Credit Questions
Plain-English answers to the most common questions about credit reports, scores, and bureaus.
Jun 3, 2026· 3 min read
Hard vs Soft Credit Inquiries: What's the Difference?
A hard inquiry happens when you apply for credit. A soft inquiry happens when you check your own credit or a lender pre-screens you. One affects your score, the other doesn't.
Jun 3, 2026· 2 min read
How Credit Scores Work: A Plain-English Guide
How FICO and VantageScore calculate your credit score, what each factor weighs, and which numbers actually move the needle.
Jun 3, 2026· 3 min read
What to Do If Your Credit Is Affected by Identity Theft
Identity theft can wreck your credit fast. Here's the exact sequence of steps to lock down your accounts, dispute fraudulent items, and recover.
Jun 3, 2026· 3 min read
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion: How the Three Credit Bureaus Differ
Three bureaus, three different files, sometimes three different scores. Here's why they don't always match — and what that means for you.