Credit Expert. Expert witness on credit reporting, credit scoring, Metro 2, and credit damages. 34+ yrs credit reporting/scoring. #GBO and Nittany Lions.
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Articles by John Ulzheimer
What’s the Difference Between FICO and VantageScore, Really?
Opinions expressed here are ours alone, and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by any issuer. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines and are updated regularly. FICO is an independent company that’s been around since 1956, while VantageScore was developed by the three major credit bureaus in 2006 as an alternative to FICO. FICO scores are the most widely used, and lenders and creditors calculate them tens of billions of times a year.
Credit Card Prequalification
Explore the world of credit card prequalification, where you can discover how to assess your eligibility for various credit cards without impacting your credit score. This page offers insights into preapproval processes, the benefits of soft pull credit checks, and tips for increasing your approval odds. Delve into articles, FAQs, and studies to make informed decisions and find the right credit card for your financial needs with confidence and ease.
Fraud & Security
Explore our comprehensive Fraud & Security resources to safeguard your financial well-being. From preventing identity theft to handling unauthorized charges, our articles offer practical tips and expert advice. Stay informed about the latest scams, learn how to freeze accounts, and discover effective credit card security measures. Dive into FAQs, research studies, and subtopics to enhance your financial safety and peace of mind.
Secured Credit Cards
Explore the world of secured credit cards, a powerful tool for building or rebuilding your credit profile. These cards require a refundable security deposit, making them accessible to those with thin or damaged credit files. On this page, you’ll find in-depth articles, helpful FAQs, and the latest studies on secured credit cards. Use the search box to discover more and explore subtopics that guide you in making informed financial decisions.
Low APR Credit Cards
Explore the world of Low APR Credit Cards, where minimizing interest charges is key. This page offers insightful articles, tips, and research to help you find credit cards with the lowest ongoing interest rates, whether fixed or variable. Perfect for those who prioritize saving on interest over earning rewards, our resources guide you to make informed decisions and manage your finances wisely. Search, learn, and optimize your credit card strategy today.
Credit Scores & Reports
Explore the world of credit scores and reports, essential tools for understanding and managing your financial health. Learn about FICO scores, VantageScore, credit monitoring services, and how to access your free credit reports. Discover how to dispute errors, understand what affects your score, and take control of your credit profile. Dive into articles, FAQs, and research studies to make informed decisions about your credit health. Learn more about credit scores & reports
Student Credit Cards
Explore the world of student credit cards, designed to help college students build a strong credit history while managing finances responsibly. With features like low credit limits and tailored education benefits, these cards are perfect for first-time users. Dive into our articles, find answers to your questions, and discover studies on how these cards can set you on the path to financial success, all while navigating your college journey with ease.
Business Credit Cards
Explore the world of Business Credit Cards, designed to empower small business owners, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs. Our curated articles offer insights into choosing the right card, maximizing rewards, and managing expenses effectively. Use the search box to find specific topics, delve into subtopics, and get answers to frequently asked questions. Stay informed with the latest studies and research, helping you make savvy financial decisions for your business.
Credit Card Fees & Terms
Navigate the complex world of credit cards with our comprehensive resources on fees and terms. Discover insights into annual fees, minimum payments, balance transfer fees, and more. Whether you’re deciphering interest charges or unraveling the fine print, our articles, subtopics, and FAQs equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore studies and research to stay ahead and ensure your credit card experience is both savvy and secure.
Adam West, Author at BadCredit.org
Editorial Note: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information, however all credit card information is presented without warranty.
Chris Taylor | Author at CardRates.com
Chris Taylor is an award-winning personal finance writer. He was Senior Correspondent at Thomson Reuters, writing money columns for one of the world’s largest news organizations for 15 years. His work focuses on the kitchen-table financial topics faced by every American family: budgeting, borrowing, spending, saving, investing – and, of course, credit cards. He was the lead writer for Reuters’ popular “Life Lessons” series, revealing the financial lives of celebrities.
