If you have no credit history, you have no credit score — but not a zero credit score. Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this … Read more
Borrowers seeking a mortgage to purchase or refinance a home must be approved by a mortgage lender to get their loan. Banks need to verify the borrowers financial information and may require a proof or proof of deposit (POD) form to be completed and sent to the borrowers bank. A proof of deposit may require … Read more
Getting denied for a credit card can be disappointing. But it wonât technically hurt your credit scores. Neither will a credit card approval, for that matter. Some parts of the application process could affect your credit scores, though. Learn more about the process, plus ways to help increase your odds of approval. Getting declined for … Read more
Taking out a loan to make a major purchase like a home or car is a big financial decision. While getting the best interest rate possible is ideal, many lenders offer the option to “buy down” the rate by paying points upfront. But how much do points actually save, and are they worth paying for? … Read more
For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent. For credit scores that range from 300 to 850, a credit score in the mid to high 600s or above … Read more
Your credit score is one of the most important factors that determines whether you’ll be approved for a new credit card. The FICO score is the most widely used type of credit score that lenders consider. So when you apply for an American Express card, the FICO score is what they’ll look at. But Amex … Read more
You can freeze and unfreeze your credit reports at Experian, TransUnion and Equifax online, by phone or by mail. The online option is the fastest and easiest. You have the right to add a security freeze, more commonly called a credit freeze, to all of your credit reports for free. Doing so can limit access … Read more
If buying a home is on your wish list for 2025, it’s important to understand the minimum mortgage requirements for the most common loan programs. We’ll give you a quick tour of the loan landscape, so you know which loans come with the lowest credit score and down payment requirements, the highest loan limits and … Read more
A decent option for building credit but a secured card might be a better fit. Jun 10, 2025 / 7 min At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Heres an explanation for . Bankrate logo … Read more
Pulling equity out of your home can be tempting, especially when you need cash for renovations, debt consolidation, or other big expenses. But refinancing into a cash-out mortgage isn’t your only option There are several ways to access your home equity without refinancing your existing loan What is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference … Read more