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What is credit?

Credit is the reputation you have earned for paying your bills on time that makes it possible for you to receive loans, etc. with the understanding that you will pay for them later.

Why is credit important?

If you are looking for a loan, credit card, or low interest rates, having good credit will increase your chances of getting one of these. If you have credit problems, it may be hard to acquire a loan when you need it the most.

What does APR stand for and what does it mean?

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. The APR on a loan includes the costs involved in securing the loan such as the interest rate, points and other related fees you will be paying annually. The APR is meant to provide you with a rate to use when comparing loans.

What is a credit score?

A lender figures your credit score (FICO score) by taking your credit history and measuring it against a database of habits in the general borrowing population. That, in turn, determines whether your tendencies match those of borrowers who default on debt, declare bankruptcy or find themselves in various types of financial difficulties.

What are the three Credit Bureaus and how do they affect my credit?

In the United States, Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union are the three major credit bureaus that provide nationwide coverage of consumer credit information. Many national lenders report consumer credit information to all three. However, smaller banks, most credit unions and other credit grantors may report to only one, or none. Therefore, the information you receive from one credit bureau may not be the same as what you would receive from another credit bureau.