Navigating No Credit Check Business Loans in 2023: What You Need to Know Introduction: In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, securing funding can often be a significant hurdle, especially for those with limited or no credit history. This is where no credit check business loans come into play. These loans…
When it comes to paying your credit card bill, the due date is the most important one. Depending on your credit card issuer’s terms and conditions, you may be subject to late fees or even a higher penalty interest rate after 60 days. Late payments are reported to the credit…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer Americans had bad credit. Why did this happen? People spent more time paying off debt than accruing it. According to market reports, subprime consumers also reduced their total average debt by 5% between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021, reducing their outstanding balances across all accounts…
An identity theft insurance policy helps victims recover from losses caused by identity theft. It may be offered as a standalone policy or as a benefit of other types of insurance or identity protection plans. Insurance policies for identity theft do not all offer the same level of coverage. It’s…
It is common to lump together no credit and bad credit, but they are two distinct situations. You can reach your credit goals by understanding the differences between the two. Whether you have no credit history or bad credit can affect your ability to positively impact your credit. …
WHAT DOES CREDIT MIX MEAN? Having a mix of loan accounts is referred to as your credit mix. A mix of credit cards, car loans, student loans, mortgages, retail accounts, and installment loans can be included. 10% OF YOUR CREDIT SCORE IS DETERMINED BY YOUR CREDIT MIX When creditors…
One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for financial success is to establish good credit. A good credit score makes it easier for you to be approved for a loan to purchase a car, home, and other expensive items at much lower interest rates.…
A minimum payment is always included on your monthly credit card statement. Minimum payments are typically fixed amounts. Additionally, if your balance is above a certain limit, you will be charged a percentage of your balance, usually between 2% and 4%. Keeping your account in good standing always requires you…
Criminals seeking financial gain from identity theft take advantage of the tax season every year. There are many ways that scammers obtain personal information, but they all aim to file a false tax return in the taxpayer’s name and claim a tax refund. By the time the taxpayer files a…
Sometimes, life is hectic, and it’s easy to overlook a detail, even when it’s a bill that is due. If you have financial difficulties or are juggling a lot of responsibilities, it can be difficult to make your payments on time. Keep your credit healthy by paying your bills on…
A longtime problem, identity theft is still evolving and adapting with the times. It’s easy to get sucked into rumors and half-truths because of the variety of scams out there. In order to prevent identity theft, you should avoid believing misinformation and spreading it to others. Here are four identity…
An ideal time to reassess your financial health and implement habits that will positively affect your credit score is the start of a new year. Monitoring your credit report and identity is the best place to start your financial resolutions because it can have a ripple effect on other aspects…
On a daily basis, criminals scour the internet for personal information they can use to commit fraud and identity theft. Individuals need to take steps to protect their privacy and information from fraudsters in the digital age. The same is true for children as it is for adults, as kids…
Infiltrating the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments, Russian-linked hackers have been linked to a cyberattack by the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. According to reports, the cyberespionage campaign is one of the largest hacks against US government agencies over the last five years. Russia is said to be…
A credit card can be used to establish credit if you have at least one open card that can be reported to credit agencies. Beyond that, there is no specific number of cards you should carry in your wallet to maintain good credit. Having credit cards directly impacts your credit…
As consumers’ COVID-19 pandemic spending habits and contactless shopping drive fraud and identity theft, credit card fraud and identity theft are exploding. The holidays are upon us, so you need to be extra vigilant. Credit card fraud has been among the fastest-growing types of identity theft, according to the Federal…
Synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the country, according to the Federal Reserve. A synthetic identity is created by combining real and falsified information in order to create an identity for financial gain and other purposes. Synthetic identity thieves are particularly attracted…
Even after death, no one is completely safe from identity theft. Known as “ghosting,” criminals can use the personal information of a deceased person to file false tax returns, claim Social Security benefits, open fraudulent loans and credit cards and more. Every year, millions of deceased Americans have their identities…
Each day, we use our personal information to access online accounts, smart devices, and other resources. Credential information is so frequently compromised that the sensitivity of the information can be taken for granted. An impressive 61 percent of business users reuse the same password across multiple accounts, according to a…
Rise of the Gaming Industry and the Free-to-Play Model Since the turn of the century, free-to-play (F2P) business models have become increasingly popular in the gaming industry. As a result of this model, gamers do not have to pay an upfront fee to play games, but they can make in-game…
