Applying for a car loan? Lenders will check your credit history and credit score. Before you apply, find out what credit score you need to buy a car. Generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get a car loan with a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments. But …
What Does FICO Score 8 Mean?
Read 5 minutes December 21, 2022 FICO Score 8 is the most popular version of the FICO scoring model currently used by businesses to measure borrower risk. The original FICO scoring model was introduced more than 30 years ago and has been continuously improved since then. There are slight differences between each version. Paying your …
Why Do I Have Different Credit Scores?
Your credit score can vary based on a variety of factors. Learn why your credit score varies depending on the credit scoring model used. Your credit score can vary for a number of reasons, including when and where you check your credit score. While small differences are normal, large differences in scores may indicate an …
What’s the Minimum Credit Score Needed to Get an FHA Loan?
Technically, FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 500. But many lenders require a higher credit score — especially if you want a 3.5% down payment. FHA loans can help you reduce your down payment on a new home to 3.5%, but only if your credit score is at least 580. If your credit …
Why Do Employers Check Your Credit?
Some employers run a credit check before hiring to help limit risk. Here’s what they check, your legal rights, and how to keep your credit in good standing. This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies …
How to Pick Your First Travel Rewards Credit Card
Maybe one day, while scrolling through your friend’s vacation-themed Instagram posts during your sad desk lunch hour, you start craving a travel adventure of your own. If you’re not sure how to finance your global goals, one way to do it is to apply for your first credit card that earns travel rewards. Travel credit …
What is a Credit Report and Why is it Important?
In today’s web-dominated, location-based digital age, it’s not uncommon for the websites and apps you use to track nearly every move you make. But did you know that there’s also a group of credit reporting agencies that track your financial payment history? The credit reports they generate are a detailed, objective description of your creditworthiness …
How Couples Can Share the Mental Load of Money Management
It takes a lot of effort to keep a household running smoothly, and running through it all is money. He is saving to fix broken items, send his kids to summer camp, and replace his old car. The financial burden can be heavy. We can’t sleep at night because of the countless unfinished tasks and …
How Do I Remove Negative Items From My Credit Report?
Credit reports can sometimes contain errors that can lower your credit score. Learn how to take steps to remove negative information from your credit report. Checking your credit report regularly is a good way to detect potential inaccuracies, such as incorrect account information and balances. If you find an error on your credit report, it’s …
How You Can Prioritize Debt and Still Take a Vacation
It may seem impossible to take this much-needed break from the debt-paying process, but it doesn’t have to be. By planning a vacation on a budget and sticking to your goals, you can transport yourself to a new place and recharge. That’s the approach taken by vacation expert and YouTuber Jasmine Gillies of the Jazzie …