Credit utilization
The portion of a card limit currently being used. No specific percentage guarantees a particular score.
Plain-language credit glossary
Credit words, explained without the confusion.
Use these short definitions while reviewing your reports or comparing your options.
Collection
A past-due account handled by a debt collector. Confirm the owner, amount, dates, and status before deciding what to do.
Charge-off
An account recorded by the creditor as a loss. It does not automatically mean the debt disappeared.
Inquiry
A record that someone reviewed credit information. Checking your own reports generally does not lower your score.
Credit monitoring
A separate service that can show certain changes or send alerts. Monitoring does not automatically correct reporting errors.
Credit bureau
A company such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion that maintains consumer credit files.
Furnisher
A creditor, collector, or other company that sends information to a credit bureau.
Dispute
A request to investigate information believed to be inaccurate or incomplete. It does not guarantee removal or change.
CFPB
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency that publishes information and accepts certain financial complaints.
CRS service fee
One flat $499 fee for services described in the written agreement. CRS does not request or collect an upfront CRS service payment.
SmartCredit membership
A separate active paid membership required during the CRS process and billed directly by SmartCredit under its current terms.