Credit
Credit scores, credit cards, how to build or repair your credit history.
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Does closing a credit card hurt your credit score?
Yes — closing a card can lower your score by raising your utilization ratio and reducing your average account age. Here's when it's worth it anyway.
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How long does a hard inquiry affect your credit score?
A hard inquiry drops your score by fewer than 5 points on average and stops affecting it after 12 months — but stays on your report for 2 years.
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How do I build credit from scratch?
No credit history? Three methods that reliably work — secured cards, credit-builder loans, authorized user — and what doesn't.
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What is a good credit score?
Credit score ranges explained, what yours means for loans and rates, and the fastest ways to improve it.