Credit 101: The Basics That Move Your Score
Before we can build a stronger credit profile, you need to know how credit actually works. Here is exactly what you will learn.
Read your credit reports and check for deletions
Know what is actually reporting on each bureau, spot what should have come off, and verify deletions in writing.
Understand Credit Karma vs. FICO scores
Why the score in your app rarely matches the score a lender pulls, and which one actually decides your approval.
Properly pay your credit cards
Due dates, statement dates, balances, and the payment habits that build score instead of quietly dragging it down.
Understand tradelines and how they work
How accounts are reported, what makes a tradeline positive or negative, and how age, limits, and usage affect your file.
Know when your credit is ready for funding
The markers lenders look for before you apply, so you stop wasting inquiries on applications that were never ready.
Understand what lenders REALLY look for
The full picture beyond the score: utilization, payment history, profile strength, and how underwriters read your file.
How to Check Your Equifax Report
Your Equifax report is one of the three files lenders review. Watch the walkthrough and follow the steps below to pull it on your own.
- 1
Go to myEquifax.com and create your free account, or sign in if you already have one.
- 2
Verify your identity with your personal information and the security questions they ask.
- 3
Select the option to view or download your Equifax credit report.
- 4
Read each section: personal information, accounts, collections, and inquiries.
- 5
Save or print a copy of your report, and note anything you don't recognize.