An old (free) checking account in another state started becoming inconvenient (no local locations and bad phone service), so I moved my direct deposit elsewhere. I left a little money in the account, thinking having an older account would help with credit. I recently found out, however, that several months ago, they closed down the free checking service and switched to a fee checking service. While this was happening, it eventually drained the money out of the checking account and went negative. They apparently also closed the account for overdrafting, How badly is this going to affect my credit? Can I take any steps to mitigate it?
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posted by anonymous
on May 14, 2013 -
11 answers
Through a mixture of screwups and missed opportunities, I'm pretty sure my credit rating is either dismal or nonexistent. What's the best strategy to improve it? (Snowflake details inside.)
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posted by littlegreen
on Apr 28, 2013 -
7 answers
I would assume that a company has a legal obligation to notify a consumer of outstanding charges on his or her account in a timely manner – namely, before sending that account to collections. Is this so? Can you direct me to the specific Federal or local (Massachusetts) statutes that establish this obligation?
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posted by donmateo
on Apr 24, 2013 -
6 answers
We're looking to obtain the best credit card possible for a 5 person band with minimal expenses and income. We're an LLC incorporated in NYC. Band expenses typically include food, gas, merch supplies (shirts, blank CDs etc) and the occasional cash withdrawals, but the big anticipated purchase is a van (used -- no more than $5k). Suggestions for checking accounts also welcome...
posted by qzar
on Apr 18, 2013 -
2 answers
I've just recently been alerted to the fact that there's such a thing as reward points on my Visa. I checked into my account for the first time and found out I have about 35,000. I have no idea how to use them.
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posted by madonna of the unloved
on Mar 28, 2013 -
18 answers
Should I take out a personal loan to consolidate my credit card debt? Does anyone have any experience with personal loans through Discover?
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posted by royalsong
on Mar 26, 2013 -
29 answers
Hello
I am in need of a credit card that allows me to set a hard limit on authorized users. In addition I need for the card to allow a different limit for the primary and secondary card.
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posted by flummox
on Mar 21, 2013 -
14 answers
Is there a business credit card that can alert you in real-time (or close to it) when your employees' cards are used?
I currently use Chase Ink and it disappoints in this regard. I can setup real-time alerts, but they only work for the primary card, not all employee cards. I was a little incredulous of this at first, but my Chase rep confirmed it is so.
Any business cards that can do this? (ideally with cash back, esp. for gas; ideally visa).
thanks!
posted by grammalvsu
on Mar 21, 2013 -
3 answers
I am freaking out right now because I just got two letters from collections agencies. I should have paid the bills. I know that. I just … didn’t. And I know I’m terrible with money and want to change that, but when I think about money and the giant hole of student debt that I’m in I feel like, what’s the fucking point, and I become overwhelmed with hopelessness and I shut down.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 18, 2013 -
15 answers
I've paid my back taxes for New York State as of last year, but the judgment is still on my credit reports, although marked "paid". This is my only ding. Will landlords refuse to rent to me anyway?
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posted by droplet
on Feb 28, 2013 -
4 answers
Due to a family thing, I have received a one-time windfall, and I would like to pay off my credit cards, improve my credit, and buy a new car (getting a loan for most of it). I just want to know if it's good to keep a small balance or pay them off completely.
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posted by marble
on Feb 21, 2013 -
20 answers
I moved to America about a year and a half ago. My credit score is between 600 - 640 depending on the agency. I don't need credit now, but I want to buy a house later this year. How can I improve my credit given that I have no use for credit cards beyond the one I already have, and I pay cash for everything? Details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 21, 2013 -
13 answers
Credit experts: When I enrolled in college, my father added me onto a new credit card to have at my disposal. Now it's becoming an albatross.
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posted by drpynchon
on Feb 10, 2013 -
11 answers
Rebuilding credit a few years post-divorce and home ownership, does anyone have experience with services like
rentreporters.com that will report rental payment history to credit services?
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posted by cgk
on Feb 10, 2013 -
1 answer
Was negotiating with the lender (credit card) and was prepared and arranged to pay the full amount this spring. Today I received a 1099-C IRS form notifying me that the debt has been cancelled.
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posted by snsranch
on Feb 1, 2013 -
2 answers
Has anyone had any experience in dealing with organizations like nomoredebts.org or consolidatedcredit.ca?
