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Credit Scores
Understand credit scores, credit worthiness, and how credit scores are used in day-to-day life.
What is a Credit Score?
You may be surprised to learn you don't have just one credit score. Learn more about some basics when it comes to credit scores.
How Are Credit Scores Calculated?
Learn about the factors that affect credit scores, keeping in mind there are many different credit scoring models.
[Video] How Can I Check Credit Scores?
Credit reports from the three nationwide credit bureaus don't usually include credit scores. But there are several ways to check credit scores.
Credit Reports
Understand how your financial behavior impacts you and your credit, along with what is included on your credit reports and why.
What Does That Mean? A Guide to Equifax Credit Report Terminology
When reviewing your Equifax credit report, you might not know what some terms mean. We define some words you may see on your credit reports.
How Do I Get My Free Credit Report?
There are several ways you can get free credit reports from Equifax, and the other two nationwide credit bureaus.
Why Should I Check my Credit Reports and Credit Scores?
Your credit reports and credit scores are vital pieces of information that are important to your overall financial wellbeing. Learn why it's important to check them regularly.
Fraud & Identity Theft
Explore ways to better protect your information, plus warning signs of fraud and identity theft, and what to do if you believe your identity has been stolen.
Fraud Alert, Security Freeze, and Credit Report Lock
Each can help you better protect your personal information, but they are not the same. Here's a closer look at how they function.
How Can I Better Protect Against Identity Theft?
While it may not be possible to completely protect yourself from identity theft, there are some steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
8 Types of Identity Theft You Should Know
What are the most common types of identity theft? Learn more from Equifax about identity theft and what to do if your personal information is stolen.
Life Stages
Whether you’re saving up for a car, home, or college, learn how your credit can help remove friction from making milestone purchases.
Myths vs. Facts: Marriage and Credit
How much do you know about how tying the knot may (or may not) impact credit reports and credit scores?
You Ask, Equifax Answers: How Can I Teach My Children Good Credit Habits?
When’s the right time to start teaching your children good credit habits?
What Happens If My Retirement Plans Change?
Retirement planning is a long-term process. So what happens if that slow-build strategy is suddenly disrupted?
Personal Finance
Discover personal finance tips and tricks around everything from managing your money to saving and planning for the future.
Credit Mistakes That May Be Costing You Money
These credit mistakes may wind up costing you money in the long run. Here are nine pitfalls to try to avoid if possible.
How Should I Prioritize My Savings Goals?
There are lots of things in life you might save for — retirement, an emergency fund, a home — but how should you decide where to focus saved money first?
What Do Interest Rates Really Mean?
Put simply, interest is the price you pay to borrow money. Before you agree to a loan, understand how your interest rate will affect the total amount you owe.
Debt Management
Learn how debt can affect your credit scores, plus the different types of debt (both good and bad), and best practices for paying it off.
Avoiding 'Credit Repair' Scams
"Credit repair" companies may sound tempting. But the truth is, there is no such thing as a "quick fix" when it comes to your credit. Learn how to recognize legitimate credit counseling organizations vs. scams.
How Can I Lower My Monthly Bills?
Don’t dread paying bills each month and make sure you’re not paying more than you should.
You Ask. Bev Answers: Should I Pay Down Debt or Save?
Should you pay down debt or save during the Covid-19 pandemic? It depends on your situation and financial goals
Credit Cards
Explore tips on getting the right credit card for you and what it means for your credit. Plus, managing credit card debt and what to do if you lost your card.
Establishing Credit When You Don't Have Credit
It’s a situation many young adults face when they’re just starting out – how to build a credit history when you don’t have a credit history.
Some Things to Know Before Opening a Store Credit Card
It may be tempting to open a store credit card when you're standing at the checkout counter. But here are a few factors to consider.
How Closing a Credit Card Account May Impact Credit Scores
Whether or not to close a credit card -- and how it may affect credit scores -- depends on your unique credit situation.
Loans
Explore the nuances of the different types of loans, including personal and student loans, and the potential pros and cons of co-signing a loan.
[Video] The Pros and Cons of Cosigning Loans
You might want to help a loved one obtain a loan by cosigning. Be sure you know what you’re getting into.
How Can Student Loans Affect Credit Reports?
Similar to other financial commitments, student loans -- and how you repay them -- can appear on credit reports and can impact credit scores, for better or worse.
Can I Get a Loan With Bad Credit?
If you're concerned your credit scores may hurt your ability to get a loan or line of credit, there are some steps you can take and options you can consider.
Cybersecurity
Understand how to shop online more safely, how to create and store stronger passwords, and more.
Teaching Your Kids About Internet Safety
You can begin educating kids about basic Internet safety even at an early age. Here's a guide to what to talk about with kids as they grow older.
Shopping Online? Help Keep Your Identity and Financial Information Safe
There's no denying that online shopping can be convenient. Here are some suggestions to help avoid ID theft and scams while browsing.
Password Safety: Are Yours Secure Enough?
Passwords are one of the most common ways hackers break into computers and steal personal data. Here are some suggestions for how to create strong passwords -- and storing all your passwords securely.
COVID + Credit
Explore resources to help you navigate the financial aftermath of a global pandemic.
[Video] COVID + Credit: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the CARES Act and You
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a key aspect of the 2020 CARES Act. Learn how it provides relief to unemployed Americans.
COVID + Credit: A Primer on the Paycheck Protection Program
What you need to know about the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the recently passed CARES Act.
COVID + Credit: 4 Things To Know About Stimulus Checks & the CARES Act
Deciphering the aid available to you through the newly passed CARES Act.
The Knowledge Center at Equifax
Here we'll cover everything from what's on your Equifax credit report to the nuances of how credit scores can help better your everyday life (not to mention potentially making milestone purchases less complicated). If you have questions about your credit cards, from applying for new credit cards, to best practices for getting out of credit card debt, advice is only a click away.
Are you seeking how to better protect your online presence from identity theft and fraud? We go over warning signs of identity theft, plus ways to better protect you and your loved ones through cybersecurity best practices. Are you considering loan options? We cover the different types of loans, plus what you should be looking out for and advice on ways to find the best loans for you and your family.
Debt management can be challenging on your own, but with the right tools and information at the ready, you can look forward to a brighter financial future. The aspects of personal finance shift during different stages of your life, and you may be left questioning what to do next, whether you're saving up for something big or looking to set up a new budget.
In the aftermath of COVID-19's wake, we also have ways to help you navigate questions you may have after the financial implications of living through a global pandemic. No matter the type of credit or personal finance questions you may have, the Equifax knowledge center is here to help.