Free Access to Credit Scores Act — Consumers already have the ability to request their free credit report once a year, but a credit report does not include your credit score. These two items are often confused to be the same, which they are not. You generally must pay to see your credit score — it’s a three-digit grade that predicts how risky you are to a lender.

You can file bankruptcy on just credit cards — you must list all of your credit cards and all of your debts when you file bankruptcy. Some people have gotten the wrong idea that bankruptcy help is no longer available for credit cards, medical bills or other categories of bills. The credit card industry spent millions of dollars promoting an anti-debtor message, which resulted in the passage of the pro-creditor bankruptcy amendments, BAPCPA — the myth grew with all the media stories about the law changes.

A few credit score points can mean the difference between a good mortgage rate, a lousy one or getting a loan at all. But take heart — If errors are dragging down your score, you can get them fixed, just in time for your much-anticipated closing.

Secured credit cards are great for establishing or rebuilding your credit history. Unlike prepaid cards, secured credit cards give you a credit line, and your payment activity will be reported to the major consumer reporting agencies.

Nordstrom is a popular department store that offers a traditional department store card. This card has special perks, as cardholders are privy to special discounts, deals and sales that non-cardholders do not qualify for. It also makes department store purchases convenient and easy to budget for.