Guides

Credit score & credit report guides

Plain-English explanations of what actually moves your score, written to be used alongside the simulator and the dispute letter generator.

Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Score?

Usually, yes — but not for the reason most people think, and not always as much as they fear. Two mechanisms, and when closing still makes sense.

300 to 850, five bands, and very different outcomes depending on where you land. What each range actually gets you.

From pulling your reports to mailing a letter that actually cites your rights under the FCRA — the full process, in order.

Checking your own score never hurts it. Applying for credit sometimes does, but usually less than people assume. Here's the real breakdown.

The FCRA gives a hard deadline for how long a late payment can follow you — and a real right to dispute it if it's wrong. Here's the timeline.

Utilization is 30% of your FICO score — and the relationship isn't a straight line. Here's how the math actually works and what ratio to target.