U.S. Bank Introduces New Solution to Help Businesses Control and Track Card-Based Expenditures
Our experts and industry insiders blog the latest news, studies and current events from inside the credit card industry. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Managing spend just became a lot easier for business customers of U.S. Bank, a financial services company that serves local and international businesses from its more than 2,000 branches across 26 states. On April 14, U.S. Bank announced its new spend management platform, which helps businesses keep tabs of their card-based spend.
Fortune’s List of Best Companies to Work For in 2025 Includes Several Credit Card Issuers
Everyone wants to enjoy their work and report to an employer that trusts them and values their contributions. Job seekers may struggle to form an accurate picture of what it is like to work for a prospective employer. But they can draw confidence from reports issued by independent agencies that detail the experiences workers have with their employers. Fortune recently released its ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2025, and a number of credit card issuers are included on the list.
The CFPB Seeks to Resolve Legal Dispute Over Proposed $8 Cap on Credit Card Late Fees
In March of 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it was seeking to amend Regulation Z, which provides protections to consumers who use credit products. Specifically, the CFPB aimed to cap the late fees large credit card issuers charge cardholders when they miss a payment due date. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau defines large credit card issuers as those that, combined with their affiliates, have at least 1 million open credit card accounts.
Visa Offers $100M to Replace Mastercard as Apple Card's Payment Network; American Express in the Mix
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are having a tug-of-war over whose network will get to provide the back-end plumbing for the Apple Card. That’s not exciting, I know, but here’s the kicker: Wall Street Journal published that Visa reportedly offered Apple a staggering $100 million to abandon Mastercard and join its ranks. That’s not a casual offer — it’s the kind of money Visa sets aside for offers to giants like Costco.
Opinion: Gen Z is Ready for Their Credit Card Glow Up
Keeping up with the kids isn’t always easy. When I asked my daughter what the latest word for “cool” is she replied, “glowed up.” So when I read the headline to this column to her she laughed, and laughed, and said yes, before dashing off to yoga. Assuming she wasn’t pulling my leg, I’m going with it because — as it turns out — credit cards are hip to the segment of the U.S. population between the ages of 13 and 28. The statistics that bear this out are striking.
Opinion: Why Seniors Struggle to Retire Credit Card Debt When They Hit Their ‘Golden’ Years
I love a good retirement ad. They usually feature Adirondack chairs, a sunset, and of course, adorable grandchildren frolicking around a couple of exceptionally good-looking older retirees who are definitely NOT stressed out about money. There is no way these people have credit card debt. But guess what? They are actors. They are not real. And credit card debt for retirees is apparently a very real thing. According to LendingTree, 93% of retirement-age adults carry a credit card balance.
Opinion: Credit Rejection Fears Rise, But Lenders and Issuers Want to Say ‘Yes’ to Responsible Borrowing
As anyone in the dating world knows, asking a person out is often fraught with worry. Will they say yes or no? It gets even worse if you’re not exactly at your best at that moment. Maybe you’re not as fit as you’d like to be or your job isn’t exciting enough.
Let's Respect the Decisions of Merchants Displaying the “Cash Only, Please” Signs
Should you run to the ATM before shopping? If you want to help the merchant save money, you might. Although I am a huge advocate for wise and robust credit use, I’ve gone back to paper currency for many regular purchases. Once a week, I withdraw a small stack of $20 bills and dole them out on everything from meals to shampoo. Not only have I become a more conscientious shopper, making that money last as long as possible has become a fun challenge.
Opinion: Removing Credit Unions’ Tax-Exempt Status Would Be an Expensive Mistake
Even if you are not a credit union member, you want credit unions to exist. I’ve been with my big bank since my college years and can recite my checking account number as easily as I can my Social Security number. Although I have been tempted to switch over to a credit union, in some ways I don’t have to. Why? Because my bank (and all others) has to be a compelling alternative to credit unions. Business rivalry is no doubt a positive thing. It benefits everyone, but especially consumers.
Opinion: Women’s History Month Offers a Chance to Talk About Women, Credit, and Financial Wellness
Do you remember the first time you got a credit card? I don’t. It wasn’t remarkable or memorable in any way. That’s a red flag as to how much we take for granted when it comes to women and something as simple as being able to open a credit card and having our own individual credit reports. I only just learned that as recently as about 50 years ago women could not have credit in their own name. It was just 1974 that the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed.
