A numerical representation of your creditworthiness, typically ranging from 300 to 850, affecting loan eligibility.

A detailed account of your credit history, including accounts, payment history, and inquiries, used by lenders to assess risk.

The process of overseeing and controlling debt, including strategies for repayment and reducing overall debt load.

The ratio of your current credit card balances to your total credit limits, influencing your credit score significantly.

A record of your payments on credit accounts, the most critical factor in determining your credit score.

The maximum amount of credit that a lender allows you to borrow on a credit card or line of credit.

A measure of your monthly debt payments compared to your gross monthly income, used by lenders to evaluate risk.

A request for your credit report, which can be either hard (affecting your score) or soft (not affecting your score).

A credit card backed by a cash deposit, often used to build or rebuild credit history.

A credit card not backed by collateral; approval is based on creditworthiness.

The process of setting financial goals and developing a strategy to achieve them, incorporating credit management.

A service that tracks your credit report and alerts you to changes, helping to protect against identity theft.

The process of improving a poor credit score through various strategies, including disputing inaccuracies.

Failure to meet the legal obligations of a loan, which can severely impact your credit score.

A legal proceeding involving a person or business that is unable to repay outstanding debts, affecting credit for years.

Any account that involves borrowing money, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages.

The percentage charged on borrowed money, affecting the cost of debt and monthly payments.

Having a mix of different types of credit accounts, which can positively impact your credit score.

A payment made after the due date, which can negatively affect your credit score.

A request for credit submitted to a lender, which results in a credit inquiry on your report.

A broad term encompassing your overall financial situation, including income, expenses, debt, and credit.

A tailored strategy for managing credit effectively, aimed at improving your credit score and financial opportunities.

The process of learning about credit, its components, and strategies for effective management.

The process of pursuing payments on debts that are past due, which can negatively impact your credit.

A plan for paying back debt, often involving prioritizing debts based on interest rates and terms.