Set goals high, debt low to improve credit score

A recent report shows the proportion of Americans who have FICO credit scores below 600 - a level that makes it nearly impossible to get loans - has risen to 25.5 percent, up from 24.1 percent two years ago. The likely cause: rising unemployment and bad... Credit score - FICO - Business - Financial Services - United States

Consumer credit card debt shrinks again in July

Consumer credit card debt fell by more than $4 billion in July, a record 22nd straight monthly drop, according to the latest Federal Reserve data.

Consider your FICO score before closing credit card accounts

Guido Krzikowski/Bloomberg News Q. I’m really angry with my three credit cards, all from different banks. They’ve all lowered my available credit and one added a new annual fee. I have great credit and I’m thinking about canceling these cards...

Quest for the perfect credit score

A major league pitcher dreams of throwing a perfect game. High schoolers eyeing the Ivy League study furiously in hopes of earning 2400 on the SAT. Meanwhile, Chris Peplinski is pursuing his own brand of flawlessness: an 850 credit score.

Bad FICO score? Here's how to boost it

If you're thinking about buying a home, you know it's more important than ever to have a high FICO score.The pie at the right shows all the components that make up your score. What steps would you take to bump it up? How would you even know where to...