Credit basics in plain language.
Credit is a record of how you borrow and repay. Your reports contain account history; scores are calculations based on report information.
Private by design
Most tools run entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to Potter Service.
- No account
- No paywall
- No sensitive login details
The five habits that matter most
Pay on time
Late payments can be harmful. Set reminders or automatic minimum payments when appropriate, while still reviewing statements.
Keep balances manageable
Using a smaller portion of revolving limits can reduce financial strain and may help scoring outcomes.
Apply thoughtfully
New applications may create hard inquiries. Compare terms before applying and avoid opening accounts only for a temporary score change.
Review reports
Look for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect balances, duplicate collections, wrong personal information, and accounts reported with an incorrect status.
What credit is—and is not
A credit score is not a measure of your worth, character, or overall financial health. It is one tool used to estimate lending risk. Income, savings, expenses, and stability matter too.