Should I close credit card accounts?

Should I close credit card accounts? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email It’s one of the most common myths related to credit scoring…close credit card accounts if you’re not using them because it will improve your scores.  This is one of the fallacies of credit scores that many don’t understand.  It may seem […]

Do I have to pay an incorrect credit card bill?

Do I have to pay an incorrect credit card bill? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Don’t ignore a transaction on your credit card statement that is incorrect or that you did not make. You are responsible for the transaction, unless you inform the credit card issuer otherwise and they credit your account.  […]

How Much Do Credit Inquiries Impact my Credit Scores?

How Much Do Credit Inquiries Impact my Credit Scores? Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Credit inquiries occur when a company pulls your credit report, which is usually the result of you seeking credit. The company name, their industry (i.s. auto, mortgage) and the date they reviewed your credit report are listed on […]

Revisting the CFPB’s Actions Against Credit Card Issuer Discover

Revisting the CFPB’s Actions Against Credit Card Issuer Discover Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have taken action against another credit card issuer.  This time it was Discover, which settled for $200 million for charges that they misled cardholders about its […]

Here’s the REAL Reason You Don’t Get a Free Credit Score Annually…

Here’s the REAL Reason You Don’t Get a Free Credit Score Annually… Credit Monitoring by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Ask yourself this question…Are credit scores part of my credit report?  And I’ll answer it with this…the difference between a credit report and a credit score is;

I have a credit report, why don’t I have a credit score?

I have a credit report, why don’t I have a credit score? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email In order to have a credit score, you must have a credit report.  The reason is that score is calculated from the data on the credit report. The credit report information has to be current […]

Should I Decline Insurance Coverage For My Rental Car?

Should I Decline Insurance Coverage For My Rental Car? Auto Loans by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email Since the holidays are approaching, many travel during this time and rent cars at the airport. When you approach the rental counter, the usual procedure is for the rental agent to ask if you want car rental insurance.  […]

Is a Short Sale Better For My Credit Than a Foreclosure?

Is a Short Sale Better For My Credit Than a Foreclosure? Credit Report by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email The following question was sent to me by a Facebook friend.  I get this question once or twice a month. If you have any credit related questions please feel free to send them to me via […]

Where can I get REALLY free credit reports, credit scores and credit services?

Where can I get REALLY free credit reports, credit scores and credit services? Credit Cards by John Ulzheimer Share Share Email We’ve all heard the warnings…if it’s too good to be true then it probably is.  And, how about this one…you don’t get something for nothing. But in the world of credit reporting and credit […]

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud Credit Cards by David B. Coulter Share Share Email Most of us use our credit cards for everything from filling the car up with gas, to buying groceries, to making our charitable contributions and paying our bills. Credit cards provide a tremendous convenience by saving us time and making […]