Artificial Intelligence May Revolutionize the Banking Industry, But It’s Sowing Uncertainty in the Meantime
Our experts and industry insiders blog the latest news, studies and current events from inside the credit card industry. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Banks around the world may shed up to 200,000 jobs before the 2020s draw to a close. The expected staffing reductions are due to artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to efficiently execute tasks humans currently perform, according to a report from Bloomberg Intelligence.
Opinion: As Issuers Aim for the Sweet Spot Between Debt and Delinquencies, So Should Cardholders
Per Federal Reserve data, the total credit card debt in the United States hit a whopping $1.14 trillion in Q3 2024. In fact, it’s the highest debt level in over 25 years, since the Fed has been tracking this statistic. And now (shocked-not-shocked) consumers are falling behind on payments, and a rising portion of them are not paying their bills at all.
Councils Conferences Underscore Commitment of America's Credit Unions to Career Development
Key Takeaways Formed in 2024, America's Credit Unions is the unified advocacy and trade organization for today's future-focused credit unions. Through America's Credit Unions, industry professionals organize themselves in Councils representing eight financial services disciplines. Councils Conferences held throughout the year provide insights and training to enhance your organization's effectiveness and advance your career. I believe in the trade association mission.
Payments Professionals Can Get the Inside Track on Industry Innovations at the 2025 Payments Forum
Our experts and industry insiders blog the latest news, studies and current events from inside the credit card industry. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. The 2025 Payments Forum is scheduled for March 4-6 in San Francisco. The conference opens with a special event honoring influential women in payments and a meeting of the Electronic Benefits Transfer Community Council.
Study Reveals Shifting Patterns in Single-Parent Households, with Notable County-Level Changes
BadCredit.org publishes personal finance studies on the latest trends in the subprime marketplace. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Single parenting is tough. Dealing with busy schedules, big emotions, and daily routines on your own, along with no one to assist with making meals, can be exhausting. However, one of the most daunting prospects for single parents is affording everything their family needs.
Bloom Credit CEO Christian Widhalm: ‘Right Now, No One Knows What’s on Consumer BNPL Balances’
The rising popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions raises questions for lenders that don’t have a standardized way to track a consumer’s use of BNPL products. Globally, the value of the BNPL market exceeded $37 billion in 2024, and it’s estimated to have a value of more than $167 billion by 2032.
Action Against the CFPB Commences: A Look at How We Got Here and Where We're Going
Last week, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, introduced legislation to defund the CFPB and President Donald Trump fired its Biden-appointed director, Rohit Chopra. Republicans and Democrats promise to square off in the coming weeks and months with the future of financial regulation at stake. Looking at the CFPB’s history highlights its accomplishments and missteps and points to the opportunities ahead.
New Comparison Tool Helps Credit Unions Win Over Credit Card Revolvers With More Affordable APRs
Lower-cost credit union credit cards save households money and keep resources in local communities. But big banks and national affiliate marketing sites swamp the credit union message with an appeal based on low introductory rates and rewards. CardFit helps credit unions of all sizes reach local membership segments with its credit card comparison tool that shows the value of lower-interest debt.
As Social Media Retreats From Content Moderation, 'Finfluencers' Have Gen Z's Eyes and Ears
For better and for worse, consumers — particularly millennials born from 1981 to 1996 and Gen Z members born from 1997 to 2012 — are flocking to a growing group of financial social media influencers, or “finfluencers.” Access to all forms of financial advice online is increasing at a time when institutional control over content is waning. That almost certainly means changes in how the subprime space views and serves its customers.
With BNPL Industry Oversight in Flux, New CFPB Research Fills a Data Gap
CFPB research from January 2025 accessed applications, originations, and de-identified credit records from six BNPL providers. The data revealed that almost 25% of credit account holders used BNPL in 2022 and that frequent BNPL customers tend to overuse other forms of credit. As the Trump administration seeks to turn regulatory skepticism into action in financial services, the study stands as the most comprehensive snapshot of consumer use patterns in the BNPL industry.
