Louis is a personal finance writer with expertise in credit reporting, credit scoring, credit cards, student loans, and practical financial advice. Reach Louis at ladenicola@gmail.com
The Difference Between VantageScore® Scores and FICO® Scores
In the U.S., two companies dominate the credit scoring industry. FICO® is the industry leader, but VantageScore® has been gaining market share since the three major credit reporting agencies created it in 2006. Both companies develop credit scores that lenders and creditors can use to evaluate applicants and manage customers' accounts. However, VantageScore and the FICO® scoring models use slightly different criteria to determine your scores.
Everything You Need to Know About Credit Utilization
When you use your credit card more often—say, during a pandemic when you need help covering expenses or simply don’t want to handle cash—you may notice an unpleasant side effect: Your credit scores take a hit.
Best Credit Cards for U.S. Newcomers
Whether you’re temporarily moving to the U.S. for school or work, or making a long-term transition, you may be looking to open a new credit card. However, even for citizens and permanent residents, it can be difficult to get a credit card if you don’t already have a credit history in the United States.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review: Still One of the Best Travel Credit Cards
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® was the first viral credit card, inspiring scores of unboxing videos and causing Chase to run out of the metal card when it launched in 2016. (Cardholders received a temporary plastic replacement.) Despite the competition upping their game in recent years, the Reserve® remains the best overall travel card.
What are Credit Bureaus and How Do They Work?
If the names TransUnion, Equifax or Experian ring a bell, you may already know a little bit about credit bureaus. They're the large companies that collect and store information about consumers' financial lives and use this information to create credit reports.
How Rent Payments Can Help Lift Credit Scores
Most consumer credit scores are based solely on the information in one of your credit reports. However, your credit reports might not include your rental payments. As a result, all your on-time rent payments might not be helping your credit scores. Fortunately, that may be changing.
Are My Student Loans Hurting My Credit Utilization Ratio?
Your credit utilization ratio is one of the most important factors in determining your credit score. And it’s easy to understand why. If you’re constantly maxing out your credit cards and loading up on debt, new lenders will see you as a greater risk than somebody who always leaves himself plenty of financial breathing room.