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How to use Credit Karma, the popular site that gives you real credit scores for free and shows you the best ways to save money

How to use Credit Karma, the popular site that gives you real credit scores for free and shows you the best ways to save money

This is what the homepage of Credit Karma looks like. When you're creating an account, make sure your password is secure, especially if you plan to link your accounts to get more details by tracking your spending.

How to use Credit Karma, the popular site that gives you real credit scores for free and shows you the best ways to save money

Tech1 min read

This is the basic dashboard showing the two credit scores Credit Karma gives you: TransUnion and Equifax. Credit Karma gives you access to two out of the three major credit reporting companies for free. First let's explore "Credit Factors," the most useful part of Credit Karma.

This is the basic dashboard showing the two credit scores Credit Karma gives you: TransUnion and Equifax. Credit Karma gives you access to two out of the three major credit reporting companies for free. First let

This section shows you all the factors that affect your credit score, and how well you are doing. This is the most powerful tool Credit Karma has to help you improve your credit over time.

This section shows you all the factors that affect your credit score, and how well you are doing. This is the most powerful tool Credit Karma has to help you improve your credit over time.

You can take a closer look at each factor (this one is Credit Card Utilization). Here it is showing me what percentage of my credit card limit I'm are using. The lower the better. You can see it from either Equifax or TransUnion.

You can take a closer look at each factor (this one is Credit Card Utilization). Here it is showing me what percentage of my credit card limit I

If you want to understand this statistic further, you can see a list of all your credit cards, with their status, opening date, account, and balance.

If you want to understand this statistic further, you can see a list of all your credit cards, with their status, opening date, account, and balance.

If you want a more macro look at your credit score, you can see things like how it has changed over time (either Equifax or TransUnion).

If you want a more macro look at your credit score, you can see things like how it has changed over time (either Equifax or TransUnion).

You can also see how your credit score compares to different groups of people. You can select city (New York), age (18-25), or earning (any income). Credit Karma will then tell you what percentage of Credit Karma members you score higher than.

You can also see how your credit score compares to different groups of people. You can select city (New York), age (18-25), or earning (any income). Credit Karma will then tell you what percentage of Credit Karma members you score higher than.

After checking your credit score, the next most useful part of Credit Karma is being able to hunt for a new credit card.

After checking your credit score, the next most useful part of Credit Karma is being able to hunt for a new credit card.

But one thing you have to remember before we get started is that Credit Karma makes money by partnering with credit card companies. It's always good to read the fine print. While all the statistics Credit Karma gives you on credit cards are accurate, the order the cards appear on the site could have something to do with how much that credit card company is paying Credit Karma. But, as Credit Karma points out, these partnerships are what allows the site to give you your credit score for free.

But one thing you have to remember before we get started is that Credit Karma makes money by partnering with credit card companies. It

When you are looking for a credit card, Credit Karma helpfully breaks them down into categories based on how likely you are to be approved. You can browse by categories from Excellent Credit to Poor Credit (and New to Credit as well).

When you are looking for a credit card, Credit Karma helpfully breaks them down into categories based on how likely you are to be approved. You can browse by categories from Excellent Credit to Poor Credit (and New to Credit as well).

Here's an example of an offer you could apply for. Credit Karma shows you reviews and also the information provided by the company (in this case Chase).

But Credit Karma also provides its own list of Pros and Cons, allowing you to easily see the basics of the card. It also gives a more detailed analysis called "Our Take."

But Credit Karma also provides its own list of Pros and Cons, allowing you to easily see the basics of the card. It also gives a more detailed analysis called "Our Take."

If you want to browse credit cards by factors other than your own credit rating, you can use the bar on the left to narrow it down to categories like "No Fee."

If you want to browse credit cards by factors other than your own credit rating, you can use the bar on the left to narrow it down to categories like "No Fee."

If you don't want to take the time to browse, you can let Credit Karma recommend you credit cards. Bear in mind, the "Featured Offer" is a product placement.

Credit Karma recommends cards based on your current spending patterns. And it works to maximize the amount of money you'll save on things like cash back or sign-up bonuses.

Credit Karma recommends cards based on your current spending patterns. And it works to maximize the amount of money you

But if you are naturally distrustful of being shown cards based on a mysterious formula, you can also see the cards that have the best ratings from Credit Karma users.

But if you are naturally distrustful of being shown cards based on a mysterious formula, you can also see the cards that have the best ratings from Credit Karma users.

While free credit scores and comprehensive credit card recommendations are the most unique parts of Credit Karma, the site can also connect you to things like auto insurance and car loans.

While free credit scores and comprehensive credit card recommendations are the most unique parts of Credit Karma, the site can also connect you to things like auto insurance and car loans.

If you want to check your credit on the go, Credit Karma also has a sleek app that shows you most of the basic information. This is what the iOS version looks like.

If you want to check your credit on the go, Credit Karma also has a sleek app that shows you most of the basic information. This is what the iOS version looks like.

It lets you track your monthly balance history on your credit cards...

It lets you track your monthly balance history on your credit cards...

...and gives you and easy way to see whether you'll be approved for a particular card.

...and gives you and easy way to see whether you

Visit the Credit Karma site here, or download the app for iOS and Android.

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