The Impact of a Co-Branded Credit Card on Credit Score
A co-branded credit card is a credit card that is issued by a financial institution in partnership with a third-party brand, such as a retailer or airline. These cards often offer rewards and perks that are tailored to the specific brand, such as cashback on purchases or airline miles. While a co-branded credit card can be a great way to earn rewards and build credit, it's important to understand the potential impact it can have on your credit score. Opening a new credit card account can initially lower your score due to the hard inquiry on your credit report and the reduction in average account age. However, if used responsibly and paid on time, a co-branded credit card can also help improve your credit utilization ratio and ultimately increase your credit score over time. Here are some details on the key points: Hard Inquiry: When you apply for a new credit card, the issuer will typically perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your cre...