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Debt and credit

Understanding the relationship between how much you owe (debt) and how much you can borrow (credit) can help you avoid financial pitfalls. Learn how to manage both responsibly.

Start with the basics.

Not sure how your credit score is calculated, or why it even matters? Want to get the most out of your credit card? Learn how to start paying down your debt and build a good credit history.

  1. How to get out of debt
  2. Your guide to getting and keeping good credit
  3. The truth about credit scores: 10 myths debunked
  4. The high cost of credit card minimum payments
  5. 6 tips for paying down credit card debt in a year
Browse additional articles

Top related products

Credit cards

A credit card can be a convenient, secure way to make purchases and offers rewards like travel miles and cash back — and it can help you build a good credit history.

Learn more about credit cards

How to pick your next credit card

Secured credit card

If you have a limited credit history or your credit score has taken a hit, a secured credit card can help you build or rebuild your credit. These cards may offer no annual fees and a variety of benefits, like zero liability and travel perks.

Learn more about secure credit cards

Can you get a credit card with bad credit?

Check your credit score

Understanding your credit score can help you stay on top of your financial well-being. Regularly review your credit report, dispute inaccuracies and monitor your credit to maximize your score.

Check your score with USAA’s credit tool

Read 10 myths about credit score

Personal loans

A loan offers quick access to the money you need for almost anything, like managing debt, paying for home improvements, or covering unexpected expenses.

Learn more about the personal loans

Read about applying for a personal loan

Auto loans

A new auto loan can help you get on the road and build credit. Making on-time payments for the length and amount of the loan can help boost your credit score and lower your interest rate for future loans.

Learn more about auto loans

Read about car loans and credit scores

Home loans

For most homebuyers, a mortgage is essential. A good credit score can help when you’re shopping around to find the best interest rates, and closing costs and fees, so you can save big on your dream home.

Learn more about home loans

How much home can you afford?

Tools and resources

Tools

  • Financial Readiness Assessment
  • Money Management Tools
  • Consumer Loan Calculator
  • Balance Transfer
  • Bill Payment Tool

Resources and support

  • Review Your Credit Report‍ ‍ See note 1 (Opens new window)
  • NFCC Credit Counseling‍ ‍ See note 1 (Opens new window)
  • Member Debt Solutions
  • Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports‍ ‍ See note 1 (Opens new window)
  • Guide to Reviewing Your Credit Report‍ ‍ See note 1 (Opens new window)
  • Home Loan Assistance

Related articles

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Credit card fraud: How to help keep your credit cards safe

Article: 6 minutes

Read article: Credit card fraud: How to help keep your credit cards safe

How to choose your next credit card

Article: 5 minutes

Read article: How to choose your next credit card

The high cost of credit card minimum payments

Article: 9 minutes

Read article: The high cost of credit card minimum payments

Need help with something else?

Related topics

  • Saving
  • Spending and Budgeting
  • Taxes

Additional products

  • Home Loans
  • Auto Loans
  • Checking Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Youth Banking

Additional topics

  • Auto
  • Home
  • Military Life
  • Life and Health
  • Family
  • Retirement

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  1. You are leaving USAA and being directed to a third party site that is not maintained, owned or operated by USAA. USAA does not control and is not responsible for the site content or the privacy or security practices of third parties. You should read the third party's privacy and security policies and site terms, as their practices may differ from those of USAA.

Related footnotes:

  1. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change.

  2. The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USAA or any affiliates.

  3. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.

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