TransUnion News Archives

How to rebuild credit

How to rebuild credit

It can be disheartening to see your credit score drop after a financial setback. Whether you missed mortgage payments, made the hard choice to file for bankruptcy or faced something else entirely, these kinds of [...]

Why did my credit score drop?

Why did my credit score drop?

Your credit scores are calculated using information in your credit reports, so it’s normal to see your score change as lenders provide updates to that information. A slight drop in your score may not [...]

Online sports betting and your credit

Online sports betting and your credit

Online sports betting has grown in popularity as more states have opted to legalize it after a federal ban was overturned in 2018. If you’re in one of more than 20 states that have [...]

What to do if your identity is stolen: Steps to take

What to do if your identity is stolen: Steps to take

Identity theft happens when fraudsters use stolen personal information for their own gain. These thieves may open up new lines of credit, withdraw money from your current accounts or get your tax refund, among a [...]

Hard vs soft inquiries: Different credit checks

Hard vs soft inquiries: Different credit checks

Hard and soft inquiries, sometimes referred to as credit checks, are requests to view your credit report by lenders, landlords, employers and companies that are authorized to do so. Both hard and soft inquiries will [...]

What is debt-to-income ratio?

What is debt-to-income ratio?

When you apply for a mortgage, car loan or credit card, lenders consider multiple factors such as your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your history of [...]

What is a HELOC and how does it affect your credit?

What is a HELOC and how does it affect your credit?

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a popular way to pay for home improvements, major repairs or other big expenses. More than 1 in 10 U.S. consumers plan to apply for a [...]

Federal vs. private student loans

Federal vs. private student loans

Taking out any student loan is a big financial decision. If you’ve exhausted the amount of federal student loans you’re eligible for, you may be considering additional, private loans to bridge the gap. [...]

Do student loans affect credit scores?

Do student loans affect credit scores?

If you’re concerned about the impact student loans will have on your financial future, you’re far from alone. And while your primary focus may be on creating a plan to pay off those [...]

Point-of-sale installment loans and your credit

Point-of-sale installment loans and your credit

You may have seen a ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ option at checkout at your favorite online store. Buy Now Pay Later is a type of point-of-sale (POS) installment loan. Over the past few years, POS [...]

Three signs something might be a scam

Three signs something might be a scam

There are many ways fraudsters try to get your personal information or separate you from your hard-earned money. One of the most popular schemes is through a phishing scam, in which fraudsters use links in [...]

What is inflation and how does it impact my credit?

What is inflation and how does it impact my credit?

Inflation is top of mind for many people. According to our Q2 2022 Consumer Pulse survey, almost all consumers (95%) are worried about inflation. Inflation can have a direct, financial impact to households and can [...]

How long do closed accounts stay on my credit report?

How long do closed accounts stay on my credit report?

When you close an account, it may not be removed from your credit report immediately. This is true whether the closed account is a credit card or an installment loan. Closed accounts stay on your [...]

How to use a credit card responsibly

How to use a credit card responsibly

Whether you’re more experienced with credit or looking to build your credit history, a credit card can be beneficial if used responsibly. Many credit cards have reward earning opportunities and more fraud protection than [...]