Consumers Can Pay Past-Due Debts While Rebuilding Credit and Growing in Financial Knowledge
In a Nutshell: No one looks forward to a phone call from a debt collector. But Remynt brings empathy to collection practices and offers educational resources that show consumers how to repay their debts while building their credit. The company uses customer feedback to develop strategies that help consumers overcome financial challenges and make wise decisions with money. Many people consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest basketball player of all time.
Check Out This AI-Enabled App If You Need a Boost to Fix Your Credit Score and Achieve Your Financial Goals
In a Nutshell: Technology has now gotten us to the point where machines can perform some of our cognitive work. That’s a good thing for busy folks who maybe don’t have the credit score to get them to where they want to be financially. The brain inside the new Dovly app not only looks at the details of your credit report to identify and fix inaccuracies, it analyzes your credit history to recommend personalized strategies to boost your numbers.
ConsumerDirect's Steve Reger: 'Banks Can Make Smarter Lending Decisions Based on Your Future Self'
We’ve likely all seen the reports by now. Credit card balances remain sky-high with a . For potential borrowers eyeing some of life’s most expensive purchases, such as your dream home or the shiny new car you’ve been eyeing at the Main Street dealership, a push to improve your credit score can be well worth the effort. When it comes to borrowing costs, even a half percentage point improvement on a mortgage, can save a homeowner thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Q&A with Splitero CEO Michael Gifford: An Insider’s Take on the Booming HELOC Market
Cash-strapped Americans are increasingly turning to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) to finance their lives. In 2022, HELOC activity hit a 15-year-high. Activity for HELOCs has since cooled slightly from its 2022 peak, while remaining strong. A HELOC allows you to borrow funds against the equity in your home.
Upcoming CFP® Exam Reminds Financial Planners of the Value of Certification
Financial planners have a role to play in helping traditionally underserved consumers build a more secure future Technology and other transformations have streamlined consumer access to financial advice CFP certification helps financial planning practitioners serve consumers from all walks of life Financial planning is vital for consumers at all income levels, including those in the traditionally underserved subprime space.
Q&A With Attorney Dick Davis: Why More Consumers and Small Businesses Are Facing Bankruptcy
The news initially reported in the Financial Times about credit card defaults hitting a 14-year high in data from 2024 (here’s an open-access link to a story about that announcement) got me thinking about where subprime lenders might feel the implications. So I went out in search of context and found that the data analytics consultant S&P Global Intelligence also pegged corporate bankruptcies at a 14-year-high in 2024.
HELOCs May be More Attractive Than Credit Cards to Homeowners Seeking Financing at Low Rates
Increases in home values have made HELOCs an enticing financing tool for consumers. Credit cards often come with much higher interest rates than HELOCs. Issuers can keep card portfolios healthy by advertising card benefits and marketing to consumers who aren’t comfortable putting their home on the line to secure a HELOC. Credit card issuers can lose customers to home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), which allow homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their homes.
Accountants and Lenders Can Reduce Fraud and Improve Efficiency With Document Digitization Tools
In a Nutshell: Lenders review financial statements and loan applications to assess the creditworthiness of prospective borrowers. But evaluating applicants can be a time-consuming process. MoneyThumb helps businesses digitize financial documents and quickly analyze them. The company’s tools also prevent fraud, allowing businesses to pass on savings to customers. Life is full of milestones — including graduating from college and purchasing your first home — that call for celebrations.
Rising Credit Card Debt and Defaults at a 14-Year High Prompt Fresh Thinking Across the Subprime Industry
You’ve seen the figures. According to the Federal Reserve, the total amount of credit card debt reached $1 trillion in 2023, on its way to $1.17 trillion in the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the Financial Times recently revealed that the total amount of credit card defaults for the first nine months of 2024 was $46 billion, which is more than at any other time since the Great Recession in 2008.
