Shopping for a Student Loan Without Hurting Your Credit
Applying to several private student lenders can add inquiries to your credit report. Learn how scoring treats them and nine steps to shop smart.
Credit & Loans
Credit scores, credit reports, personal and student loans.
Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans: What's the Difference?
Secured and unsecured personal loans differ in collateral, interest rates and approval odds. Compare the pros and cons and choose the right one.
Personal Loans for Borrowers With Limited Credit History
Some online lenders look beyond credit scores to approve borrowers with thin files. See how they decide, what they offer and who they suit.
No-Credit-Check Installment Loans: Why to Avoid Them
No-credit-check installment loans are payday loans in disguise, with triple-digit rates and little regard for your ability to repay. Here are safer alternatives.
How to Read Your Credit Report
A section-by-section guide to your credit report: what each part means, what to check for errors and how to dispute an inaccurate item.
Debt Consolidation Loans: How They Work and What to Look For
A debt consolidation loan can simplify payments and cut interest, but fees and discipline matter. See when a loan beats a 0% card and which lender features to look for.
Can You Discharge Student Loans in Bankruptcy?
Student loans can be discharged in bankruptcy, but only if you prove undue hardship. Learn the Brunner test, the newer federal attestation process, and the costs.
5 Steps to Improving Your Credit Score
Five proven strategies to raise your credit score: check all three reports, pay down cards, shop for credit smartly, pay on time and be patient.