Understanding credit
How to get your credit report for free
You can check your credit report for free without paying anyone. Here is where to get it and what to do next.
Read Understanding creditHow long things stay on your report
Most negative marks on your credit report don't last forever. Here's how long common items stick around and what that means for you.
Read Understanding creditWhy your score can go up slowly
Building credit takes time, and that's normal. Understanding why scores rise slowly can help you stay patient and keep moving forward.
Read Understanding creditWhy your credit score goes down
Your credit score can drop for several common reasons. Understanding what causes the drop can help you stop the slide and start recovering.
Read Understanding creditSoft vs hard credit checks
A soft credit check won't hurt your score, but a hard credit check can lower it by a few points. Knowing the difference helps you protect your credit while you shop for loans or cards.
Read Understanding creditHow to read your credit report
Your credit report can look overwhelming at first, but it's really just a record of your borrowing history. This guide walks you through each section in plain English so you know exactly what you're looking at.
Read Understanding creditWhat's inside your credit report
Your credit report has several main sections that together tell lenders your credit story. Understanding what each part means can help you spot errors and take steps to improve your financial health.
Read Understanding creditWhat a hard inquiry is
When you apply for credit, the lender checks your credit report. That check is called a hard inquiry, and it shows up on your report for a while.
Read Understanding creditWhy your score can be different everywhere
Your credit score can look different depending on where you check it. Here's why that number changes between apps, banks, and lenders — and what it actually means for you.
Read Understanding creditWhat a credit score actually means
Your credit score is a three-digit number that tells lenders how likely you are to pay back money you borrow. Here's a plain-words look at what that number really means and why it matters.
Read Understanding creditWhat counts as a good or bad score
Credit scores fall into ranges from poor to exceptional. Here is a simple breakdown of what each range means and why it matters.
Read Understanding creditWho decides your credit score
Your credit score is not set by one person or one company. Learn who actually creates your score and how lenders use it to make decisions about you.
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