What do you now know about credit reports that you wish you'd known years ago?

LTC Kevin B. Colonel; after you have finished shopping and comparing products!

I was once told there are two types of credit checks and one didn't affect your score. I can't recall the validity of that without researching first, though. Have you or CSM Charles Hayden heard such a thing ?

SGT (Join to see) - There's a credit summary, and then a full credit report. The former doesn't impact your credit score, but the latter does. However, anyone considering lending you money will always want to see the full report before making any lending decision (whether to lend, and if so, what interest rate to charge).

Paying with cash usually doesn't do anything for you. I suggest getting a charge card or a credit card and using it like a debit card - paying it off before any APR can be applied. Also, ensure you are calling any financial institution you have a loan or line of credit through and activating your SCRA benefits. Outside of USAA and Navy Federal, companies will lower your APR to 6%, sometimes lower, and waive all fees (i.e AMEX's $450 annual fee is waiver for military). I use my AMEX for everything - it helps my credit score and earns points/miles. I use it like a debit card, only spending what I can afford. Cash doesn't come with perks (most of the time).

ENS (Join to see) - Cash provides anonymity and simplicity.

SGT (Join to see) - yes, however in the context of your question it doesn't provide any benefit to your credit score. Also, with the recent generations being so tech savvy, I'd argue against the simplicity aspect. Swiping a card and having it set to auto-pay is much easier than buying coin rolls, rolling up my spare change, driving to the bank, having them count it, and then giving me a few dollars. I must ask though, why would someone want "anonymity" unless they were doing something shady? - Mostly rhetorical.

Like others forums I'm on, I believed the person asking the question should vote the best answer (which will get put to the top, up votes don't matter). That person will receive points, rather than someone sitting in the "New" section waiting to snag some points. I get both sides, but I like the idea I laid out better.

CW3 (Join to see) -
Outstanding point JD!

SPC(P) (Join to see) - Actually the poster deciding the best answer is just personal opinion and may not necessarily be the best. Voting up by the other responders or viewers would be best.

SGT (Join to see) -
It's all just a matter of opinion. The Chief never responds with nonsense answers. But you do have a point some people do. But so does CW3 (Join to see) and ENS (Join to see) have valid points. If the question is interesting it will attract valuable contributions. Regardless of who responds first. And that's what is important. So in reality you punish everyone because of a couple of bad apples. The trailblazer award seems to be your pet peeve on RP. Don't let it get to you. Ask outstanding questions and the responses will follow. Don't stoop to the same level of what you dislike. Have a good day gentleman!