How do I build credit from scratch?

Start with a secured credit card (you deposit $200-$500 as collateral), use it for small recurring purchases, and pay the full statement balance every month. After 6-12 months of on-time payments, you'll have enough history to qualify for unsecured cards. Being added as an authorized user on a family member's old card can also jumpstart your score.

What's a good credit score?

670+ is considered good, 740+ is very good, 800+ is exceptional. For the best mortgage rates, aim for 760+. For credit card approval, most rewards cards require 670-700+. The national average FICO score is around 715.

Credit Score & Credit Report – Build, Fix & Understand Your Credit

Q: Why did my credit score drop?

The most common reasons: a late payment was reported (even 1 day late to the bureau), your credit utilization increased (e.g., you charged more this month), you applied for new credit (hard inquiry), an account was closed (reducing available credit), or a collection appeared. Our detailed guides below cover each scenario.

Your credit score is a three-digit number that controls the interest rates you pay on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards — and it can cost or save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. These guides explain exactly why your score changed, how to fix mistakes, and how to build strong credit from scratch.

For a complete overview of how credit scores work, see our Credit Score Guide — covering FICO vs. VantageScore, the five scoring factors, and how to improve your score at every level.

📖 Complete Guide

Credit Score Guide

How credit scores work, FICO vs. VantageScore, the 5 scoring factors, and how to improve your score.

Why Did My Credit Score Change?

Why Did My Credit Score Drop?

The 8 most common reasons for a credit score decrease and what to do about each one.

Score Dropped After Paying Debt

Why paying off debt can temporarily lower your score and what the long-term impact actually is.

Score Dropped After Paying Off Car

Closing an installment loan reduces your credit mix — here"s how much it matters.

Score Dropped for No Reason

Hidden causes: utilization reporting dates, authorized user changes, and aged hard inquiries.

Why Did My Credit Score Go Up?

Common positive triggers and how to keep the momentum going.

Why Did My Credit Limit Decrease?

Inactivity, income changes, and risk algorithms — what triggers limit cuts.

Credit Card Mistakes & Fixes

I Forgot to Pay My Credit Card

What happens, grace periods, and exactly what to do right now.

Applied for Too Many Cards

How multiple hard inquiries affect your score and when they stop mattering.

I Accidentally Closed a Credit Card

Can you reopen it? How closing a card affects your utilization and average age.

I Made a Late Payment

How to get a late payment removed and how long it stays on your report.

I Paid the Wrong Credit Card

How to fix a misdirected payment and avoid late fees on the right card.

Why Did My Credit Card Get Closed?

Inactivity, policy changes, and what you can do to get it reinstated.

Building Credit

How to Build Credit from Scratch

Secured cards, authorized user strategy, and the timeline from no score to 700+.

Credit Bureau Contact Numbers

Credit Bureau Phone Numbers

Direct phone numbers for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — dispute and fraud lines.

Equifax Phone Number

Equifax customer service, fraud, and dispute contact numbers.

Experian Phone Number

Experian customer service, fraud alert, and credit freeze contact numbers.