Credit and Loans

Decisions about credit and loans involve lots of factors, including how much money you need, what terms you’re offered, and who is behind the offer. If you are choosing a credit card or wondering whether offers of credit and loans are on the up and up, these tips can help.

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Free Credit Reports

How, why, and when to order copies of your free annual credit report.

Disputing Errors on Credit Reports

Accuracy is important when it comes to credit reports. Here’s how to order a free credit report, and dispute errors.

Payday Loans

Payday loans can be a very costly way to borrow money when you factor in the interest rates and fees.

Advance-Fee Loans

Some advance-fee loan and credit card offers have tell-tale signs that can help you avoid getting ripped off.

How Credit Scores Affect the Price of Credit and Insurance

Your credit score affects how much you'll pay for loans or insurance.

Prescreened Credit and Insurance Offers

Companies sometimes solicit new customers by sending “pre-screened” offers. Find out how prescreening works and what happens when you opt out.

Fair Credit Billing

Here’s how to resolve billing errors on your credit card accounts.

Protecting Against Credit Card Fraud

Use these tips to keep your credit card accounts safe from crooks.

Employment Background Checks

Your application for a job means an employer can check your credit report. Here are some things to know.

Your Equal Credit Opportunity Rights

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because you get public assistance.

Electronic Banking

Find out how electronic banking works, services offered, your rights, and how to report problems.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams

Need money for college? How to avoid “guaranteed” scholarships.

Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scams

Want to lower the interest rate on your credit card balance? These tips can help.

Student Loans

Some companies use deceptive claims or business practices to get your student loan business.

Credit, Debit, and Charge Cards

Before you pay with plastic, learn the differences between credit, debit, and charge cards, and get tips about how to shop for a credit card.

When a Company Blocks Your Credit or Debit Card

Learn how to avoid holds on your money or credit.

Setting Out on Your Own

Here’s how to create a basic budget.

Online Payday Loans

Online payday loans are expensive — and can be outright scams.

Cosigning a Loan

What are your obligations if you decide to cosign on a loan for a friend or relative?

Using a Credit Card

It helps to know your rights and responsibilities when you use a credit card.

Credit Insurance

If you apply for a mortgage or a personal loan, you may hear the term credit insurance. What is it and do you need it?

Automatic Debit Scams

Learn what can happen when you give your checking account number to a stranger who calls you.

Credit Card Loss Protection

Your liability for fraudulent credit card charges is $50, but that doesn’t stop scam artists from peddling “loss protection” services.

Utility Services

Know how to obtain utlity services, how payments affect your credit history and what to do if you cannot pay your bills.

Credit Rules Bookmark

It helps to know your rights and responsibilities when you use a credit card.

Paying for College Bookmark

Need money for college? Get the facts about financial aid and avoiding scams.