Credit and Loans

Decisions about credit and loans involve lots of factors, including how much money you need, what terms you’re offered, and who is behind the offer. If you are choosing a credit card or wondering whether offers of credit and loans are on the up and up, these tips can help.

Getting Credit

How Credit Scores Affect the Price of Credit and Insurance

Your credit score affects how much you'll pay for loans or insurance.

Setting Out on Your Own

Here’s how to create a basic budget.

Your Equal Credit Opportunity Rights

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because you get public assistance.

Credit Reports

Disputing Errors on Credit Reports

Accuracy is important when it comes to credit reports. Here’s how to order a free credit report, and dispute errors.

Employment Background Checks

Your application for a job means an employer can check your credit report. Here are some things to know.

Free Credit Reports

How, why, and when to order the free copies of your credit report you’re entitled to from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies.

Credit and Debit Cards

Automatic Debit Scams

Learn what can happen when you give your checking account number to a stranger who calls you.

Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scams

Want to lower the interest rate on your credit card balance? These tips can help.

Credit Card Loss Protection

Your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is $50, but that doesn’t stop scam artists from peddling “loss protection” services.

Credit Card Repayment Calculator

You can estimate how long it will take you to pay off your credit card balance.

Credit, Debit, and Charge Cards

Before you pay with plastic, learn the differences between credit, debit, and charge cards, and get tips about how to shop for a credit card.

Electronic Banking

Find out how electronic banking works, services offered, your rights, and how to report problems.

Fair Credit Billing

Here’s how to resolve billing errors on your credit card accounts.

Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers

Companies sometimes solicit new customers by sending “pre-screened” offers. Find out how prescreening works and what happens when you opt out.

Protecting Against Credit Card Fraud

Use these tips to keep your credit card accounts safe from crooks.

Using a Credit Card

It helps to know your rights and responsibilities when you use a credit card.

When a Company Blocks Your Credit or Debit Card

Learn how to avoid holds on your money or credit.

Loans

Advance-Fee Loans

Some advance-fee loan and credit card offers have tell-tale signs that can help you avoid getting ripped off.

Cosigning a Loan

What are your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative?

Credit Insurance

If you apply for a mortgage or a personal loan, you may hear the term credit insurance. What is it and do you need it?

Online Payday Lenders

Online payday loans are expensive — and can be outright scams.

Payday Loans

Payday loans can be a very costly way to borrow money when you factor in the interest rates and fees.

Student Loans

Some companies use deceptive claims or business practices to get your student loan business.