There are many great resources out there to help you learn more about credit and credit scores. Below are five that we pulled from our bookmarks that we think you should know about.
- FICO – FICO is the credit score that many major lenders use to judge your creditworthiness. Visit FICO’s website to learn how you are scored and tips for improving your credit score. http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/
- AnnualCreditReport.com – You are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Pull your free credit report and check for errors or inaccuracies. Report any errors right away directly to the credit bureau. Carefully examining your credit report is also a good way to determine if you're a victim of identity theft. Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
- Certified Credit Counseling – If you’re overwhelmed with debt, consider taking advantage of services offered by certified credit counselors. Counselors will work with you to develop a financial plan designed to help you get out of debt. Find a certified credit counselor near you by visiting http://www.nfcc.org/FirstStep/firststep_01.cfm
- Federal Trade Commission – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has great resources regarding credit. Learn how to get the best deals on credit cards, your rights as a consumer, and what to do if you’re a victim of fraud. Visit www.ftc.gov/credit.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – The new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accepts credit card complaints online. If you have a complaint, they will forward your issue to your credit card company, give you a tracking number, and keep you updated on the status of your complaint. Submit a complaint at https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/ask_cc_complaint