Simple Money Management That Gives Small Businesses a Unified View of Their Financial Health
In a Nutshell: In a perfect world, all small businesses would rise and fall based on their products and services. But the logistical challenge of managing a solopreneurship or microbusiness causes many to fail before they give themselves a chance. That’s why so many up-and-coming firms in the U.S. and Canada trust Wave to handle their invoicing, payments, payroll, and accounting.
Software Fueled by Artificial Intelligence Enables Consumers to Repair Their Credit
In a Nutshell: Engaging with a credit expert can help you repair your finances. But if you think working with a credit professional will be a burden on your time and wallet, consider partnering with Credit Versio. The company’s intelligent software scans credit reports for errors and helps consumers manage disputes. Credit Versio learning resources help customers improve their money management skills and avoid financial obstacles.
72% of US Consumers Aspire to Pay off Debt to Improve Their Finances in 2025
As a new year approaches, so do new goals. Some of the most common resolutions revolve around fitness and making healthier choices for your body. For 2025, many consumers are putting their finances first and strategizing how they will strengthen their financial health and well-being. We surveyed 500 individuals across the United States to explore how consumers are planning to improve their finances in 2025 and what trends surrounding financial resolutions they might be implementing.
Survey Reveals Cities Across America Where Residents Say the High Cost of Living Is Most Worth It
We deploy a step-by-step methodology to each piece of research we publish to ensure our studies offer complete coverage and meet our rigorous editorial standards. Manhattan, Miami, and Malibu are often cited among the most expensive — and most desirable — places to live in America. Despite offering enviable lifestyles to their residents, these cities have a significantly high cost of living. But these cities are not only the preserve of the rich and famous.
Millions Search This Free Platform to Find Safe and Affordable Housing in College and University Towns
In a Nutshell: One of the biggest challenges when leaving home for college may be securing off-campus housing that puts you where you want to be, doing the things you want to do. Active and free since 2003, Places4Students helps renters in more than 225 North American campus towns find student-friendly accommodations, match roommates, and access educational materials.
Gift Cards Awaken a Sleepy Customer Base, Spurring People to Spend and Engage More With a Business
In a Nutshell: With so much competition for a consumer’s dollar, businesses can struggle to grow revenue. But gift cards can help a business stand out in a crowd. BHN Rewards offers a range of gift card programs to amplify a customer’s spend and loyalty. The company helps businesses track their rewards offerings and measure their success. Consumers have more shopping options in the 2020s than they’ve had at perhaps any other time in history.
Teen Pregnancies Decline Across America But Young Parents Still Face Financial Hardships
BadCredit.org publishes personal finance studies on the latest trends in the subprime marketplace. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Any pregnancy is life-changing, but when you’re a teenager, the effects can be devastating. While the cost of having children is something that many couples need to consider before trying to become pregnant, these expenses are often not something a teenager has ever thought to consider, let alone budgeted for.
What is Subprime Credit? How a Poor Credit Score Complicates Borrowing
Subprime refers to a range of credit scores from fair to poor — and even very poor. You don’t just accidentally achieve deep subprime credit scores. Typically, a lot of individual actions contribute to a very poor score, including possibly missing your payments, defaulting on a loan, or a financially devastating emergency. Subprime credit refers to a credit score that indicates a higher risk to lenders due to a history of missed payments, defaults, or other negative financial behaviors.
Holiday Giving Trends: Survey Finds 28% of People Are Donating Time Over Money Due to Finances
The holiday season is synonymous with giving. People give gifts to loved ones, share sweets with friends, and donate their time or money to those less fortunate. For some, that means helping out at soup kitchens, donating winter jackets, or putting their money toward a bigger cause. A new survey of over 1,000 Americans breaks down the donation habits of each generation. As it turns out, 90% wish they could give more financially.
Survey: 62% of US Adults Believe Improving Their Credit Score Would Boost Their Confidence & Mental Health
BadCredit.org publishes personal finance studies on the latest trends in the subprime marketplace. Our articles follow strict editorial guidelines. Mental health advocacy and prioritization have taken a front seat in American culture. Bubble baths and deep breathing may come to mind as some of the top ways to relax and unwind, but unfortunately, they won’t soak away all mental health struggles consumers are facing.
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