Credit 101

Here, we explain the difference between soft inquiries, which have virtually no effect on your credit score, and hard inquiries, which can negatively affect your score.

Your credit score is a three-digit number that potential lenders use to determine your creditworthiness. It’s designed to indicate how likely you are to repay a loan in a timely fashion. A higher score reflects a lower risk of delinquency and gives lenders the confidence they need to offer mortgages, car loans, lower interest rates and higher credit limits.

Applying for a credit card has become so easy that it can be done in a matter of minutes. Just visit the card’s website, submit your information and wait for the credit card issuer to get back to you. You should receive a decision within a few days, sometimes even instantly. However, before you apply you’ll want to take careful stock of your credit history and score so that you can maximize your chances of approval.

A credit card allows you to borrow money from a company and make purchases you otherwise might not be able to immediately afford.

When used responsibly, credit cards offer several advantages for the discerning consumer. Most importantly, they are essential for establishing a good credit score. By paying off your monthly credit card balance in a timely fashion, you will create a strong credit history, which results in an improved credit score. Credit cards also come with the following, lesser-known benefits.

If you find that your score has suffered a sudden, unexpected setback, there’s a chance it’s been caused by an error in your report or fraudulent activity in your name. These types of impediments have a number of potential consequences, including higher interest rates, rejected loan applications and denied job offers. But discovering an error on your report is the first step towards rectifying it. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can take action by following these steps.