Improve Your Credit Score

If you have bad credit sooner or later somebody has to fix it. The good news is that there isn't much a professional can do for you that you can't do for yourself. The bad news is that it's not easy and will take discipline and restraint on your part to fix what you've messed up. We've put together resources for you to begin this difficult but important journey.

Get a copy of your Credit Report & Credit Score

Begin fixing your credit with figuring out what your credit score is. The free Credit Score Estimator will give you a rough idea. You will also need a copy of your credit report. You can easily get both your actual credit report and credit score immediately online.

Get your FICO score and Credit Report for FREE!

What is a Credit Report?

Your credit report starts compiling at age 18 and includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills and if you've been sued or arrested. It also includes your behavior with credit cards! Consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit and loans.

What is a Credit Score?

Your credit score is a number ranging between 300 and 850 which is derived from your credit report. It gives lenders a quick view of you as a borrower and allows them to make decisions about how risky lending you money will be. Your financial responsibility will raise or lower this score.

What's the difference between Credit Scores & Credit Reports?

These two words are often incorrectly used interchangeably. It is really quite simple, a credit report is a report that lists all of your financial actions as they pertain to financial accounts that you may have and how well you pay your bills. For more detailed clarification and how they work together we've written a whole article. Continue reading the article...

What if I Need a Credit Card?

Ask yourself why you need a credit card. You probably do need a credit card but not to pay bills or have something to use for fun since you’re broke. If you need a credit card for emergencies, low interest balance transfers or rebuilding your credit then several credit cards for poor or damaged credit exist. We recommend two here because they have lower interest rates than typical cards for poor credit. They come with small annual fees but  in the end you’d pay much more than the fee amount if you had a higher APR.

Can I Repair My Own Credit?

Sure you can, as you can imagine, there are many ways to handle bad credit and there will be no shortage of companies looking to sell you easy solutions to do it for you. Whether you work with an agency or not, everybody should try the steps outlined in our article first. Continue reading the article...

Get your FICO score and Credit Report for FREE!

What if I Need Help Repairing My Credit?

If you've tried to map out your own debt repayment plan and failed or if your credit status is severe with accounts 'in default' or “charged off” you may need to consider a Consumer Credit Counseling agency. Continue reading the article...

How Can I Manage Credit Card Debt on My Own?

Because so many college students get into credit card debt we've put together a free article to help you manage and eliminate you credit card debt. Read the article to free of credit card debt.

Get Your Questions Answered

The Student Credit Forum is the place to ask specific questions about student credit or financial issues. It's also the right place to share your experiences, both good and bad with other students. Registration is free and only takes a second. Go to the Student Credit Forum now.