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Building Credit

Six hands each hold a credit card toward a restaurant server’s handheld point-of-sale system. If each person has a card that rewards dining out, they may be trying to maximize that benefit.

How to Use a Credit Card Wisely & Maximize Benefits

If you use your card strategically, you could take advantage of all sorts of benefits.

A woman thoughtfully holds up her credit card while walking through an outdoor shopping center, perhaps happy that she has an unsecured credit card.

What Are Unsecured Credit Cards?

Unsecured credit cards can boost your financial situation, but only if you manage them properly. Here’s everything you need to know before getting one.

The hands of a man and woman meet for a handshake over some documents, perhaps because the woman’s credit score range helped her get approved for credit.

Credit Ranges - What Your Score Means for Your Everyday Life

Good? Poor? Prime? We’ve all seen the different names for credit score ranges. Find out what they mean and what they mean for you.

A woman inspects a few documents while working at her computer desk. Perhaps she’s comparing her credit scores from FICO and VantageScore while applying for credit.

VantageScore vs FICO

Why are there two major credit scoring models? Find out all about the differences between them and how they’re calculated.

A hand draws a graphic on a white board with the title Credit Report in the middle, and arrows leading to related elements, such as payment history, late payment, length and score. Most of these are items you can read in a credit report.

A Comprehensive Guide for Reading a Credit Report

It’s important to check your credit report, but even more crucial to understand it. Here’s how to read it and deal with what you see.

A man holds his phone in one hand and credit card in the other, looking into his phone with a surprised expression. Perhaps this is his first credit card and he narrowly avoided making a mistake.

5 Mistakes to Avoid With Your First Credit Card

Knowing what to look for can help you start your credit journey. Watch out for these mistakes when using your first credit card.

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This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.

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