If we’ve learned anything from this year, it’s to be flexible enough to adapt to new environments. Over 57 million Americans have applied for unemployment insurance due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Knowing how to navigate through these financial uncertainties is vital. The first step is to create a financial wellness…
In the health care industry, data breaches are a common occurrence. Medical records are a prime target for cybercriminals. They offer value because they may contain a great deal of personal information, including names, addresses, insurance information, social security numbers, and medical histories. Many types of identity theft can be…
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate has risen significantly. While those facing unemployment worry about their loss of income, finding a new job, and even unemployment scams, they may also worry about how unemployment affects their credit. Fortunately, your current employment status does not appear on…
While facing deep economic insecurity this fall, college students are returning to school or logging on from a distance. There are still ways for college students to establish financial independence before they graduate, even though the Coronavirus Pandemic may have destroyed some job opportunities. Strong credit histories can be helpful…
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a record 32 million adult Americans live with their parents or grandparents. In addition to the pandemic, other factors – such as housing costs and high student debt – have contributed to this trend for years. Moving back in with your parents may seem like…
Over the past couple of months, COVID-19 has impacted people and businesses in all kinds of negative ways. The unemployment rate has increased rapidly, and many businesses have closed due to inactivity. We have compiled a list of survey-taking jobs that you can join that can help you earn additional income…
The Coronavirus pandemic has cancelled travel plans across the globe, and it is likely to continue disrupting travel for some time. As of now, it’s likely that your vacation plans have been canceled, and you’ll have to stay home instead. If you own a travel rewards credit card, you might…
A new report shows that scammers account for more than half of login attempts on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. An Arkose Labs report found that 53% of social media logins and 25% of new accounts were created by scammers. About 75% of fraudulent activity comes from…
Most retailers, including online sellers and department stores, have their own version of a store-branded credit card. You’ve probably been offered one in exchange for a discount off your purchase at some point. Even though retailers often try to lure customers with savings at the register, store credit cards aren’t…
Millions of people’s personal information has been exposed to numerous data breaches in recent months and may be sold on the dark web. The dark web is where cybercriminals buy and sell information – such as names, passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers – exposed by a data…
Student loan forbearance is one measure being taken to help Americans deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. As you might know, the Biden administration paused student loan payments for another three months in early January. As a result, repayments will begin on May 1. Scammers, however, will find ways to trick…
Tax season is here, and it’s crucial to watch out for common tax scams. During the past nine years, more than $23 million has been lost to tax scams, according to the IRS. Here are two scams to be aware of, and a few tips on how to avoid them.…
It may be true when they say “no good deed goes unpunished” as newly adopted regulations meant to protect consumers may have the opposite result if you aren’t cautious! Recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules on debt collection practices could make consumers more vulnerable to online scams. What’s new and how…
Gift cards make great gifts. They show your loved ones that you know their interests and give them the freedom to select something of their own choice. The great thing about them is that they allow you to circumvent product shortages and shipping delays, which makes them an ideal gift…
Credit monitoring shouldn’t be limited to protecting your own finances. The benefits of credit and identity theft monitoring should extend to your entire family, and here’s why: people want to protect their loved ones, from infants to aging parents, but simply cannot be everywhere at once. Trusting financial service providers, such…
Theft of personal information allows identity thieves to open fraudulent accounts, empty bank accounts, and wreak havoc on their victims’ credit and finances. It’s important to catch identity theft early if you become a victim. The sooner you learn that your identity has been stolen, the sooner you can take…
Did you know that disputing fraudulent charges on a debit card is different from disputing them on a credit card? Knowing the differences between consumer protection laws can keep your accounts safe from identity theft. If you need to dispute a fraudulent debit card charge, the funds you lost are…
Graduation season is upon us, which means a lot of young adults will be going off on their own for the first time. With that newfound freedom, however, comes an increased risk of fraud and identity theft. Did you know that young people fall victim to fraud and identity theft…
Identity Theft Recovery Plan: Start with Your Credit Report Check your bank accounts immediately if your personal information has been compromised, perhaps by a data breach or stolen credit card. You could be a victim of identity theft. If you see fraudulent charges, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even lost.…
Passwords are one of the most important lines of defense in protecting your online accounts. Passwords protect your finances, credit score, and identity. Unfortunately, many people don’t secure their passwords properly, leaving them vulnerable. Even though passwords aren’t foolproof against thieves and hackers, following good practices can help keep you…
