Posts Tagged Credit Card
The Truth Behind Common Myths About Your Credit Report
Jon Arnold asked:
It is truly amazing to note the number of “facts” that many people think they know about credit reports and how various factors affect your credit score that are just simply untrue. For as much importance that is placed on having as good of a credit report and credit score as possible these days, it is critical for the consumer to understand the truth behind how your credit score is affected by various things. This is especially important in today’s world, as car insurance companies and even many employers are now checking a consumer’s credit report before making a decision about their insurance premiums or making a job offer.
Myth #1: When my fiance and I get married, we will have a joint credit report and the negatives from our individual reports will go away.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even after you are married, you will still have separate credit reports. Any new credit items added to your report will be the result of opening joint accounts or having your name added to their existing account. Any negative information that was there before will still be there.
Myth #2: As long as my credit cards are not over their credit limit, they will give me a good credit score.
Not completely true. The two worst things you can do to get a bad credit score are to consistently miss or be late with payments, and to go over your credit limit. If you make your payments on time and stay under your credit limit, you will get an “ok” rating on that credit card. But to maximize the number of points you get on your credit card towards your credit score, it is best to keep your outstanding balance at about 20-30% of your credit limit.
Myth #3: When you negotiate a settlement amount with a lender, that account will show up as being fine on your credit report.
Wrong. If you have to negotiate something, that would indicate that you are working on a deal to pay them some amount less than what you actually owe. In that case, it will definitely have a negative effect on your credit score and show up as a negative item.
Myth #4: Closing old accounts will raise your credit score.
Totally inaccurate and in fact, can very potentially have the opposite effect and lower your credit score. Remember, your credit score is a picture of your credit history, and if you close old accounts, your credit history is reduced, thereby potentially lowering your overall score.
Myth #5: The best or only way to raise your credit score is to use one of the companies that specialize in that.
This is the biggest myth and also one of the biggest pieces of hogwash. Some of those companies that claim they can fix your credit can do so to varying degrees, and some cannot do a thing. But the real truth of the matter is that none of those companies can do anything that you cannot do yourself at no charge except for postage stamps. In fact, since you are the consumer who is disputing his or her own credit report, you actually have more clout in this way than those companies do.
Myth #6: Errors on your credit report are rare, and will correct themselves automatically when they occur.
Absolute baloney. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of consumers have errors on their credit report. Compound that with the fact that those errors do NOT correct themselves, ever, unless you point out the error and dispute it.
Your credit score and credit history are used in a wide variety of places and the use of them is increasing every day. It is definitely worth your time and effort to get copies of your credit report and ensure that it is accurate, which is a huge step towards raising your credit score.
Alice
It is truly amazing to note the number of “facts” that many people think they know about credit reports and how various factors affect your credit score that are just simply untrue. For as much importance that is placed on having as good of a credit report and credit score as possible these days, it is critical for the consumer to understand the truth behind how your credit score is affected by various things. This is especially important in today’s world, as car insurance companies and even many employers are now checking a consumer’s credit report before making a decision about their insurance premiums or making a job offer.
Myth #1: When my fiance and I get married, we will have a joint credit report and the negatives from our individual reports will go away.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even after you are married, you will still have separate credit reports. Any new credit items added to your report will be the result of opening joint accounts or having your name added to their existing account. Any negative information that was there before will still be there.
Myth #2: As long as my credit cards are not over their credit limit, they will give me a good credit score.
Not completely true. The two worst things you can do to get a bad credit score are to consistently miss or be late with payments, and to go over your credit limit. If you make your payments on time and stay under your credit limit, you will get an “ok” rating on that credit card. But to maximize the number of points you get on your credit card towards your credit score, it is best to keep your outstanding balance at about 20-30% of your credit limit.
Myth #3: When you negotiate a settlement amount with a lender, that account will show up as being fine on your credit report.
Wrong. If you have to negotiate something, that would indicate that you are working on a deal to pay them some amount less than what you actually owe. In that case, it will definitely have a negative effect on your credit score and show up as a negative item.
Myth #4: Closing old accounts will raise your credit score.
Totally inaccurate and in fact, can very potentially have the opposite effect and lower your credit score. Remember, your credit score is a picture of your credit history, and if you close old accounts, your credit history is reduced, thereby potentially lowering your overall score.
Myth #5: The best or only way to raise your credit score is to use one of the companies that specialize in that.
This is the biggest myth and also one of the biggest pieces of hogwash. Some of those companies that claim they can fix your credit can do so to varying degrees, and some cannot do a thing. But the real truth of the matter is that none of those companies can do anything that you cannot do yourself at no charge except for postage stamps. In fact, since you are the consumer who is disputing his or her own credit report, you actually have more clout in this way than those companies do.
Myth #6: Errors on your credit report are rare, and will correct themselves automatically when they occur.
Absolute baloney. The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of consumers have errors on their credit report. Compound that with the fact that those errors do NOT correct themselves, ever, unless you point out the error and dispute it.
