Credit/Loan Types
Key Terms & Definitions
Interest & Rates
Credit Reports & Scores
Credit Behavior & Practice
100

An agreement where the bank gives you money and then you pay them back with set monthly payments and an agreed repayment length.

What is a loan?

100

The original amount borrowed on a loan.

What is the principal?

100

An interest rate that does not change over the life of the loan.

What is a fixed-interest rate?

100

The comprehensive write-up lenders use to review your accounts, payment history, and public records.

What is your credit report?

100

Paying only this monthly amount on a credit card is not the best option because it adds the most interest. 

What is the minumum payment?

200

A loan specifically used to purchase a home.

What is a mortgage?

200

The person who promises to pay your loan if you default.

Who is the cosigner?

200

An interest rate that may rise or fall with the economy.

What is a variable-interest rate?

200

The numeric rating that summarizes credit trustworthiness, usually between 300 and 850.

What is your credit score?

200

Name one action that will increase your credit score.

What is making payments on time, paying off debt, or maintaining a long credit history?

300

A loan that requires collateral the lender can take if you default.

What is a secured loan?

300

The charge you pay for borrowing money (expressed as a percentage).

What is interest?

300

For borrowers, it is better to have a _______ interest rate, because you end up paying less over time.

What is low?

300

The time between a purchase, your bill, and when interest is charged if you don’t pay in full.

What is the grace period?

300

Applying for many new credit accounts in a short time usually has this effect on your credit score.

What is decreasing your credit score?

400

A loan that has no collateral backing it.

What is an unsecured loan?

400

The length of time you have to repay a loan.

What is the term?

400

If you have a high credit score, you will pay ____ interest than someone with a low credit score.

What is less?

400

These three companies track and report your credit history. 

(Name at least 2)

Who are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion?

400

You find a 60‑day late mark on your report but have bank proof that you paid on time. The first people you should contact to correct the error are...

Who are the credit card companies?

500

Credit that you can use over and over again up to a set limit.

What is revolving credit?

500

The general phrase meaning “buy now, pay later.”

What is credit?

500

If you have a low credit score, you will pay ____ interest than someone with a high credit score.

What is more?

500

Negative items like missed payments typically remain on your credit report for this many years.

What is 7-10 years?

500

If you put down a security deposit on your secured credit card, it also becomes your _______  ________ for the month.

What is your credit limit?

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