Your credit card is one of the most valuable items in your wallet, so you may feel frantic if it’s lost or stolen. However, unlike some other types of property, your credit card is protected by federal law. It might be difficult to replace it, but if you act quickly,…
Millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft each year. It’s a serious threat, since thieves can use your personal information to open new accounts, claim tax refunds, file fraudulent Medicare claims, and more. Even if your identity isn’t stolen, thieves can use your personal information to gain access to…
When it comes to protecting your ID, debit cards are one of the worst ways to use your money. Due to its direct connection to your bank account, anyone with your card information can withdraw all the funds from your account instantly. The fact that debit cards do not have…
Despite an increasing emphasis on cybersecurity, organizations continue to lose consumer data to hackers and data breaches on a regular basis. It’s a widespread issue that will probably continue to grow and make you vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. Despite knowing the basics of protection (don’t share your credit…
Breach of data is a daily occurrence. Hackers are finding more ways to steal information from businesses that have personal data on file, such as hospitals, business schools, energy providers, etc. Regularly reviewing your credit report each month to make sure thieves haven’t opened accounts in your name is a…
You may have heard the term “credit utilization ratio” or “credit utilization rate”. In credit utilization ratio, the amount of revolving credit you currently utilize is divided by the total amount of revolving credit that’s available. The credit limit is generally expressed as a percentage. Here is more information on the…
You might not know it, but business credit isn’t just for small business owners and those who work for large corporations. In fact, if you are self-employed or running a side business that earns you extra income, business credit can be a good option for you. There are several…
The millennial generation is more likely than previous generations to cope with chronic health conditions. According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of CNBC Make It, 44% of millennials born between 1981 and 1988 have been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition. Both…
Many financial decisions you make in your life are affected by your credit score, so it’s a good idea to keep it as high as possible. We can usually see a change in our credit scores after we make a significant financial move, such as buying a home. As a…
Your credit card issuer may raise your card’s credit limit for a number of reasons. It might be that you want to be able to charge more on your card, or you want the credit increase to improve your credit score and report. There are certain times when it makes sense…
Identity theft is on the rise, according to recent reports. As reported by Javelin Strategy, identity theft resulted in an annual loss of $56 million in a mixture of different criminal and fraudulent activities last year. Maintaining the security of a business database can pose numerous challenges. Here’s what you…
Nowadays, it is possible to make almost any type of payment without a paper check. With Venmo or Zelle, you can pay your bills online, shop with credit cards, and send money to friends and family. Nonetheless, many businesses and individuals still use paper checks in the mail to do…
This month, qualifying Americans are starting to receive monthly payments as part of an advance on the expanded 2021 child tax credit. This economic stimulus is intended to help families and the economy rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But millions of direct IRS payments can mean opportunities…
Donating to charity is a worthwhile endeavor, and it can even result in some tax savings if you itemize your deductions at tax time. Even if you’re donating to charity for the first time, or you’ve supported your favorite causes for a long time, it’s a good idea to…
Although layoffs and new applications for unemployment benefits have slowed, fraud attempts have not. COVID-19 continues to provide scammers with a perfect opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity. These schemes have spread throughout the country. In the last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received…
Using the same methods as real employers, employment scammers trick job seekers through job ads online, in newspapers and even on TV and radio. In some cases, they may even contact individuals directly via email, phone, or social media. In these scams, scammers promise you a job, but in reality,…
You can find some of the most sensitive information in the mail: your name, address, contact information, bank account and routing numbers on mailed checks, financial statements, and so on. Despite this vulnerability, unlocked mailboxes and easily-opened paper envelopes leave mail especially susceptible to theft. Using the information contained in…
Debt collectors can contact you directly when creditors sell your unpaid debt to a collection agency. Fraudsters posing as legitimate debt collectors may also target you, using deception or intimidation to collect debts you don’t owe or they don’t have the authority to collect. It’s probably not right if something…
Different techniques can be used by hackers to steal your passwords. Credential stuffing is one way they can use your stolen personal information. Find out how to protect yourself from credential stuffing and what it entails. Credential Stuffing Defined Credential stuffing is a type of security breach in which hackers…
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused confusion in people’s lives and finances, leading to a rise in check scams. Wells Fargo recently sent a message to its customers warning them about check scams. In particular, the 18-24 age group is particularly vulnerable since they are less familiar with what to look…
