Credit 101

Credit Monitoring & Fraud Protection

With MyScoreIQ, you get more than just your FICO® Scores. We give you peace of mind with industry-leading credit monitoring, financial fraud protection, identity theft insurance underwritten by AIG, and tools to help you build your credit.

Can Old Addresses Be Removed from Your Credit Report?

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 do old addresses appear on credit reports? Your creditors usually report your addresses and other credit information to credit bureaus that update your credit report. This means...

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Why Credit Monitoring is Essential for Veterans 

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 service members overcome these challenges by offering early detection of credit issues, helping them to manage their finances and protect their financial well-being.  Common Credit...

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What Happens If You Go Over Your Credit Card Limit?

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 building credit history. However, many people find themselves financially strained, teetering on the edge of their credit limits. All credit card holders should be aware of the...

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What is Credit Monitoring and Why is it Important?

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.

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Does Debt Relief Hurt Your Credit? 

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 affect your credit? This guide unpacks the different debt relief options available, their short-term and long-term effects on your credit, and alternative strategies to consider...

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Why Are There Multiple Names on My Credit Report?

Why Are There Multiple Names on My Credit Report?

You might be surprised to see multiple names listed when you get your credit report. In most cases, you don’t need to worry. In fact, there are often multiple names listed on a credit report. So why is this the case? There are several reasons why you might have multiple names on your credit report.  In this post, we share more about why there may be multiple names on a credit report and what to do if a wrong name on your credit report is...

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How Do I Get My FICO® Score 2?

How Do I Get My FICO® Score 2?

If you've stumbled upon this post, you're more than likely on a mission to find out about your FICO® Score 2, especially if you're gearing up for a mortgage application or eyeing that new credit card offer. Understanding your credit score is an essential step in making well-informed financial decisions. So, why the fuss about this credit score version? Well, the FICO® Score 2 is often the go-to score for mortgage lenders to determine whether...

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What is a Tradeline on Your Credit Report?

What is a Tradeline on Your Credit Report?

Understanding your credit report can be daunting, especially when encountering unknown terms like "tradeline." However, tradelines play a crucial role in determining your credit score and overall financial health. This guide breaks down what a tradeline is, how it impacts your credit, and what you can do to manage your tradelines effectively.   Key Takeaways: A tradeline is a record of credit activities associated with a specific account...

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What Your FICO® Score Says About You

What Your FICO® Score Says About You

Your credit score is a three-digit number that can significantly influence your financial life. It's a snapshot of your creditworthiness, and it can determine your ability to secure loans, credit cards, and even housing opportunities. But what does your credit score really say about you? Key Takeaways Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness and likelihood to repay debt based on your credit history. The factors...

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Why Does My FICO® Score Fluctuate?

Why Does My FICO® Score Fluctuate?

A FICO® Score fluctuates due to various factors, reflecting changes in an individual’s credit behavior and financial circumstances. These scores are widely utilized by lenders to assess the risk associated with extending credit or loans to consumers. By evaluating factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, new credit inquiries, and credit mix, FICO® Scores offer insight into an individual's financial habits...

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