Consumer Credit Hep

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This blog offers free advice to U.S. consumers on all aspects of credit (reports, scores, credit cards, etc.).

Latest Blog Posts

  • Tell the FTC What You Think of the Free Credit Report Ads on Nov 23, 2009 in reports

    Do you think the so-called free credit reports ads on TV are deceiving? Do you have some other problem with the way they market these products (all of which require signing up for monthly services)? If so, you can tell the FTC about it. They are soli...

  • They Reduced My Credit Card Limit - Does it Hurt My Credit Score? on Nov 5, 2009 in cards

    "My bank recently reduce the limit on my credit card, and I have no idea why. Why would they do this if I've never missed any payments before, and how does it affect my credit score?"This is one of the most common questions we've been getti...

  • Fixing Your Credit Score in 2010 - You Should Start ASAP on Oct 28, 2009 in scores

    If you are planning to buy a home next year, in 2010, should review your credit score right now. If your score is high, you're in a good position to apply for a mortgage loan. But if it's low, you need to work on fixing your credit score before you s...

  • Removing Negative Items from Your Credit Report on Oct 16, 2009 in reports

    Reader Question: "I have heard people say it's possible to remove negative items from a credit report, but then I've seen other websites say that it's not possible. I'm confused, to say the least. Is it really possible to remove negative informa...

  • When Do Lenders Check My Credit Score for a Mortgage? on Oct 12, 2009 in mortgage

    Reader Question: "At what point during the home buying process does the mortgage lender check my credit score? Is there any way I can find out if my score is good enough, before I even apply for a loan?"Different lenders have different appl...

  • Dealing With Debt Collectors - And a Sample Letter on Oct 9, 2009 in debt

    Reader Question: "I have been receiving phone calls from debt collectors all throughout the day. They are rude and loud, and they call over and over about the same thing. I intend to pay what I owe as soon as I'm able, but in the meantime I want...

  • What FICO Score is Needed to Buy a House Today? on Sep 24, 2009 in scores

    Reader Question: "I want to buy a house next year, and was wondering what FICO score is needed to get a loan. Is there a certain number I need to have, or does it just depend on the situation and the lender?"These are all good questions, an...