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

Getting utility services ― gas, electricity, water ― has a lot to do with your credit history. The better your credit history, the easier it can be for you to get services. And your on-time (or late) payment history with utility companies can be an important factor for your credit in the future.

Shopping around for a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit can help you get better terms and a better deal.

Different types of payment cards work in different ways. When you’re deciding which kind of card is right for you, consider how each card works, what fees you might have to pay, and what legal protections each type of card offers.

We hear a lot about credit — credit reports, credit scores, credit freezes, credit monitoring. What does it all mean for you? Your credit matters because it affects your ability to get a loan, a job, housing, insurance, and more. If you understand what your credit is, it’ll help you protect it.

Need cash fast to deal with an emergency, bills, or rent? A payday loan or car title loan might be tempting. But these are expensive loans and they can trap you in debt. Find out how they work and about other possible ways to get money or credit quickly.

Your credit score affects whether a company will give you credit and how much you’ll pay for it.

You want your credit report to be accurate because it affects whether you can borrow money — and how much you'll pay — to borrow money. It also may affect getting a job or insurance, or renting a place to live.

When you cosign a loan for a friend or family member, you put your finances and creditworthiness on the line. Here’s what you need to know before you cosign a loan.

Your tenant background check report can affect whether you get rental housing, the terms of your lease, and how much you pay for rent or a security deposit.

Includes a list of contacts and practical steps to help you get your finances back on track after a weather emergency.

Did you apply for credit and get turned down? Or did a lender offer you less favorable terms for credit? If so, they have to give you a notice with certain information. Improving your credit may take some time, but taking some steps will help you do it. 

Here’s what to know about how to dispute errors on your credit report and avoid credit repair scams.

Companies sometimes try to get new customers by sending “prescreened” offers. Learn how prescreening works and how to opt out.