credit score

Wise Bread Reloaded: President Obama's Credit Card Declined at Pricey Restaurant (and How You Can Avoid the Same Fate)

Credit card fraudsters respect no one, not even the leader of the free world. Find out how to protect your identity in this week's look back.

11 Reasons Your Credit Card Application Was Denied — And What You Can Do About It

Denied! Find out why your credit application was rejected by the bank, and then take steps to tighten your finances, and improve your credit score.

This One Ratio Is the Key to a Good Credit Score

Understanding this key credit scoring ratio may be the secret to unlocking a higher credit score. The math is simple, and so is the strategy.

13 Things You Don't Know About Your Credit Report — But Should

There's a lot more to a credit report than just the score. Find out what the bureaus know about you — and how you can improve your credit.

How to Get a Credit Card When You Have Bad Credit

Bad credit? No Credit? No problem! You can still get a credit card for emergencies or to repair your credit score, if you know where to look.

10 Things You Think Affect Your Credit Score — But Don't

Myths abound about what does and does not impact a credit score. Read this list of "Does Nots" and know why your score is gonna be fine.

Save $70,000 (or More!) With 4 Simple Credit Score Boosts

The benefits of good credit — reduced interest paid on purchases — can add up to many thousands of dollars. Learn how to start improving your credit today.

Ask the Readers $200 Giveaway: Would You Ding Your Credit to Get Out of Debt?

Tell us if you would ding your credit to get out of debt and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $150 or one of two $25 Amazon Gift Cards!

12 Habits of Highly Responsible Credit Card Users

While regular credit card use can be harmful, these 12 responsible credit habits can help you build a stronger credit rating and a healthier bottom line.

FICO vs. Fakes: Are You Getting the Wrong Credit Score?

FICO has a formula that rates your creditworthiness. Other companies do too, but using their services could get you in trouble. Learn why.

How to Rebuild Your Credit in 8 Simple Steps

Bad credit will cost you more for insurance and loans, and may close some opportunities altogether. Learn how to rebuild a poor credit rating to an excellent one.

Surprising Things That Can Kill Your Credit

We're all familiar with the damage a late payment can do to a credit score. But there are plenty of other credit-sinkers you might not know about.

Ask the Readers: Do You Know Your Credit Score?

Tell us whether or not you know your credit score and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Building a Credit History

A good credit history can save you a small fortune over a lifetime. Here's how to build one.

25,000 Reasons to Pamper Your Credit

Would you take good care of your credit score if you knew someday it could save you $25,000?

How a Solid Credit Score Saves You Money

Your FICO credit score has a direct bearing on what kind of interest you can expect to pay on a loan, a mortgage or any other similar product. Many employers and landlords als

How to Avoid Getting Your Credit Card Canceled

Find out why your credit card could be canceled on you without notice, and tips to help avoid it.

How to Prepare for a Home Purchase in 2010

The housing and mortgage industries took a giant leap backwards last year. Read about what you need to do if you are finally ready to buy the home you've been looking for.

How to Botch Up, Then Peddle Back to Good Credit

As a young adult, I thought I had a firm grasp on being financially responsible. But I never really understood my credit score, or even why it was important to build a good score.

Can Your Spending Patterns Affect Your Credit?

Regardless of how fiscally cautious and responsible you are as a credit card holder, you may still be curious to know just how much credit card companies know about you through you