Closed accounts can stay on your credit report for years after they’re no longer active. The timeline depends on whether the account was closed in good standing or had missed payments, charge-offs, collections or other negative history. In many c…
Category: credit
Between sign-up bonuses, cash back, travel rewards, and other perks, credit cards have plenty of advantages. However, if you carry a balance every month, interest can make your purchases cost more than expected. In most cases, avoiding interest comes d…
A hard inquiry or “hard pull” is when a lender looks at your credit report to decide whether to extend credit. But how long does a hard credit pull last on your credit report? According to Experian, a hard pull can remain visible on your report for up …
Is another unknown number calling you? Or are collection letters filling up your mailbox? It’s tempting to ignore debt collectors and hope they’ll forget about you. But even so, you’re probably wondering: What happens if you don’t pay a debt collector?…
Have you ever wondered what happens if you go over your credit card limit? One extra charge, one hotel hold or one payment that has not fully cleared can leave a card looking maxed out at exactly the wrong moment. The result of going over your limit ca…
Credit card companies usually make money from interest, merchant fees and some cardholder fees. Even when cards offer grace periods, rewards and 0% offers, the business can still make money. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works. Interest …
Most auto lenders don’t accept credit cards for monthly payments. That’s the short answer. The longer answer is that workarounds exist, each with its own fees and tradeoffs. Why Most Lenders Won’t Accept Credit Cards The reason comes down to proc…
Paying credit cards with another credit card sounds like a quick fix when cash is tight. In most cases, one card issuer usually will not let another card act as the payment method. A few workarounds exist, but costs can stack up fast. Paying a Credit C…
Can you use credit card for car down payment? The short answer is: sometimes, but it depends on the dealership, and there are trade-offs to consider. Some dealerships allow it, often with limits. Others won’t accept credit cards at all for a down payme…
If your credit card account has been charged off, it usually means the lender has written it off as a loss after a long period of missed payments. However, you may still be responsible for the balance, and the account can continue to affect your credit…