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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

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.

Read More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Read More
 

Car loan FAQs

Buying a new car? Find everything you need to know about car loans.

Read More

  

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!

Read More
 

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.

Read More
 

How to avoid bankruptcy

Are you deep in debt? Bankruptcy should be a last resort. Check out our advice for how to manage and overcome your debt without declaring bankruptcy.

Read More

  

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.

Read More
 

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.

Learn More
 

Benefits of working with a financial consultant

While doing your own research and educating yourself to understand your money is empowering, a good financial consultant can give you the benefit of experience and insight with their guidance.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

What are my car insurance options?

Confused about car insurance? Learn more about your coverage options and how to build the policy you need while keeping premium costs down.

Read More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

What is mobile banking and top 5 reasons to use it

Join the legion of others who have simplified their lives by adding mobile banking to their repertoire for managing money.

Read More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

Personal installment loans: Your questions, answered

Are you curious about personal installment loans? Get answers to common questions about the features and benefits of personal loans from BBVA.

Learn More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

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.

Read More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

Saving for college: 529 plans

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

Read More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Learn More
 

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.

Read More
 

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.

Read More

  

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.

Read More

Details you need to make a smart decision

Links to third party sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. BBVA USA does not provide, is not responsible for, and does not guarantee the products, services or overall content available at third party sites. These sites may not have the same privacy, security or accessibility standards.