Intro:
Credit can be confusing, and with so much misinformation online, it’s easy to fall for myths that do more harm than good. Whether you’re trying to improve your score or just starting out, understanding the truth behind credit is essential.
1. Checking My Credit Score Hurts My Score
False. When you check your credit (a “soft pull”), it does not impact your score. Only hard inquiries—like those from lenders—can affect it slightly.
2. You Need to Carry a Balance to Build Credit
Wrong again! You should pay off your credit card in full each month if possible. Carrying a balance doesn’t help your score—it just costs you interest.
3. Closing Old Accounts Improves Your Score
Actually, closing old accounts can hurt your credit. Your credit history length matters, and older accounts help show a strong credit history.
4. You Only Have One Credit Score
In reality, you have many scores—FICO, VantageScore, and others—depending on the credit bureau and purpose (mortgage, auto loan, etc.).
5. Paying Off Collections Automatically Boosts Your Score
It may help, but not always. Some scoring models still factor in paid collections. It’s better to negotiate removal (“pay for delete”) when possible.
Conclusion:
Don’t let myths stand in the way of financial growth. At We Got Us, we help you understand credit and create a path toward real improvement.