The recent Federal Bureau of Investigations Internet Crime Report shows that cybercrime has spiked, leaving hundreds of thousands of victims and costing more than $4 billion. The FBI received a record number of reports last year totaling 791,790, a 69% growth from 2019. Moreover, losses due to internet crime increased by $700…
A stolen Social Security card is a major cause for concern. Identity theft is the primary problem with a stolen Social Security card. Identity thieves can damage your credit and finances as well as commit crimes in your name if they know just your Social Security number. When you discover…
A dark web monitoring service searches for signs that your personal information is being misused on the dark web. Although the dark web has many legitimate uses, its anonymity also attracts people who buy and sell illegal goods and services – including stolen personal information. Data breaches expose the personal…
A data breach occurs on average every three days, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. This means your personal information may be at risk. In the event that you have been notified of a data breach or suspect that your personal information has been exposed, here are some concrete…
An identity thief who buys your personal information from a data breach can use it for all kinds of malicious purposes. Tax fraud is one common application of this information. Essentially, a criminal may have purchased your bank account details and tax documents online and then obtained authenticated access to…
If you think that hackers can only operate in darkened rooms wearing hoodies, then you might be vastly underestimating the scope of the data breach problem. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, more than 300 million consumers were impacted by data breaches last year. Let’s examine how cybercriminals access…
In addition to disrupting the economy, the Coronavirus has also influenced the housing market. Around 4 million homeowners have already requested mortgage forbearance through the CARES Act forbearance program as of last month. Lenders are responding to the economic uncertainty by tightening credit requirements and making borrowers go through more…
As social life moves increasingly online, monitoring your personal information becomes increasingly important. With an average of 27 online accounts, and more than 100 for millennials, only a few passwords are shared across all those accounts. For every online account, passwords should ideally be difficult-to-guess and random as passwords are…
Americans are relying on stimulus checks to help them cope with unemployment, decreased hours, and other financial hardships during the Coronavirus outbreak. Although the IRS has begun distributing stimulus check payments, about 60 million people have still not received their checks. Remember: for more tips on how to improve the…
Scammers target stimulus checks and small businesses seeking financial assistance with fake COVID-19 vaccines. In the period January – April 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 18,000 complaints regarding scams related to the Coronavirus, resulting in losses of about $9 million. FTC and FDA have issued warning letters…
COVID-19 has taught us that having an emergency savings account is crucial for handling unexpected expenses. Whether it’s a job loss, reduced income, or other unplanned circumstances, saving up several months’ worth of expenses is important. It takes more than just slipping some cash under your mattress from time…
Over 10 million Americans have applied for unemployment since last month due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). If you’ve been financially impacted, you probably worry about how you’ll pay your bills. Maintaining your housing, services and other essentials doesn’t just mean paying your bills on time. In order to protect…
The coronavirus pandemic has already dealt a severe blow to the American economy and has caused financial insecurity for countless citizens. The situation seems poised to get worse before it gets better. If you’re experiencing financial hardship – such as a job loss or reduced income – because of…
In the United States, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has already caused significant disruptions. Businesses are cutting back on services or closing their doors, and Americans are staying indoors to avoid spreading a global pandemic. There is a risk that the turmoil will put a strain on the finances of millions of…
If you do your taxes, you may find out you owe the IRS a hefty tax bill. There are millions of people who owe the IRS every tax season and coming up with the money all at once can be challenging. There are some options if you can’t afford to…
You receive a tax refund when you overpaid your taxes for the previous year and the government is returning your money. Even so, receiving a lump sum all at once can feel like finding money, which may lead you to splurge on something you’ve been eyeing, such as a pair…
When you’re searching for your dream home, you’re probably most interested in two numbers: the sale price and the monthly mortgage payment. However, these two numbers only tell part of the story. It is likely that you are overlooking many other upfront and ongoing costs. When determining the true cost…
The tax season can be stressful – even if everything goes according to plan – but what happens when you are a victim of tax identity theft? If your identity is stolen and used for tax-related fraud, you might not receive a tax refund. You are a victim of tax…
FICO® has announced its newest credit score models – the FICO Score 10 and FICO Score 10T – with a focus on consumer personal loans and credit trends. With the new FICO Score, lenders will be rewarded for paying their lenders on time and have more precision and predictability when making lending…
