When you apply for a car loan—whether from your dealer, a bank, or a credit union—they will check your credit. This is known as a hard inquiry, and can temporarily affect your credit score. Since multiple credit checks within 45 days generally won’t affect your credit score more than a single check, you have that … Read more
According to the Government of Canada, a credit score is a 3-digit number that represents how likely a credit bureau thinks you are to pay your bills on time.1 It can be an important part of building your financial confidence and security.1 For example, building a good credit score could help you get approved for … 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
If you’re considering buying a home with a 650 credit score, you’re still in the game. While a 650 score is categorized as “fair,” you can qualify for mortgage loans like FHA, VA, and USDA, which offer flexible terms. Though you may face higher interest rates, there are loan programs designed to work with your … Read more
When life happens, you’re covered with a personal line of credit. U.S. Bank clients with a FICO® Score of 680 or above and other qualifying factors could receive funds within hours. To qualify for a personal line of credit, you need to have an existing U.S. Bank checking account. Since you don’t have a U.S. … Read more
The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card that allows federal benefit recipients to receive their payments electronically rather than by paper check. It provides convenience and security for managing your benefits. However, a common question cardholders have is whether the money on their Direct Express card can be garnished or seized by creditors … Read more
American Express is one of the most popular credit card issuers, offering a wide variety of cards for consumers and businesses. A common question many Amex cardholders have is “can I have two Amex cards?” The short answer is yes, you can have multiple Amex cards. However, there are some rules and restrictions to be … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic created massive economic disruption and hardship for small businesses across America. In response, the federal government launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide emergency loans and relief. However, amidst this crisis, allegations have emerged about fraud and abuse within the PPP system. One company at the center of controversy is Blue … Read more
As measured by prices, home values have tended to go up over time. A report for Q4 2024 from ATTOM, a leading real estate data firm, shows just 2.5% of mortgage holders have an underwater mortgage, meaning they owe more on their home than it’s worth. The fact that most people aren’t impacted by negative … Read more
The less you owe on your car loan (the principal), the less you’ll pay in interest. By making an additional payment on the principal, you can shorten your loan and save money. But if you pay extra on your car loan, does it go to the principal automatically? Not always, so be sure to check. … Read more