Author: Robert

There are many instances when a rookie is preferred to an old timer, but not on your credit report! If you have old cr

Making your credit card payments on time is extremely important to your credit score. Late payment fees and higher interest rates are undesired results of late credit card payments.

It’s important to note that raising your FICO credit score is a bit like losing weight: It takes time and there is no quick fix. A good credit rating is invaluable. It will help you get more credit and

In the sports world, an ace in the hole is a hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed. In our world at Credit Coach, we refer to balance transfer checks as one of our aces in the hole.

Buy now, pay later. Some merchants extend the offer of getting your items now and putting the charges on your c

Isn’t it annoying to get all that junk mail from companies trying to get you to apply for their credit cards? Not only is it annoying but it also puts you at risk for identity theft! All it takes for identity theft to happen to you is your mail being delivered to the wrong address or someone stealing your discarded mail, things we refer to as pass interference. Once the credit card offer falls into the wrong hands, that person can apply for the card for you, essentially hijacking your identity.

When you apply for credit, the lender reviews your credit report before approving your application. The three major credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These agencies, which are also called “bureaus,” collect and report information about consumers’ financial habits and put the information into a credit report along with a rating, referred to as your FICO Score. Each agency’s report contains the same basic information: name; Social Security number; current and previous addresses; current and previous employers; details about how you have your opened and closed accounts/ loans; public-record information, such as bankruptcies, court judgments, or liens; and a list of companies that have reviewed the credit report.