Credit Basics

Learn which account dates to compare when negative credit information seems too old, and why updates, collections, and positive closed accounts differ.

Understand why a debt’s lawsuit limitation period differs from credit-reporting time limits, and which records to gather before responding to old debt.

Learn how to review a debt validation notice, reconcile the amount, protect your response window, and distinguish collection notices from credit reports.

Separate common credit myths from verified information about report checks, interest, income, closed accounts, and multiple credit scores.

Learn how to interpret account details, payment history, balances, reporting dates, and inquiry sections on your credit report.

Learn which credit checks can affect scores, how loan rate-shopping rules differ, and what to ask before authorizing an application.

Understand FICO and VantageScore model families, why versions and dates matter, and how to compare the scores you see without expecting identical results.

Learn the main kinds of information used in credit scoring, how FICO describes its categories, and why one action does not produce a guaranteed point change.

Understand the difference between the information in a credit report and the score calculated from it, with examples and questions to ask when comparing scores.

Learn where to get your free credit reports, what to review, and how to take action if you find an error.