Taking a vacation that leaves you debt-free is ideal. However, traveling is expensive, and vacation expenses can really add up over time. Many people end up piling up debt on their credit cards just to travel to exciting destinations or relax. In order to plan a vacation this year without…
You’re not alone if you went into debt shopping for the holidays. Several American consumers plan to put some of their holiday spending on their credit cards to pay off later. However, too much holiday credit card debt can harm your wallet and your credit rating. Having a large credit card…
Since 2012, American consumers have had less knowledge about credit scores, resulting in a general lack of awareness around credit. In addition, when you don’t know much about your credit, it can be easy to believe misinformation. Sadly, believing falsehoods about your credit can lead to poor credit decisions.…
Do you want to improve your finances in the New Year? Improving your credit habits should be a key part of your strategy. Creditors view your ability to effectively manage debt based on your credit report and how you use credit responsibly. An effective financial wellness plan should include a…
Many banks and service providers now offer automatic payments to make paying your bills a little easier. With this feature, the companies you do business with can automatically charge your credit card or debit your bank account on a predetermined date every month. Automatic payments can eliminate many of the…
A recent survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions LLC shows Americans’ knowledge of credit scores has been steadily decreasing since 2012. The survey was conducted by phone and posed questions about credit scores to 1,002 Americans. An improved economy may have contributed to the decline;…
Scammers are using scare tactics and prepaid cards to steal victims’ money in a new Social Security scam. Fraudsters are calling potential victims claiming they are from the Social Security Administration and reporting there has been suspicious activity involving the victim’s Social Security number (SSN), according to the Identity Theft…
In the recent months, inflation has been a major topic in the news, with rising prices creating additional financial strain for Americans. You’re not alone if you’re worried about the effects of inflation on your finances. If you’re concerned that inflation could affect your good credit score, there’s good news…
The mechanism by which credit cards work is not well understood, despite the fact that they are one of the most common methods of making transactions. Because of that, credit cardholders can make bad financial decisions that lead to being stuck in tricky financial situations. Overdrafts are a financial problem…
Debt is familiar to Americans. A record $14.96 trillion in debt is encircling 80% of them, according to the Federal Reserve. Before we get into the details, debt is simply the obligation to pay money to anyone. If you have debt, you also likely have a repayment agreement. What…
If you don’t have the cash to buy an item outright, you still have a few choices. A credit card is one of the most common methods, as you can receive the item immediately and pay it off over time. Layaway is another option. Layaway programs allow you to…
Do you want to buy a new vehicle, but are worried about getting approved for a car loan? A lender considers a number of factors when deciding whether to approve an auto loan. Your credit score is one of the most important factors. Your credit score is based on…
Shopping around doesn’t just apply to getting the best deals on winter clothes or home appliances. When buying a house, you should shop around for the best mortgage loan. Mortgage preapprovals from several lenders can help you find the best loan for your needs, preferably with the lowest interest rate.…
Your payment history is the single most important factor that makes up your credit score. Your ability to manage your credit responsibly is demonstrated when you pay all your bills on time, which builds your credit report. If you make late payments on your credit report, your credit score can be…
You agree to share your life with the person you love when you get married. Is getting married also a sign that you’ll share other aspects of your life, such as your credit score? Does the credit score of your partner affect yours? Here’s what you need to know…
Your credit score predicts how likely you are to repay a loan on time. Credit scores are calculated using a few different scoring models, but most fall between 300 and 850. The average credit score is 711. Your credit score is used by lenders to determine whether to approve your loan…
You probably already know you need to polish your resume, practice your interview skills, and create a list of positive references when you are looking for a new job. However, there’s something else that might impact your ability to get hired: your credit score. Many employers conduct background checks…
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in its latest semi-annual report, credit card debt has risen again after falling temporarily during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Americans use plastic to fund more and more purchases, causing you to feel overwhelmed by the number of credit cards you have and even…
Even if you’re diligent about paying your bills on time, mistakes can happen. Credit card late fees are no exception. A credit card company can charge a late fee of up to $29 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent late payments (though the fee cannot…
Your credit can be saved by creating an emergency response plan for your finances during times of flux, such as when you are evacuated during a natural disaster. Natural disasters have devastated Americans from coast to coast this summer in an unusually intense way. Even as people are rightfully…
Traditionally, anyone applying for a credit card must undergo a credit check to be approved. In order to approve an applicant for a credit card, the credit card issuer pulls the applicant’s credit report and credit score. Many people who don’t have credit can’t get a credit card approval because…
