5 Things to Know About the Booking.com Credit Card
Published October 2025 | CreditVana Insights The Booking.com Genius Rewards Visa Signature® Card, issued by First Electronic Bank, is designed for frequent Booking.com users who want to earn rewards on both travel and everyday spending — all with no annual fee. What makes this card stand out is its unique rewards structure. Unlike most travel […]
7 Benefits of the Citi Strata Premier Card
Published October 2025 | CreditVana Insights The Citi Strata Premier® Card is a $95-annual-fee travel rewards credit card that offers generous points on both travel and everyday spending. For frequent travelers, the perks and protections can more than offset the annual fee — but the card requires smart use to get the full value. Here’s […]
What’s the Best Way to Help a Family Member in Financial Straits?
Published October 2025 | CreditVana Insights When a family member or close friend needs financial help, your instinct may be to open your wallet right away. But before handing over cash or a credit card, it’s important to pause and look at your own financial picture first. Protecting your stability is key to making sure […]
Is AI Really Coming After Your Job?
Published Oct. 7, 2025 | 5 min read | CreditVana Insights Artificial Intelligence (AI) has dominated headlines since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. Stories warned of mass layoffs, entire industries collapsing, and millions of workers being replaced. But nearly three years later, the reality looks far less dramatic. According to an October 1 […]
How Do I Get My Credit Report and Score From TransUnion?
You can access your credit report and score for free through multiple sources. TransUnion Credit Essentials offers daily refreshed reports and scores at no cost. AnnualCreditReport.com provides free weekly reports from all three credit bureaus. Checking your own credit does not hurt your score. Why Your Credit Report and Score Matter Your credit report is […]
Buy Now, Pay Later Loans and Your Credit
BNPL loans are short-term installment loans offered at checkout. Right now, BNPL accounts may appear on your credit report but generally don’t affect your credit scores. In the future, lenders and scoring models may begin factoring BNPL activity into credit decisions. Always understand the terms, fees, and payment schedule before using BNPL to avoid overspending […]
Credit Freeze vs Lock: What’s the Difference?
Both credit freezes and credit locks help prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports. Credit freezes are always free, while credit locks may come as part of a paid subscription or monitoring service. Both tools protect you from fraudulent accounts being opened in your name. Managing them depends on your preference: freezes are handled directly […]
How to Place a Credit Freeze On Your Credit Report
A credit freeze prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name. It’s free, easy, and one of the most effective tools to fight identity theft. You stay in control: freezes can be lifted temporarily or permanently when you’re ready to apply for credit. Freezes must be placed separately with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian […]
What Is a Soft Inquiry?
Your credit report is one of the most important tools for building and protecting your financial health. Whether you’re applying for a credit card, financing a car, or signing a new apartment lease, you’ll likely encounter the term “credit inquiry.” Because inquiries appear in multiple sections of your credit report, it’s essential to know what […]
How to Finance a Car: 7 Steps to Get an Auto Loan
Key Takeaways Financing a car allows you to spread payments over time until you fully own it. Checking your credit report and score first can help you secure lower interest rates. Shopping multiple lenders gives you the best chance at favorable loan terms. Understanding auto loan terminology ensures you make informed decisions. Even with fair […]
