Borrowers with bad or no credit can find it harder to qualify for loans. But high-risk loans can be an option. Editorial disclosure: Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are … Read more
At Upstart, we believe you’re more than your credit score. Your credit score is simply a number based on the information in your credit report, and doesn’t consider anything else. Having said that, it can still be a great idea to know what your credit score is and what it could mean to you. While … Read more
If your debt is in collections, you may have wondered whether debt collectors are allowed to blacklist you. The answer? Yes and no. Debt collectors are allowed to send you letters of demand and request a judgment against you. If they do this, no credit provider will lend you money, as legally they’re not allowed … Read more
If a debt collector contacts you, use the opportunity to find out about the debt, which will help determine if they’re legitimate and if you really owe it. When a debt collector first contacts you about a debt, they are, in general, legally required to provide you with certain information about the debt during that … Read more
Income-Driven Repayment plans, such as IBR, PAYE, and SAVE, allow borrowers to make payments based on what they can afford rather than what they owe. Borrowers on these plans may wonder what happens to their student loan payments if they receive a large gift or inheritance. Will it cause their monthly payments to increase? The … Read more
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) could help you fund a home renovation or consolidate debt at a lower interest rate. But theres another benefit you may not be aware of: You may be able to deduct the interest you pay on a HELOC from your federal income taxes. Heres what you need to … Read more
Hey there, folks! If you’ve ever peeked at your credit report and spotted a nasty little thing called a “charge-off,” you know it’s like a punch to the gut It’s sittin’ there, dragging down your credit score, makin’ it tough to get a loan, a credit card, or even rent a place But don’t sweat … Read more
To change your name with the credit bureaus, youâll need to start by filing any legal name change paperwork required in your state and updating your Social Security card. Then, update your name with your creditors. The new information will appear on your reports. When you change your name, youll want to make sure all … Read more
Prequalification is a key first step in the home purchase process for many borrowers. Getting prequalified for a mortgage wont impact your credit score, but the soft inquiry will show up on your credit reports. Getting prequalified for a mortgage loan can help you get an idea of your eligibility and how much you can … Read more
In times of financial hardship, paying a mortgage with a credit card can help you buy some time and even give you the option to pay off a single mortgage payment over several months. Paying a mortgage with a credit card can also be a way to scoop up truckloads of rewards—or earn a sizable … Read more