Credit Score Articles

How to Check Your Credit for Free Online
Cole Tretheway

April 4, 2026

You don’t need to sign up for a subscription to check your credit score.

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Does Medical Debt Affect Your Credit Score?
Richard Barrington

April 4, 2026

Medical debt over $500 could go on your credit report. Here’s how to reduce the impact and find debt relief.

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Buy Now, Pay Later Credit Reporting: How Does It Work?
Maurie Backman

April 4, 2026

Buy now, pay later plans make it easy to pay for stuff over time. But what are they doing to your credit?

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What Is the Lowest Credit Score?
Cole Tretheway

April 3, 2026

While very rare, the lowest possible credit score is 300. However, any credit score under 500 is low and under 580 is sub-prime.

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Is High Credit Utilization Bad?
Richard Barrington

April 3, 2026

Using a lot of your available credit? It could be affecting your credit scores and ability to borrow. Here's what to do.

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Does Unemployment Affect Your Credit Score?
Kimberly Rotter

April 2, 2026

While unemployment doesn't directly hurt your credit, the fallout from it could. Here’s how to protect yourself.

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How to Boost Your Credit After Settling Debts
Mallika Mitra

April 1, 2026

Just settled your debt? Don’t stress—here’s how to rebuild your credit score and get back on track, one smart move at a time.

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Why Does Higher Credit Utilization Decrease Your Credit Score?
Ben Gran

April 1, 2026

Maxing-out credit cards? Higher credit utilization could lower your credit score. See if you might need debt relief.

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Did Delinquent Student Loans Make Your Credit Score Plunge? Here's What to Do Next
Ben Gran

March 29, 2026

Got delinquent federal student loans? You have options. See how to get back on track and get on with your life.

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Does Paying Off Debt Improve Your Credit Profile?
Ashley Maready

March 27, 2026

Many people who have debt problems often suffer from a bad credit profile as well.…

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How Often Does Your Credit Score Update?
Kailey Hagen, CFP

March 26, 2026

Your credit score probably updates more than you think. Here's what you need to know to stay on top of it.

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Can You Raise Your Credit Score 100 Points Overnight?
Brittney Myers

March 22, 2026

You might be surprised at how quickly your credit score could jump. Here are a few moves that could get you big points fast.

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What Happens If You’re Deep in Debt But Still Have Good Credit?
Ashley Maready

March 22, 2026

Getting debt help might tank your credit score. But being debt-free is still worth it—you can rebuild your credit.

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Will My Collection Accounts Ruin My Spouse’s Credit Score?
Ashley Maready

March 21, 2026

Your credit score only belongs to you—but how you handle credit could affect your spouse. Here’s how.

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How to Build Credit in 3 Steps
Gina Freeman (Pogol)

March 21, 2026

Building (or rebuilding) credit is easier than you think. Follow our guide, build a great credit score, and pay less for everything you finance.

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Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry: What's the Difference?
Rebecca Lake

March 21, 2026

Hard and soft inquiries happen when someone checks your credit. Learn the differences to help keep your credit record in good shape.

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FICO Score vs. Credit Score: What Is the Difference?
Rebecca Lake

March 21, 2026

Is your FICO score the same as your credit score? What other credit scores are there? Learn about FICO score, VantageScore and other credit scores.

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Perfect Credit: How to Get the Highest Credit Score
Kailey Hagen, CFP

March 20, 2026

A perfect credit score of 850 makes every aspect of your financial life easier. Here's how to get there.

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The Good, Fair, and Poor: How Your Credit Score Is Determined
Lyle Daly

March 20, 2026

Payment history is the biggest credit score factor. But what else figures in? Get the details you need here.

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What Is a Good Credit Score
Richard Barrington

March 20, 2026

What is a good credit score? Generally speaking, a high 600s or above score is considered a good credit score, but it depends on the lender and industry.

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How to Raise Your Credit Score
Richard Barrington

March 20, 2026

How to raise your credit score? Before shopping for a loan., follow these steps to raise your credit score fast. 1. Clear up errors on your credit report 2. Resolve any ...

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Do Student Loans Affect My Credit Score?
Maurie Backman

March 20, 2026

Student loans could have an impact on your credit score for better and worse. Here’s the scoop.

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How Does Student Loan Forbearance Affect Your Credit Score?
Ben Gran

March 18, 2026

Student loan forbearance differs with federal and private loans. Here’s how both can affect your credit score.

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Can You Fall Behind With a High Credit Score?
Kimberly Rotter

March 12, 2026

People with high credit scores are falling behind on credit card payments. Here’s what it means, and how to handle it.

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How to Build Credit as a College Student
Dana George

March 12, 2026

The ability to be invisible may work for superheroes, but it's not great for personal finances. Here's how to be seen.

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