Adding someone as an authorized user on a credit card is often pitched as a quick way to boost their credit score, especially for young adults, spouses, or people trying to rebuild their credit. And in many cases, it can help.But not always. Before you bank on a credit score bump from becoming (or adding) […]
If you’ve ever checked your credit score and seen a dip you weren’t expecting, chances are someone mentioned the words “hard inquiry.” Cue the panic. Did checking your own score cause it?Did that “pre-approved” credit card mailer just sabotage your progress?Is your credit doomed now that you shopped for a car loan? Let’s clear it […]
We’ve all been there.Life happens.You miss a payment by a few days, or maybe forget altogether. And then panic sets in: “Did I just ruin my credit score?” The truth is, not all late payments are treated equally, and understanding how it works can save you a ton of stress (and points on your credit […]
Freezing your credit report might sound dramatic like pulling an emergency brake on your financial life. But it’s actually a smart, simple tool that can help protect your identity and credit score from serious damage. Still, a lot of people avoid it because they’re not sure what a freeze really does, what it doesn’t do, […]
Medical bills are the kind of debt no one plans for. You don’t choose to break a bone, need surgery, or get stuck with a surprise ambulance ride. Yet all it takes is one billing error, missed notice, or uncovered procedure to send your account to collections, and your credit score down with it. Here’s […]
You pull your credit report, expecting a simple answer, and instead, you see three different scores from three different bureaus. One’s good, one’s okay, and one seems way off. What gives? The truth is, having three credit scores isn’t a glitch. It’s how the system works. And understanding why those scores are different is a […]
Summer is supposed to be the season of freedom: road trips, cookouts, last-minute flights, and family adventures. And after months of working hard, you deserve a break. But here’s what most people don’t realize until it’s too late:Some of the most common summer habits can quietly destroy your credit score. We’re not saying you shouldn’t […]
A sudden drop in your credit score can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure why it happened. Credit scores fluctuate based on your financial behavior, and understanding the factors behind these changes can help you take control. If you’re asking yourself why did my credit score drop, here are some of the most common reasons […]
You’ve got an old credit card you never use. Maybe it has no rewards, a high interest rate, or you’ve just moved on to better cards. Closing it seems like the smart, responsible move… right? Not so fast.Closing a credit card, especially an old one, can actually hurt your credit score if you’re not careful. […]
If you’re trying to build or rebuild your credit, you’ve probably heard that a secured credit card can help. But do they really work? Can a secured card actually raise your credit score? The short answer: Yes—but only if you use it wisely. Let’s break down how secured cards work, how they affect your score, […]
