Credit Basics & Scores
Explore our comprehensive guides and articles about Credit Basics & Scores.
November 14, 2025
How to Read Your Credit Report: A Plain‑English Walkthrough for Beginners
Learn how to read each section of your credit report, spot errors, and file disputes. Step‑by‑step tips to monitor and protect your credit for better scores.
November 14, 2025
The 3 Bureaus Explained: Why Your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Reports Differ
Learn why Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports often differ — reporting practices, timing, scoring models, and steps to check and fix errors.
November 14, 2025
How Rent, Utilities and BNPL Are Changing Credit Scores — What Consumers Need to Know
Learn how rent, utilities and BNPL data are being added to credit files, what that means for your score, and practical steps to protect and improve credit.
November 14, 2025
Why Closing Old Accounts Can Hurt Your Score: The Math Behind Average Age and Utilization
Closing long-held accounts can raise utilization and reduce average age. Learn the math, when to keep an account open, and safer alternatives.
November 14, 2025
When to Freeze vs When to Monitor: Identity Theft Protections That Actually Help
Learn when to freeze credit versus monitor accounts, how each protection works, and step-by-step actions to stop identity theft and protect your credit.
November 14, 2025
How Credit Scores Are Calculated in 2025 — What Really Matters
Learn how FICO, VantageScore and new models calculate credit in 2025 — which factors matter most, how trended & BNPL data affect scores, and practical steps.
November 14, 2025
How Often Should You Check Your Credit? A Practical Schedule for Every Stage of Life
Practical schedule for checking credit at every life stage — teens to retirees. Learn when to pull reports, monitor scores, freeze files, and respond to alerts.
November 14, 2025
Best Credit Monitoring Tools in 2025: Alerts, Identity Protection, and Value
Compare top credit monitoring services in 2025: three‑bureau alerts, identity restoration, and real value. Learn which plan fits your needs and budget.
November 14, 2025
Model Changes to Watch: FICO and VantageScore Updates That Could Affect You in 2025
How 2025 credit-model updates — FICO’s BNPL-inclusive scores and VantageScore 4.0’s mortgage acceptance — could affect your score and homebuying.
November 14, 2025
Payment History, Utilization & Age: What Really Moves Your Credit Score
Discover how payment history, utilization and account age are weighted in modern credit scores — plus practical steps to improve your standing.
November 14, 2025
How to Spot Inaccuracies on Your Credit Report and What to Do Next
Spot inaccuracies on Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports. Learn what to check, how to gather evidence, file disputes, and protect against identity theft.