Guides on how credit scores actually work
Eight guides covering the mechanics and decisions behind understanding and rebuilding a US credit score.
What Factors Make Up Your Credit Score
A plain breakdown of the five FICO factors that make up your credit score and their real weightings, for US consumers.
Read the guide →How Does Credit Utilization Affect Your Credit Score
Why credit utilization is the fastest-moving factor in a US credit score, and the exact math behind it.
Read the guide →How Long Do Negative Marks Stay on Your Credit Report
The real reporting windows for late payments, collections and other negative marks on a US credit report.
Read the guide →Does Paying Off Debt Improve Your Credit Score
The real difference between paying off debt and improving your credit score in the US — related, but not identical.
Read the guide →How to Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report
The real, free process for disputing an error on your US credit report directly with the bureaus, step by step.
Read the guide →Secured Credit Card vs Credit-Builder Loan
A plain comparison of secured credit cards and credit-builder loans as legitimate US credit-rebuilding tools.
Read the guide →How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Your Credit Score
A realistic, honest look at how long credit rebuilding actually takes in the US, with no promised timelines.
Read the guide →Hard Pull vs Soft Pull: What Happens When You Apply for Credit
A plain explanation of hard pull vs soft pull credit checks and what actually happens when you apply for credit in the US.
Read the guide →The US Credit-Building Worksheet
A short, practical guide for anyone working on their US credit — a fillable tracking worksheet, the questions to ask before opening a rebuilding tool, and where to check official information for free.