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The 800 credit score: What it means, why it helps and how to get one
Earning an 800 credit score means you’ve done everything you need to do to prove that you are a creditworthy consumer.
Read the latest advice from our team of experts on everything you need to know about your credit score and credit reports.
Earning an 800 credit score means you’ve done everything you need to do to prove that you are a creditworthy consumer.
Getting your first credit cards is one of the most important steps toward building strong credit.
It’s critical to keep your credit utilization ratio low, but how low is often a mystery to consumers.
This critical 3-digit number can open—or close—doors to great interest rates.
Credit scores can benefit from the activity reported from an authorized user.
Closing a card can increase your credit utilization, which can hurt your score.
New credit means exactly that — credit lines or loans that you applied for that you did not have before.
Paying your credit card bill early can lower your credit utilization and help you avoid late payments.
In most cases, your credit needs to fall in the “good” to “excellent” range.
Here’s how credit limits work, how issuers calculate credit limits and what you can do to increase yours.
Checking for prequalification with Amex is easy with Bankrate’s CardMatch tool.
How credit limits in the U.S. vary by age and region
Debts, unlike fine wine and my wife, do not improve with age. Unpaid debt doesn’t go away. Until the debt is either paid or forgiven, you still owe the money. This is true even if it’s a credit card [...]
A rate decrease won’t hurt your credit unless it triggers a hard inquiry.
Safeguard your score with a few extra steps regardless of when your issuer reports.
Preapproved credit offers help you figure out if you are eligible for a credit card, but do they impact your credit score?
Preventative measures you can take, plus what to do if your limit was already cut.
Use these tips to continue building credit responsibly, even during a period of unemployment.
Building a credit score requires consistent positive behavior and most importantly, patience.
Help your child build credit early and determine whether they’re ready for the responsibility.