Some spouses keep their finances separate and under wraps, but other spouses are entirely transparent about their financial situations. In fact, some partners know so much about their spouses’ financial data that they could open credit cards in their spouses’ names. However, is it legal to open a credit card under a spouse’s name? Marriage … Read more
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to … Read more
Credit scores are an important part of your financial profile, as they give lenders an idea of how creditworthy you are. However, you may notice that the scores you see on Credit Karma don’t always align with other credit scores you encounter. This can leave you wondering – how far off is Credit Karma? There … Read more
Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Heres an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Bankrate logo Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial … Read more
Right now, home equity levels are high for many homeowners across the nation. According to a recent Black Knight report, the average mortgage holder currently has about $199,000 in usable equity available to them. There are numerous factors that have contributed to this — including a shortage in available home inventory and increased demand due … Read more
When you’re barely scraping by month-to-month, getting out of debt can seem like a lost cause. When traditional debt reduction techniques (like the snowball and avalanche methods) aren’t working with your current paycheck, it can feel like you’re headed for a financial natural disaster. This doesn’t have to be the case. Break the cycle with … Read more
While credit score requirements vary based on loan type, lenders generally require a credit score of at least 620 to buy a house with a conventional mortgage. The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan youre applying for … Read more
If you knowingly report inaccurate data on a credit application, you’re committing fraud. And while a credit card issuer might not immediately request verification, legally its possible. Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this … Read more
In one way or another, we’re all chasing the American Dream. Not the white picket fence per se, but the sense of security that comes with it. You know, the relief of paying your bills on time. The pride that comes with covering your kids’ tuition. The satisfaction of owning a home you love. The … Read more
According to data compiled by TransUnion, the average credit card debt for Americans was an estimated $6,329 through the second quarter of 2024. This was an increase of about 6% from the roughly $5,090 average credit card balance Americans had at the same time in 2023. But what does that number mean exactly? And if … Read more