What Credit Means Today

What Is Credit Monitoring and Is it Effective?

Monitoring your credit can prevent fraud and identity theft. Free credit monitoring services can foil thieves and help keep your credit score healthy.

How to Unfreeze Credit for Free

It's time to unfreeze your credit, but you're not sure exactly what to do. Here's how to unfreeze for free at all three credit bureaus.

How to Freeze Your Credit at All 3 Bureaus – For Free

If you choose to freeze your credit, you have three options. Learn how to freeze your credit online for free.

How Credit Utilization Ratio Impacts Your Credit Score

Credit utilization ratio is simply the percentage of your total credit limit you’re using. Find out how it affects your overall credit score.

How to Build Credit: A Guide for College Students and Recent Graduates

Consider these personal finance tips to help you succeed after graduating college: build a credit history, use credit cards positively, and invest to benefit your future self.

7 Best Ways to Help Build Your Credit

Learn about the credit-building benefits of reviewing and 'cleaning' errors on your credit report, managing credit utilization, and removing late payments.

Can You Remove Unauthorized Hard Inquiries from Your Credit Report?

It’s good to know how to remove hard inquiries from your credit report because they can ding your credit score – or be an early warning of identity theft. 

Ways to Protect Your Credit Score During Economic Shifts

Economic swings typically add to the challenge of protecting your credit score. But there are steps you can take to help maintain your credit – or even improve it.

Removing Closed Accounts from Your Credit Report

Closed accounts on your credit report may be bad or good for your credit score, depending on the details. Explore your options if a closed account has a negative impact.

How to Get a Free Credit Report

Enroll with MyCredit Guide to get a free monthly credit report that you can access at any time or you can request a copy of your credit report from 3 credit bureaus once a year.

How, Where, and Why to Check Your Credit Score

Use American Express' MyCredit Guide to get a free credit score check and a free monthly credit report so you can keep your credit in great health.

How Do I Get Something Off My Credit Report?

Credit reporting errors can sometimes happen, potentially lowering your credit score. Learn how you can take action to remove incorrect items from your credit report.

Who’s Got Your Credit Data? The Big 3 Credit Reporting Agencies

Your credit reports are put together by three national agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Learn all about them here.

Credit Score Simulator From MyCredit Guide: How It Works

The MyCredit Guide score simulator allows you to see how increasing your credit limits, paying down your debt, or opening a new account can change your credit score.

What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Car?

Applying for a car loan? Lenders will check your credit history and credit score. Read about the score you need to buy a car before applying.

What Affects Your Credit Score?

There are many factors that can influence your credit score. Find out how late payments, debt, and credit history can impact your score.

How to Dispute Your Credit Report at All 3 Bureaus

Your credit report has valuable personal information. See something amiss? Here’s how to dispute your credit report online, by phone, or even by U.S. mail.

Credit Score Ranges: What Is an Excellent, Good, or Poor Credit Score?

Learn about credit score ranges from FICO and VantageScore, and how they classify Excellent, Good, or Poor credit scores.

How to Check Your Credit Score for Free

Here is how to check your credit score for free and get the most accurate picture of your credit.

What Is a Credit Score and How Is it Defined?

Understanding how ‘credit score’ is defined, how credit scores work, and how they’re calculated can help you establish a positive financial future.