Your credit score and credit history are used in a wide variety of places and the use of them is increasing every day. It is definitely worth your time and effort to get copies of your credit report and ensure that it is accurate, which is a huge step towards raising your credit score.
Alice
How can I get approved now for a credit card or loan?
Posted by admin in Personal Finance on October 16, 2010
TTC baby#1 asked:
When I was 18 I got 7 credit cards and ran them up. (I know crazy right?!). Well I couldn’t pay for them because I ended up moving with my husband to a new town and I couldn’t get a job. Well now I have paid off four of them about to pay off the fifth one this weekend but I still have two left that are over a $1,000 each. (Actually one is less I forgot I paid on that). Well I have been trying to get approved for a personal loan or get a credit card worth the same amount (for plastic surgery). I know people will say I don’t need to put myself back in debt but its something that I really want to do. My marriage could suffer because of my insecurities and so I know it will help me so please don’t try to talk me out of doing it. I just can’t get approved for a loan because my credit score is still low. Two of the cards still haven’t cleared on my credit report. Is there anything I can do to help me get approved better? I need this loan asap before my husband deploys so he can be with me to help me!!!
Ricky
When I was 18 I got 7 credit cards and ran them up. (I know crazy right?!). Well I couldn’t pay for them because I ended up moving with my husband to a new town and I couldn’t get a job. Well now I have paid off four of them about to pay off the fifth one this weekend but I still have two left that are over a $1,000 each. (Actually one is less I forgot I paid on that). Well I have been trying to get approved for a personal loan or get a credit card worth the same amount (for plastic surgery). I know people will say I don’t need to put myself back in debt but its something that I really want to do. My marriage could suffer because of my insecurities and so I know it will help me so please don’t try to talk me out of doing it. I just can’t get approved for a loan because my credit score is still low. Two of the cards still haven’t cleared on my credit report. Is there anything I can do to help me get approved better? I need this loan asap before my husband deploys so he can be with me to help me!!!
Ricky
need a personal financial report forms. thanks?
Posted by admin in Personal Finance on October 15, 2010
epowergamer asked:
simply, house value, business value, earnings,rental incom,bank and credit card infos,and stocks or mutual funds…etcs
Jill
simply, house value, business value, earnings,rental incom,bank and credit card infos,and stocks or mutual funds…etcs
Jill
Under the corporation we are trying to clean my credit before dec only two good accts open?
Posted by admin in Personal Finance on September 8, 2010
dablack2004 asked:
I am preparing myself to open a business under a corporation and have some of the money to pay off the delinquent accounts on my personal credit. After going over my reports i see 1 or two postive accounts the rest of course delinquent and some very small that i can pay now. The huge bills i got letters from the creditors to reduce half the price and i would like to pay some of them this month. . At the time i was barely making it for the delinquent accounts. . If i make arrangements with the creditors to delete them how will that raise the score and how soon? because i would like to try for a loan in december. Unfortunately the credit union ran my credit for a loan and of course that didn’t go through due to the delinquent accounts. . Wouldn’t i need to show proof of paying something to raise my score ? My car was already paid off two years ago but i guess the company did not report and i assumed in our xmas loans that we pay on time every year i was on the account but it only shows my husband! Under a new corporation the owners credit is also reviewed right? How can i raise my score before december? I already have the letters to prepared for the pay delete and the creditors addresses . Don’t mind paying now that i am able for the small to medium bills but i have to know which is the best way. I hoping my credit wont’ effect the corporation credit although the companies say other wise i am scared to go for a new credit card to get another ding on my credit.
Joann
I am preparing myself to open a business under a corporation and have some of the money to pay off the delinquent accounts on my personal credit. After going over my reports i see 1 or two postive accounts the rest of course delinquent and some very small that i can pay now. The huge bills i got letters from the creditors to reduce half the price and i would like to pay some of them this month. . At the time i was barely making it for the delinquent accounts. . If i make arrangements with the creditors to delete them how will that raise the score and how soon? because i would like to try for a loan in december. Unfortunately the credit union ran my credit for a loan and of course that didn’t go through due to the delinquent accounts. . Wouldn’t i need to show proof of paying something to raise my score ? My car was already paid off two years ago but i guess the company did not report and i assumed in our xmas loans that we pay on time every year i was on the account but it only shows my husband! Under a new corporation the owners credit is also reviewed right? How can i raise my score before december? I already have the letters to prepared for the pay delete and the creditors addresses . Don’t mind paying now that i am able for the small to medium bills but i have to know which is the best way. I hoping my credit wont’ effect the corporation credit although the companies say other wise i am scared to go for a new credit card to get another ding on my credit.
Joann
Questions about my credit?
