If youre 18 years or older, you can opt in to build your credit history while youre part of a shared Apple Card account. Getting your first credit card is an important step in building your credit history. With strong credit, you can more easily get approved for loans and other credit products in the … Read more
No one sits around waiting excitedly for the chance to deal with issues on their credit report. But if you think that someone’s pulled a hard inquiry of your credit without permission, you’ll want to act quickly to make sure that it’s taken care of correctly — it could be a sign of fraud or … Read more
When it comes to financing your home, the terminology can sometimes be incredibly confusing. If you’re looking to extract value from your home, there are cash-out refinances, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). If you’re trying to understand a HELOC vs. a second mortgage, it’s helpful to know that they’re really … Read more
The lender you settled with should notify Experian and the other major credit bureaus (TransUnion and Equifax) of the change in your account status, and your credit reports should reflect the update soon after. If that doesnt happen within a month or two, or if youd like to expedite the update, you can file a … Read more
The length of time information takes to come off your credit report ranges from two to 10 yearsâor indefinitely if an account remains open. However, that doesnt mean it will impact your credit score for that long, and if a negative mark is inaccurate, you have a right to dispute it with the credit bureaus. … Read more
A bridge loan is used in real estate transactions to provide cash flow during a transitional period, such as when moving from one home into another home. Homeowners can use this type of loan to finance a new home or pay off debt while waiting for their old home to sell. However, like any form … Read more
Are you self-employed? Maybe you work as a freelancer for several clients. If you’re ready to apply for a mortgage, you might need to rely on a bank statement loan, a type of loan designed for homebuyers who don’t have jobs that pay a regular salary. You’ll have to meet certain mortgage qualifications when you … Read more
When applying for a mortgage, banks will scrutinize your financial history to determine if you are eligible and can afford the loan. But how far back do they look? Here’s what you need to know about the mortgage approval process. Checking Your Credit Report One of the first things lenders do is pull your credit … Read more
Our credit scores impact so many different aspects of our lives each and every day. Everything from taking out a mortgage and buying a car on finance to using a credit or store card may be recorded on your credit file, which can affect your credit score. But how does your own credit score compare … Read more
On average, Americans carried $6,501 in credit card debt in 2023, according to Experian data. However, some credit card users have much more than thatâin rare cases, $50,000 or more. Getting rid of $50,000 or more in credit card debt can feel like an insurmountable task. However, with the right strategy, some good financial tools … Read more