What Lenders Check Before Closing: A Homebuyer’s Guide to a Smooth Closing

We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our objective is to empower you to make confident financial decisions by giving you access to interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and unbiased content, and allowing you to conduct free research and information comparisons. Issuers that Bankrate has partnerships with include American Express, Bank of America, … Read more

What Is Considered in a Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a crucial component of your overall financial health, in addition to your credit score. You can decide whether applying for credit is the right move for you and how comfortable you are with your current debt by calculating your DTI. Lenders assess your DTI when you apply for credit in … Read more

Is a $15,000 Credit Limit Good?

I didn’t even know I had a credit limit when I opened my first credit card. I didn’t understand what a credit card limit was and how it operated until after I had had a card for some time. However, I was still unaware of the implications credit limits would have for my whole financial … Read more

How Can I Get Rid of My Car Without Ruining My Credit?

Depending on your circumstances, you might think about selling the car, refinancing the loan, bargaining with your lender, or willingly giving it up to prevent repossession. Experian, TransUnion and Equifax now offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. For many people, a car provides necessary transportation for work, school or other everyday … Read more