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posted by cleo
on Jan 16, 2013 -
7 answers
I was sent multiple versions of the same (or so I thought) credit card offer and accidentally applied to the one that charges interest from day one, instead of the one with 0% introductory APR for 12 months. I called customer service and got a boilerplate letter of refusal back. Now what?
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posted by ziggly
on Jan 6, 2013 -
5 answers
Is it best to pay credit card balance right away or when it's due to improve credit?
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posted by Raichle
on Jan 6, 2013 -
11 answers
My girlfriend and I are trying to get a home loan together. She has good credit, mine is apparently less than good (we were already denied by one lender). Is it possible to apply for loans using only her name, but still include the income I would contribute? Is this a terrible idea?
posted by mumblingmynah
on Dec 27, 2012 -
19 answers
My credit is kind of a mess, but I have a good income and no real debt -- can I just pay someone to fix it for me?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 26, 2012 -
12 answers
Worried about how I'm going to take out medical school loans without a cosigner in two and a half years.
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posted by squirtle
on Dec 16, 2012 -
16 answers
I need a credit card for my job. Considering my situation, what are some of the best options (in terms of credit limit and benefits) right now?
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posted by WhitenoisE
on Dec 11, 2012 -
16 answers
Please help me get my financial situation in order during a separation from my husband. Looking for advice and suggestions from your own experience, or factual knowledge of "legal separation" in Washington state. Also looking for personal experiences relating to credit counseling, credit attorneys, etc.
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posted by virginia_clemm
on Dec 7, 2012 -
7 answers
Education filter: How do you get a class accredited at a community college? Does it depend on the individual state or local system? Who would be the right people to talk to understand this process? Thank you!
posted by tessalations999
on Nov 30, 2012 -
11 answers
My girlfriend is consistently late in paying her month's share of the utilities, and sometimes she doesn't pay it at all. Everything is in my name and I'm worried my credit score is taking a tumble. Please help.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 12, 2012 -
23 answers
I used to have great credit, but because of travel and whatnot, I developed a bad habit of blowing off bills and then doing total payoffs. What was fiscally sound for me at the time wasn't doing me any favors regarding my credit rating.
My rating sucks now but I'm prepared to work on it...please help me figure out the best course of action.
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posted by snsranch
on Nov 9, 2012 -
2 answers
The only loans I have are student loans, which I'm working hard to pay off. Would it be better for my credit score if I stopped paying them down when they reach $5.00 and then just pay interest from then on?
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posted by brenton
on Nov 9, 2012 -
18 answers
Had a US collections agency pop up on my credit report saying that I owe them an amount less than $100. This question has been asked before, but one twist in my situation: I am currently living and working outside of the United States.
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posted by C^3
on Oct 26, 2012 -
3 answers
My wife has absolutely no credit history. She is a permanent resident. How can we build a credit rating for her?
posted by citybuddha
on Oct 12, 2012 -
15 answers
I need a card I can charge with money, online, for someone else's use in grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, etc. They don't need to be able to get cash with it. It shouldn't be possible for them to take out more money than I put in. This will be an ongoing thing, so I'd like to minimize fees. Has anyone had any experience with something like this that they liked?
posted by ubiquity
on Oct 12, 2012 -
19 answers
This is embarrassing: I'm 25. I don't know the first thing about credit cards and building credit. I do not have a credit card, and therefore, no credit. Where do I even start?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 12, 2012 -
38 answers
Is there any good reason not to take advantage of free cash back offers from credit card companies as long as I pay my monthlies promptly?
FOr that matter, free miles offers?
I have been doing so for some years and my credit score seems to stay strong and yet I was always told that there is no such thing as a free lunch/.
posted by dougiedd
on Oct 10, 2012 -
10 answers
How to get incorrect credit cards off my credit report? I've tried just about everything. (Involves companion cards on a family member's credit card.)
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 10, 2012 -
6 answers
I made several payments to my credit card but it wasn't the full amount and it appears I got charged interest for the stuff I forgot to pay - does this affect my credit score?
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posted by cyml
on Oct 7, 2012 -
9 answers
Seeking new bank for our growing small business. Our priorities are great customer service and seamless international wire transfers.
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posted by paddingtonb
on Oct 5, 2012 -
6 answers
Thinking of leaving one of the larger banks for either a community bank or credit union. The problem? My only two credit cards are also through the bank I'm considering leaving. What to do?
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posted by po822000
on Aug 21, 2012 -
12 answers
