Avoiding credit-builder card pitfalls -- You may have heard advice to take out a "credit-building card" if you have a low credit score. However, if you don't spend and pay responsibly, such cards can further ruin your score ... (See Credit-builder pitfalls)
How to turn a 'credit detox' into long-term healthy habits -- It takes a few months of good behaviour to make any noticeable improvements to your score. So, many go on a "detox" before applying for products. But you're better off turning the detox into healthy, long-term habits ... (See Detox)
Why and how to issue a notice of disassociation -- If you've ever shared finances with someone, you're financially associated. That relationship could negatively affect your credit, so here's how to get a "financial divorce" ... (See Disassociation)
Can social media help you get credit? -- New companies use your social media activity to create a score to help you get a credit product. But don't expect them to replace traditional scores anytime soon ... (See Social media score)
Keep only the cards you need -- It's good to have a few cards at hand, but if some are collecting dust, it might be time to think about a cull. Not only will you lighten your wallet, but you might reduce fraud risk or lessen fees. But choose carefully which cards to cut ... (See Close cards)
When it makes sense to not pay off your credit card -- Experts often advise that you pay off your credit card balance in full each month to prevent racking up interest. However, sometimes it might make sense to pay the minimum and use the rest of your money elsewhere ... (See Minimum)
Avoid late payments -- factor in processing time -- Despite immediate, online payments, it may take a couple of days for your credit card payment to go through. Remember to account for that time when you make your payments ... (See Processing)
Experts look back on financial lessons learned -- Nobody is born with instant money skills. We all learn as we go, even financial experts. We've asked a few of those experts to share how they learned some of their most valuable advice ... (See Lessons)
Prioritising debt: Which bills are essential? -- If you are unable to pay all of your bills, it may be time for financial triage. Prioritise your debts, pay the essentials and work out a payment plan with the remaining creditors ... (See Prioritise)
Get up to speed on your credit report -- Do you know what's really on your credit report? Understanding what information is collected is the first step to making sure your record is as good as it can be when you apply for credit ... (See Report)
Fact or myth? Test your credit rating knowledge -- Many Brits have misguided information as to what affects their credit rating. Credit report experts clear up common questions and misconceptions about credit reports ... (See Myths)
Dangers of "churning" cards for bonus points -- Opening and closing multiple credit card accounts to take advantage of introductory offers such as rewards points or waived annual fees might sound appealing, but lenders are making it harder to do -- plus, it's not great for your credit ... (See Sign-up bonuses)
Does applying for credit hurt my credit? -- When you apply for credit, it leaves a mark on your credit reports. Too many such marks can damage your credit rating, but not all inquiries are the same ... (See Credit searches)
3 cards for credit newcomers -- If you're brand new to credit, credit card providers won't exactly be eager for your business. Here are three cards that will help credit newcomers prove themselves ... (See Credit-building cards)
Half of consumers risk being swallowed by credit gap -- Half of all UK adults are at risk of being denied credit by mainstream lenders, research says. Here's why you might fall into the credit gap -- and how to work your way out ... (See Credit gap)
Why was my credit limit cut? -- Credit card issuers often work in mysterious ways. And that means even cardholders who play by the rules might see their credit limits cut ... (See Credit limit)
Why landlords and employers want to see your credit file -- You may already know that mortgage lenders, loan providers and credit card issuers see your credit reports. But did you know that landlords and potential employers might also want to take a peek? ... (See Credit checks)
How to fix mistakes in your credit report -- You don't have any outstanding debt, so why were you turned down for that loan? There could be a mistake on your credit report. Here are some common ones -- and how to fix them. ... (See Credit report)
How to rebound from a poor credit score -- All it takes is a few missed card repayments for consumers to build up a poor credit history and be rejected by mainstream lenders. However, it's possible to bounce back, says Equifax ... (See Credit score)
5 common credit score mistakes -- Most people know that missing a credit card or loan payment will negatively impact your credit score. However, even small, inadvertent mistakes can drag down your score ... (See Credit score mistakes)
More consumers are checking their credit -- The number of people checking their credit data -- including their credit reports and their credit ratings -- has jumped in recent months, according to credit reference agency Equifax ... (See Credit)
What to do when your credit card application is declined -- Was your application for a new credit card recently denied? Rejection hurts; but you can learn from it. Here are four key steps that you should take to make sure it doesn't happen again ... (See New credit)
Handling a loved one's debt after death -- Many people still have active credit cards after they die. While the last thing on your mind may be your loved one's finances, they won't resolve themselves. Here are the steps you need to take as a survivor ... (See Debt after death)
5 secrets of credit score overachievers -- Consumers with the best credit scores qualify for better interest rates, juicier rewards and other perks reserved for those with excellent credit. Here's what you can do to join the club ... (See Credit rating)
How to establish a good credit history -- Many young people graduate from university and realize that they need a credit history in order to apply for loans, but they don't know where to start. Here's what to do -- in three easy steps ... (See Credit history)
Study: Debt boosts young people's self esteem -- Many young adults feel a sense of empowerment through their credit cards and other forms of debt, a US study has found, but the effect tends to decline with age ... (See Self-esteem)
How to boost your credit score -- It's the number that doesn't go away. Your credit score can affect how much you pay on loans and it can even affect how a potential employer sees you. Here's how to make it better ... (See Credit score)
What banks consider to be "bad credit" -- Every credit card provider uses their own unique credit scoring system when deciding whether to give you a loan. But there are key signals that every bank watches out for when determining whether a consumer is a bad credit risk ... (See Bad credit)
Study: Many Brits lack key knowledge of credit scores -- 1/3 of Brits are unsure why they are failing credit checks, and many know little about the credit card application process, say authors of a new report by credit scoring agency Equifax ... (See Credit)
6 essential rules for young credit cardholders -- Too many of today's young people lack a responsible attitude toward credit cards, say experts. With this in mind, CreditCards.com has compiled 6 essential rules for young cardholders ... (See Responsible credit)
More UK employers checking credit reports -- Though it is a legal requirement that employers in the financial services sector check your credit score, the practice is also quietly being adopted by many other work sectors and professions. ... (See Credit reports)
Personal pricing clouds card decisions -- Britons no longer have a hard and fast pointer to the most competitive credit card deals as a result of personal pricing. ... (See Rating)
Credit card offers based on credit rating -- Having a poor credit rating can mean that consumers are only offered unattractive credit card deals - or none at all, according to Defaqto. ... (See Score)
6 credit card truths -- Here are six truths about credit cards. If you play your credit cards right you can still reap considerable advantage from owning one or more of them. ... (more)
Types of credit cards -- Decide what type of card will work best for you. There are a number of common types of credit cards available through banks or other financial institutions. ... (more)
Searching for the 'ideal' number of credit cards -- You may wonder if you should have more or fewer credit cards. But, like a "perfect partner," a perfect number of credit cards is a bit of an illusion. It's more about your approach than anything else. ... (See How many?)
No credit history? No problem. -- It takes good credit to get new credit. But how does one get good credit when a credit history is required to even get a credit card? ... (more)
