Credit & Loans Articles

Improving Your Credit: Simple Steps That Work (and What to Avoid)

Having good credit can make it easier to qualify for things like a loan or credit card, rent an apartment, and in some situations even get a job. The good news is you don’t need tricks to improve it—you need a few consistent habits and a basic understanding of what...

Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: How to Choose the Cheaper, Smarter Option

When you need to borrow money—whether it’s for a major purchase, a home project, or consolidating debt—two common options are a personal loan and a credit card. The best choice usually comes down to three things: how much you need, how fast you can pay it back, and...

Credit Reports: What They Show, How They’re Used, and How to Keep Yours Healthy

A credit report is a detailed record of how you’ve managed credit over time. It’s used most often by lenders to decide whether to approve you and what terms to offer, but it may also be reviewed by insurance companies, landlords, and (in some cases) employers. This...

What’s Inside a Credit Score (and How Lenders Typically Judge Your Risk)

A credit score is a three-digit number designed to predict how likely you are to repay borrowed money on time. It’s calculated using information from your credit report—but it’s not a “character grade.” It’s a risk snapshot based on patterns in your past credit...