Credit Basics & Scores
Explore our comprehensive guides and articles about Credit Basics & Scores.
January 31, 2026
Reading and Disputing Alternative‑Data Entries: Bank Cashflow, Rent & BNPL
Read bank‑cashflow, rent and BNPL entries on your credit file, collect evidence, and craft dispute letters that prompt timely reinvestigations and corrections.
January 2, 2026
VantageScore 4plus and Experian Credit+Cashflow: How Cashflow & Open‑Banking Data Could Change Approvals
How VantageScore 4plus and Experian Credit+Cashflow use permissioned bank cashflow data to change underwriting, who benefits, and how to opt in safely.
December 31, 2025
FICO Score 10 BNPL: What the BNPL Rollout Means for Your Credit
FICO Score 10 BNPL adds BNPL data to scoring. Learn how the rollout affects approvals, credit behavior, lender decisions, and steps to protect your score.
December 14, 2025
Adverse Action 2.0: How to Request Clear Explanations After an Automated Credit Denial
Get clear adverse-action explanations after automated credit denials: learn what ECOA/FCRA require, sample letters, and steps to dispute or escalate.
December 6, 2025
FICO Direct Licensing & VantageScore Adoption: What Mortgage Applicants Need to Know
Learn how FICO's new direct licensing and VantageScore 4.0 acceptance affect mortgage score sourcing, lender costs, and what applicants should watch when applying.
December 3, 2025
When Lenders Use AI: What the CFPB’s Predictive‑Model Guidance Means for Your Credit
CFPB guidance requires lenders using AI to give specific adverse-action reasons. Read how this changes approvals, disputes, and steps to protect credit.
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.