Eric Z asked:
I have never had a line of credit. With this said, the only thing on my credit report is negetive. The amount showed that I owe is $2,201(12 accounts) in debts. I just recently paid off $1,400 (10 accounts). I have about $800 (2 accounts) left to pay. With my fathers help I opened a credit card in my name and he also verified me as an authorized user on one of his credit cards. Right now 2 of the credit bureau’s don’t even give me a score, the other one gives me a 458. My question is how long will it take if I make all my payments on time for my credit to go up about 100 points? Also my father is willing to co- sign for a personal loan to help my credit. Should I do that? or is that to many lines of credit?
Lucille
I have never had a line of credit. With this said, the only thing on my credit report is negetive. The amount showed that I owe is $2,201(12 accounts) in debts. I just recently paid off $1,400 (10 accounts). I have about $800 (2 accounts) left to pay. With my fathers help I opened a credit card in my name and he also verified me as an authorized user on one of his credit cards. Right now 2 of the credit bureau’s don’t even give me a score, the other one gives me a 458. My question is how long will it take if I make all my payments on time for my credit to go up about 100 points? Also my father is willing to co- sign for a personal loan to help my credit. Should I do that? or is that to many lines of credit?
Lucille
3 Simple Ways to Use Online Credit Reports to Improve Your Personal Credit
Aaron Vaughn asked:
Like most Americans you may be skeptical of why an unseen online agency would want to “help” you by checking your credit score for free. I mean, aren’t they just out there to get your money? The truth is, these credit checks can really help you, especially if you are trying to improve your credit.
First, by checking your credit online, you avoid “dings,” which lower your score. Many consumers are afraid to investigate their credit because they think their score might drop, putting them in even worse shape. This isn’t true with online credit reports. Thus, without dinging your credit, online sources allow you to check out your score, for better or worse.
Alternately, if you have been denied credit within the last 30 days, you can ask the credit bureau for a free report that won’t ding your credit. You do have to use a local reporting agency, which can take more time than using an online source. Most people go in person to the agency to request the report and then pick it up. Both of these steps seem quite tedious when compared to online credit checks.
Another benefit of online credit reports is the ability to see both good and bad credit you have on your report from the privacy of your own personal computer. No nosy bankers trying to get your a credit card or auto loan. Without sales pressure, you are less likely to get into more debt and lower your credit score.
Lastly, you can verify the accuracy of your credit. The online report will be taken from each of the three national credit bureaus. Occasionally you will see accounts that you dispute, which gives you the opportunity to contact the bureau. To do this, you must write a letter explaining exactly what is incorrect or disputed. The agency must investigate. When they contact the creditor, he has 14 days to respond or the item is deleted off your credit. A little known secret is that if the item is less than $500 or older than one year, most creditors won’t bother responding, whether your dispute is accurate or not. Disputing bad credit is the most direct way you can improve your credit. When your bad credit is reversed your credit score will increase. Most importantly, after your score goes up you have the right to demand that your updated credit report be sent to all those who have denied you credit in the last six months. Good news!
So, if you wonder how good, or bad, your credit score is, don’t be afraid to check it out online. The report is excellent information that arms you with power to change and improve your credit. Most people with bad credit don’t know much about how it gets that way or how to fix it. Your knowing both is a good start to improving your credit.
Kristin
Like most Americans you may be skeptical of why an unseen online agency would want to “help” you by checking your credit score for free. I mean, aren’t they just out there to get your money? The truth is, these credit checks can really help you, especially if you are trying to improve your credit.
First, by checking your credit online, you avoid “dings,” which lower your score. Many consumers are afraid to investigate their credit because they think their score might drop, putting them in even worse shape. This isn’t true with online credit reports. Thus, without dinging your credit, online sources allow you to check out your score, for better or worse.
Alternately, if you have been denied credit within the last 30 days, you can ask the credit bureau for a free report that won’t ding your credit. You do have to use a local reporting agency, which can take more time than using an online source. Most people go in person to the agency to request the report and then pick it up. Both of these steps seem quite tedious when compared to online credit checks.
Another benefit of online credit reports is the ability to see both good and bad credit you have on your report from the privacy of your own personal computer. No nosy bankers trying to get your a credit card or auto loan. Without sales pressure, you are less likely to get into more debt and lower your credit score.
Lastly, you can verify the accuracy of your credit. The online report will be taken from each of the three national credit bureaus. Occasionally you will see accounts that you dispute, which gives you the opportunity to contact the bureau. To do this, you must write a letter explaining exactly what is incorrect or disputed. The agency must investigate. When they contact the creditor, he has 14 days to respond or the item is deleted off your credit. A little known secret is that if the item is less than $500 or older than one year, most creditors won’t bother responding, whether your dispute is accurate or not. Disputing bad credit is the most direct way you can improve your credit. When your bad credit is reversed your credit score will increase. Most importantly, after your score goes up you have the right to demand that your updated credit report be sent to all those who have denied you credit in the last six months. Good news!
So, if you wonder how good, or bad, your credit score is, don’t be afraid to check it out online. The report is excellent information that arms you with power to change and improve your credit. Most people with bad credit don’t know much about how it gets that way or how to fix it. Your knowing both is a good start to improving your credit.
Kristin