Q: What is a Credit Profile or Credit History ?
A: Credit Profile or Credit History is the same thing. It refers to a consumer credit file from the credit reporting system, which is made up of various, independent credit reporting bureaus. It is a report (Credit Report) of how you, as an individual paid back the companies, whom you borrowed money from. This can include Credit Cards-, Bank Loans-, Mortgage payments and other financial obligations.

There are usually five categories in a Credit Profile:

• Identifying Information ( name and all addresses you resided before and now )
• Employment Information ( the companies you worked for and now )
• Credit Information ( positive or negative financial behavior, example: if you ever been late with your payment )
• Public Record Information ( including criminal report )
• Inquiries :What is an inquiry in my Credit Profile?

Q: How can I learn about my Credit Profile?
A: Click on the Credit Report button to get a copy of your credit profile. BUT FIRST READ ON!

Q: Why should I see my Credit Report?
A: Do not get one, unless it is needed. It might be necessary to get a copy of your Credit Report to find out about your credit worthiness. When you apply for credit, the Creditor ( Landlord, Credit Card provider, Cell Phone Company etc.) looks at your Credit Report to decide if they are going to grant you the credit you applied for. Another good reason is to make sure that the information on your Credit Report is accurate. Derogatory information on your Credit Report may affect your credit rating even if it was placed there by mistake. Possible criminal activities such as identity theft will be revealed also once you review your report.

Q: Why is it bad to have too many inquires on your Credit Profile ?
A: Some creditors may reject your credit application if you have too many recent inquires on your Credit Profile made by other creditors. It may make you appear in front of the Creditor as desperate for more credit.

Q: Why would anyone need to see his/her own Credit Profile ?
A: Unauthorized entries in your Credit Profile may appear as a result of fraudulent and/or, criminal activities ( Such as identity theft ). Credit monitoring will enable you to find out about such activities, before they would cause damage to your Credit Profile.

Q: If I order a Credit Report how does it affect my credit?
A: The company that we offer for such services will request a copy of your Credit Profile on your behalf. Every inquiry, including the ones made on your behalf will show up on your credit profile as a new entry, but if the request was made on your behalf, it will NOT be showed between the Creditors usual inquires. It will NOT affect their approval process.

Q: I have recently been rejected for credit. Should I apply again?
A: NO. Do NOT apply for another Credit Card without making sure that you will qualify. Why? If you would like to find out the reason of the denial, contact the credit card issuer that denied the credit and question them about the reason of denial. Also you can ask them for the name and phone number of the Credit Bureau they used to obtain a copy of your credit profile. If you call the credit bureau within 60 days of the denial you are usually entitled for a free copy of your credit report. The reason for denial is usually one of the these:

a, Insufficient credit history
b, Bad credit
c, To many open accounts
d, To many new accounts.

Once you know what the problem is, you can create a plan on how to deal with it. If you have insufficient credit history, you may need to establish credit.

Q: How do I establish credit?
A: If you have bad credit, you may need to repair your credit.

Q: I have bad credit. What do I do ?
A: If you have too many accounts or to many new accounts, you may have to wait to let your accounts age naturally while keeping a good payment history. Alternatively, you may want to eliminate some accounts that you don't really need.

Q: I have no credit history, how do I start establishing credit?
A: Apply for a Secured Credit card from a creditor, which (after a grace period of one year) offers Unsecured Credit for you. It is very important to keep yourself to the terms agreed on with the creditor and the most important is TO BE ON TIME with your payments.

Q: I have bad credit. What do I do ?
A: Choose a Secured Credit Card and establish a good credit history. It is it might take a little bit of time, but well worth it. Your other choice is to consult with a credit repair professional.

Q: What is an inquiry in my Credit Profile?
A: An inquiry is a listing of the name of a credit grantor, or authorized user who has accessed your Credit File/Credit Profile/Credit History. Each inquiry is posted on the credit file so you know who has obtained a copy of it. Credit grantors post an inquiry before offering you a pre-approved credit card application. These are listed as "promotional" inquiries on your credit file because only your name and address were accessed, not your credit history information. They are NOT sent to credit grantors or businesses for credit reporting reasons. They are listed for informational purposes only.

Credit Card Terms

A credit card is a form of borrowing that often involves charges. Credit terms and conditions affect your overall cost. So it's wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account. The following are some important terms to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or in solicitations that require no application. You also may want to ask about these terms when you're shopping for a card.

Annual Percentage Rate. The APR is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It also must be disclosed before you become obligated on the account and on your account statements.

The card issuer also must disclose the "periodic rate" - the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period.

Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the index's performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs. Rate changes raise or lower the finance charge on your account. If you're considering a variable rate card, the issuer must also provide various information that discloses to you:

that the rate may change; and
how the rate is determined - which index is used and what additional amount, the "margin," is added to determine your new rate.
At the latest, you also must receive information, before you become obligated on the account, about any limitations on how much and how often your rate may change.

Free Period. Also called a "grace period," a free period lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a finance charge from the date you use your card or from the date each transaction is posted to your account. If your card includes a free period, the issuer must mail your bill at least 14 days before the due date so you'll have enough time to pay.

Annual Fees. Most issuers charge annual membership or participation fees. They often range from $25 to $50, sometimes up to $100; "gold" or "platinum" cards often charge up to $75 and sometimes up to several hundred dollars.

Transaction Fees and Other Charges. A card may include other costs. Some issuers charge a fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or exceed your credit limit. Some charge a monthly fee whether or not you use the card.

Balance Computation Method for the Finance Charge. If you don't have a free period, or if you expect to pay for purchases over time, it's important to know what method the issuer uses to calculate your finance charge. This can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you'll pay - even if the APR and your buying patterns remain relatively constant. See page 4 for examples of how the methods can affect your costs.