When you’re looking for a new job, you probably already know you need to polish your resume, practice your interview skills and put together a list of positive references. But there’s something else that might affect your ability to get hired: your credit. Many employers perform background checks on job candidates, including checking their credit reports. But they can’t see the same information that a lender or creditor can see when they pull...

You may not know it, but business credit isn’t just for small business owners and those who work for larger corporations. In fact, if you are self-employed, doing business under your own name or have a side hustle going that earns you extra money, business credit can be an option you shouldn’t ignore. Business credit is important for several reasons. For starters, it’s a great way to keep your business finances separate from your personal...

The biggest banks in the United States are launching a pilot program this year that allows applicants with no credit history to qualify for credit cards using information about their bank accounts.

As college students spend the summer working or taking summer courses, now is the time to work on establishing financial independence before they graduate. Having a strong credit history can help students apply for loans or credit, get an apartment or even land a job. Students who start now can establish strong credit for long-term benefits. Student credit cards can be a powerful tool in the college student’s credit arsenal. Here’s how student...

The “buy-now-pay-later” trend (BNPL) is rapidly becoming a preferred method of payment, but consumers should understand how these plans work to avoid some related pitfalls, such as negatively impacting their credit. BNPL is marketed as an alternative to credit cards because they allow consumers to spread out purchase financing, but with no fees or interest charges. During the pandemic, with consumers conserving cash and seeking alternative...