fico

5 Ways Every Credit Customer is Judged

We all know that red flags like late payments or have too many lines of credit can bring down your credit score. But there are other ways banks and lenders measure all of us that you probably don't know about. Adrian Nazari, CEO of CreditSesame.com, explains.

Student Loan Crisis Deepens as Debts and Defaults Skyrocket

The student loan crisis may be even worse than it previously appeared: Not only are college students graduating with more debt than ever, but their risk of defaulting on their loans is higher than ever, a new study by FICO Labs reveals.

The Hidden Credit Scores That Could Sink Your Finances

It's not hard to get copies of your credit report: You can even get them free from the major credit-reporting agencies. But each one of us has more than one credit score, and the one you're given may be very different from the ones lenders and other businesses actually use.

Dealing With Your Credit Report Just Got a Lot Easier

It has never been more important to have good credit, but it's no easy task to go against the ratings agencies when your credit report is wrong. Now though, you have an ally in your corner: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Consumer Bureau to Supervise Credit Reporting Agencies

Credit reporting agencies will soon be subject to federal oversight for the first time. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced Monday that it will begin supervising the nation's biggest consumer reporting agencies this fall.

What Blue States Can Teach Red States About Credit

It's not just politics that defines the differences between Republican-leaning "red states" and Democrat-leaning "blue states" -- and some of those differences may surprise you. For example, when it comes to credit scores, blue states are where the smart money is.

Transfer Your Credit Card Balance Right Now

Cheap credit is making a comeback, at least for some people: Credit card companies' fierce competition for new, low-risk customers has them ramping up their 0% interest rate offers again, and offering those teaser rates for longer. So if you have the FICO score to qualify, it's time to take advantage.

Midwest Cities Top U.S. Credit Score Rankings

There must be something in the cheese: Four of the top 10 American cities for credit scores are in Wisconsin, and four more are in nearby Midwest states, according to a new analysis by Experian. But all is not sunny in the South, where the cities with the worst scores are concentrated.

How to Raise Your Odds of Getting a Mortgage

It doesn't look like the housing market will come roaring back anytime soon, but with historically low interest rates, now's a good time to buy. The hard part is that banks in the post-bubble era are notoriously stingy with that cheap money, so figuring out how to get a smile out of a mortgage lender is task No. 1.

How Paying the Rent Can Boost Your Credit Score

In these shaky economic times, your credit score carries more weight than ever, which means building a credit history is vital. Paying bills on time is one thing that buffs up your score, but until now, paying your rent meant nothing. Credit bureau Experian and RentReporters.com are changing that.

Denied Credit? New Fed Rule May Interest You

Have you ever been turned down for a loan? Had your credit line slashed or interest rate bumped up? Well, starting Thursday, banks and other lenders will be required tell you a bit more about why. The FTC and the Fed are implementing a new rule requiring lenders to show consumers the credit score data they used to make their decision.

100 Words That Can Change Your Credit History

You should always know what's in your credit report -- especially if you're planning any major purchases or intend to apply for a new job in the near future. But creditors and credit agencies aren't the only ones who can contribute to your report. You can have your say, too.

New Online Tools Help Manage Your Money For Nothing

Too many of us rely on ballpark estimates to track our finances, but when it comes to money, there's no need to wing it: Several new online tools debuted at the Finovate Conference this week that can help take the guesswork out of figuring out how much you have, owe or are owed.