does a Repossession Impact Your Credit?

How Does a Repossession Impact Your Credit?

Keeping a good credit score is paramount to enjoying the most benefit you can as a consumer. However, there are a lot of different factors that can negatively impact your credit score. One of these occasions is a repossession, and often the most common tend to be auto repossession. If you’re looking to lease a car from the bank, you must understand auto repossession and how it can impact your credit score. What is an Auto Repossession, and How...

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Does Having Student Loans Affect My Credit Score?

Does Having Student Loans Affect My Credit Score?

Student life is tough on many people, especially those with financial challenges. If you're in the same boat, you may have signed up for student loans to get through your student life without feeling deprived of any of its perks. College students can find student loans quite helpful in setting their career path right by assisting them financially through their higher education. While the word “loan” may sound intimidating, being able to use...

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What Credit Score Does Everyone Start With?

What Credit Score Does Everyone Start With?

If you’re a young adult just entering the world of credit, the first question that might come to mind is what is my starting credit score? When you’re first applying for a credit card – or any loan – most individuals wonder what number they’re starting their credit score journey from. If you’re in the same situation, we have a short guide below that details everything you need to know about your starting credit score. What Is Your Starting...

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Why Medical Debt May No Longer Negatively Affect Your Credit Scores

Why Medical Debt May No Longer Negatively Affect Your Credit Scores

Medical debt is a burden carried by millions of Americans, weighing down their credit scores even though this debt often arises from a single incident related to a critical medical issue. And concern over the impact of this debt has only grown since the start of the pandemic. But now, the three major credit reporting agencies are taking a collective step to stop medical debt from marring a person’s credit, announcing in March that they would no...

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Does Refinancing Your Car Look Bad on Your Credit?

Does Refinancing Your Car Look Bad on Your Credit?

Refinancing your car could help lower your monthly car payment, but does it negatively affect your credit? Credit scores are important as they significantly impact your financial dealings. If you want to refinance your car but are unsure of its effects on your credit line, then here’s what you need to know. How to Refinance Your Car Loan? Refinancing your car loan means taking a new loan to pay off whatever is left over from the previous loan...

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Can I Get a Business Loan with a Bad Credit Score?

Can I Get a Business Loan with a Bad Credit Score?

You need money for your business, but you’re concerned that your poor credit score can impact your ability to secure approval for a business loan. It’s possible to get a business loan with a bad credit score, but the process might be complicated. Due to your low credit score, banks might turn you away. Or, if you are approved, you might have to pay a higher interest rate than someone with good credit. Here’s what you need to know about getting...

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What Does the Credit Utilization Ratio Mean?

What Does the Credit Utilization Ratio Mean?

You may have heard the term “credit utilization ratio” or “credit utilization rate” before. Credit utilization ratio refers to the amount of revolving credit you currently use divided by the total available revolving credit.  Generally, you express the credit limit as a percentage. Here is more information on credit utilization ratio and how it plays an essential role in the perception of your credit profile. How Does Credit Utilization Work?...

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