Credit Management Articles

 

How to boost your credit score

Almost every financial action you take is influenced by your credit score. What does yours look like? Check out these tips to boost your credit score.

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Ideas to build (or improve) your credit

Your credit score can affect your ability to borrow money, rent an apartment or even get a job. Here are tips to establish, build, protect and even improve your all-important FICO and credit score.

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When to refinance your car loan

Refinancing your car or truck loan can help you get a monthly payment you can afford and terms that better fit your current financial situation or long-term goals. Find out when refinancing your car makes financial sense — and when it doesn't.

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Managing your credit cards online

Take control of your credit cards by managing them online or via mobile app. You can check your balance, pay your bill, set up alerts, manage rewards programs, track spending and more. Do it all from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

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CARES Act and your credit score: What you need to know

The CARES Act offers special protections to allow consumers to take advantage of payment relief options without damaging their credit scores. Here's how to make sure you're doing it right.

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Talking to your creditors if you're having trouble paying your bills

The coronavirus crisis has caused financial hardship for millions of Americans. If you're having trouble paying your bills right now, talking to your creditors could help you get payment relief and protect your credit score. Get information and ideas about contacting and negotiating with creditors.

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5 tips for managing credit responsibly

If you want to manage credit responsibly and avoid potential problems, be aware of how your financial behaviors affect your credit—and take steps to build and use credit wisely.

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When is the best time to buy a car?

Buying a car is complex enough. There are financing options to consider, model types, gas mileage, etc. However, what could help a consumer in their quest for a quality automobile is figuring out exactly when the best time of year is to purchase a car.

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How does a car loan work?

Find out how interest rates, credit scores, down payments, terms and more affect auto loans and how much buying a car will cost you. Get the information you need to make an informed decision about your first or next vehicle loan.

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5 ways to safely shop online

Shopping online is convenient and easy, but learn the best ways to keep your bank account and your funds safe.

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Is mobile banking safe? Can I make mobile banking safer?

Mobile banking applications provide convenience and can simplify your life. While conducting banking transactions digitally, here are some best practices for your safety and security.

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Should you pay tuition with a credit card?

Using a credit card to pay college tuition can be a rewarding idea if done strategically and thoughtfully. Get the details about paying for college with plastic.

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A brief history of credit cards

From their humble beginnings in the 1800s, credit cards have become a vital part of our lives and our economy. Learn how credit cards got their start and evolved into the powerful purchasing tools millions of Americans rely on today.

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When to consider adding or replacing a credit card

Should you switch or add credit cards for a better rate or a sweet rewards program? What about switching cards to avoid paying fees? Find out when switching or adding a credit card makes sense for you and your credit score.

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You can avoid paying credit card interest

If you're smart with your credit cards, you can enjoy all the perks — convenience, buyer protections and rewards — and avoid paying interest.

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How to choose credit cards with rewards

Choosing the right credit card can reward you. Read about the types of credit card rewards you can use for your holiday shopping this season.

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More home equity questions answered: FAQs

There are many benefits to using the equity in your home to access cash, but it's important to understand how home equity loans and HELOCs work before you decide if it's the best option for you.

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Secured loans vs. unsecured loans

What's the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan? Get important information, insights, and suggestions before you borrow money.

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Credit reports: Four FAQs answered

Got questions about your credit report? Find out everything you need to know: where to get your credit report, how to read it, and what your score means.

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When to consider a personal loan

Using a personal loan to pay medical bills, consolidate debt, make purchases, or improve your home can be a good financial choice. Learn more.

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The future of high-tech personal money management

Banking by bot. High-tech, coffee-shop like branches. Personalized user experiences. Learn about how technology will continue to change how you bank and manage your money — and why you're going to love it.

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What is a line of credit?

Need extra cash for a remodel, life event, or new business? You might want a line of credit instead of a traditional loan. Learn how they work and benefits.

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Our expert shares her strategy on borrowing money

Our expert shares her strategy on borrowing money with 5 good reasons (and 4 terrible ones) to get an unsecured loan.

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How to choose a credit card that's right for you

Finding the right credit card can not only save money, it can also earn some valuable rewards. Here are some tips from BBVA on finding the right card.

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How to handle your first credit card

Got your first credit card? Get valuable tips for using your card wisely, building your credit score, and avoiding credit card fraud.

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Comparing cash-back and travel rewards cards

Want airline miles or a cash back? Credit card rewards programs can be valuable if you choose a card that matches your spending habits and interests. Here are some tips to find the best one for you.

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What is a debt consolidation loan and do I need one?

You may be able to pay off debt faster by using a personal loan to combine outstanding debts into one debt with a potentially lower interest rate.

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Credit card reality check: Are you overspending each month?

Unable to pay your credit card balance off each month? Find out how you can get control of your spending and avoid going deeper into debt.

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Getting a personal loan with a cosigner

A co-signer could help someone with a spotty or limited credit history get a loan. Find out more about how co-signing a loan works and the risks involved.

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Paying off credit cards vs. saving

You suddenly have a pile of cash—do you pay down debt or put it into savings? A little of both, experts say.

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Line of credit vs personal loans

Expect the unexpected - or at least know your options when the unexpected happens. Learn the difference between a personal loan and a line of credit here!

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7 signs of credit card catastrophe

Using cash advances to pay for everyday expenses? Not opening credit card bills? You may be headed for credit card catastrophe.

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Comparing credit, debit, and secured cards

Debit, credit or secured-credit card? Different cards have different uses. Learn the pros and cons of each of these cards to decide what best suits you.

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What happens when I swipe my credit card?

It took only seconds to buy a coffee with your credit card, but the transaction went through multiple steps on a vast interbank network to get from sale to authorization to final settlement.

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Credit scores can put you in the game

Your credit score is important because it impacts almost every big financial decision you make. Find out what a good credit score is and how to get it.

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Smart credit card tips for students

Build your credit and avoid credit card debt during your college years. Check out these savvy credit card tips for students and get a smart financial start.

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5 simple steps to improving your financial life

The key to controlling your financial future may be less complex than you think. Check out these steps you can take to set yourself up for success.

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What's a smart debt?

Debt can be a smart financial tool if you use it correctly. Do you know if your debt helping or hurting your financial future? Get insider tips here.

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Tips for managing debt

Carrying too much debt? Here's how to create a 3-step plan to begin paying it off.

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Making the most of your credit cards

Credit cards sometimes justifiably get a bad rap. But here are 8 ways to maximize the advantages of your plastic and potentially improve your finances.

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Credit cards 101

Understanding credit cards and figuring out which one is right for you could save you money long term.

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Credit or debit?

That's a question we often hear when we're shopping. We may automatically default to one choice, so it's easy to forget that not all plastic is the same.

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Why you need car insurance

If you're wondering why you need car insurance, there's a very simple answer: your state probably requires it.

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Saving for college: 529 plans

Thinking about future college plans for your children? A 529 plan is a smart way to save.

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Car buying guide

Buying a car can represent freedom—but there's nothing freeing about being tied to a car payment you can't afford or a car that constantly needs repairs. Follow these steps to purchase the car that meets your transportation needs and your budget.

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Details you need to make a smart decision

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