Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill, only to unexpectedly watch your credit take a hit? It stinks. And unfortunately, it ...

Having a good credit score is essential for accessing loans, credit cards with better benefits, and even better rental opportunities. Your score reflects your financial history and how you manage your ...

Avoid common credit mistakes that tank your score. Expert tips show how consistent habits, not income, build strong credit.

SEATTLE — A strong credit score is a key that can unlock opportunities, like lower interest rates and better borrowing terms. “It’s a three-digit number that determines how creditors, lenders and ...

Perfect credit, or even really good credit, opens doors for American consumers. Better interest rates on loans. Better odds of renting an apartment or landing a job. Lower insurance premiums. But how ...

Credit scores don’t matter unless you’re trying to get a loan, rent an apartment, secure insurance, buy a home, avoid paying a deposit to utility companies, or even land some jobs. OK. Unless you’re ...

Think of your credit score as your money report card. Banks and lenders look at it when you apply for a credit card, a car ...

From canceling old cards to cosigning loans, these surprising missteps can quietly hurt your score. Learn what affects your credit (and what to do about it) — from the experts.

Beverly is a writer, editor, and paralegal specializing in personal finance and tax law. She covers personal financial and legal topics, as well as tax breaks, tax preparation software, and tax law ...

While many countries do not have a credit scoring system, in the United States credit is king. Taking care of your credit allows access to loans for big-ticket items such as homes and vehicles. Credit ...

Debt is a double-edged sword. When wielded wisely, it can open doors to opportunities such as homeownership, education and financial flexibility. Mismanaged, it can weigh you down and derail your ...

Americans' credit scores can have a dramatic impact on their lives, with a low score potentially delaying homeownership, marriage, starting a family, or even preventing them from renting an apartment.