The Ultimate Credit Handbook: How to Double Your Credit, Cut Your Debt, and Have a Lifetime of Great Credit, 1997 Editon (Paperback)

by Gerri Detweiler (Author) "I'm going to start this book talking about credit reports because that's what it all boils down to..." (more)
Key Phrases: American Express, Social Security, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Lately a plethora of books on credit, bankruptcy, and consumer debt have appeared, no doubt reflecting current hard-hitting economic conditions. Detweiler, the director of Bankcard Holders of America, draws on her professional experience, citing examples of people she has advised. She offers valuable insight on the inner workings of credit bureaus and on legal aspects of credit cards. She is both realistic and responsible, offering guidelines to prevent consumers from overextending themselves, but--recognizing human nature--she also covers Consumer Credit Counseling Services and Debtors Anonymous. Pros, cons, and requirements are presented for most kinds of consumer credit, from gold cards to finance companies. Some of the legal discussions would have been clearer if more terms were explained. Recommended for public libraries.
- Sue McKimm, Cuya hoga Cty. P.L., Parma, Ohio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"Credit card companies are making it easy for people to drown in debt," said Gerri Detweiler, author of The Ultimate Credit Handbook (Journal Record, March 25, 1997); -- Journal Record, March 25, 1997

Another problem is sorting through the volume of offers, says Gerri Detweiler, credit consultant and author of The Ultimate Credit Handbook. They've proliferated because they work -- for card companies. People spend more when they're charging, Detweiler says. -- Times-Union, March 5, 1997

For six years, Gerri Detweiler has helped people get control of their spending habits. As executive director of Bankcard Holders of America, a national consumer credit organization, she has answered some of the most frequently raised consumer questions: How can I improve my credit rating? How can I cut my expenses and pay off my bills faster? What are my rights when I am turned down for credit? How long will a bad credit rating hurt me and what can I do to change it? How can I protect my credit if I am getting divorced? Now Detweiler has compiled the answers to these and many more questions in her recently published handbook, The Ultimate Credit Handbook. It's a lofty title, but then few people understand the complexities of this issue as does Detweiler. -- The Times-Picayune, March 18, 1993

In one of its books, Nolo Press, the California outfit famous for carefully researched law and consumer publications, calls this a "gem of a book that covers everything you'd want to know about credit ratings, credit cards, completing credit applications, protecting your credit privacy and many other topics." It's high praise coming from a competitor; although one other topic is worth noting: Detweiler's update of her 1993 original includes a "debt diet" for shedding debt without going cold turkey. -- Dallas Morning News, March 23, 1997

No matter how promising your business looks, damaged personal credit can be a major obstacle to getting the financing you want. Fortunately, though, there are plenty of ways to mend your credit rating, and some good new books to show you how. Gerri Detweiler's The Ultimate Credit Handbook, for instance, is full of useful information on how credit works. She takes you through the whole system of what goes into a credit record, and outlines how to recast your profile. -- Inc., July 1993

The Ultimate Credit Handbook. As director of Bankcard Holders of America, Ms. Detweiler is frequently quoted in the media on dealing with credit grantors. This is one of the most complete recent offerings on the topic, the kind of book to read before you get into trouble with credit. -- Dallas Morning News, Sept. 19, 1993

The Ultimate Credit Handbook: How to Double Your Credit, Cut Your Debt and Have a Lifetime of Good Credit by Gerri Detweiler includes information on the latest credit laws. Among its tips: Only you can tell if your credit report is error-free and complete. Check it regularly or before applying for a major loan... -- Sacramento Bee, April 6, 1997

[One of] five new books that belong in your financial library. -- Money, Nov. 1993

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Rev Upd Su edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452277124
• ISBN-13: 978-0452277120
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,209,293 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Your Financial Library, November 29, 2000

By	R. Anthony Mills "R. A. Mills" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Ultimate Credit Handbook was one of the best purchases I've made. It goes beyond the normal "we'll show you how to fix your credit-type" schemes and resources. Detweiler is honest with not providing any information that would give the impression that repairing your credit is an easy task.

This book was especially more helpful, because it was the first resource I've read (and there's been quite a few) that went through and actually explained certain processes and systems. For anyone serious about improving their score, its a resource you should have.

The only disappointment is that the book is more for the person starting out on the "repairing trail." If you've started the process and have it pretty much under control, there may be very little to assist you further.

But don't sleep, its worth the money. When done, pass it on to a family member or friend.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must reading for every "card-carrying" American!, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

Credit expert Gerri Detweiler explains how to get and keep the lowest cost credit -- and how to battle bank foul-ups. If you have credit problems now, or have had some in the past, this book could be a financial lifesaver. Learn to get your credit profile in shape, find the best card deals, and implement a lifetime strategy for great credit.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless credit tips I have used to save money /make money, March 15, 2001

By	Larry Chiang "send an email to my phone: chia... (Palo Alto CA University Ave) - See all my reviews

These credit tips were the basis for my company, United College Marketing Services.

This book was awesome and I used it as the foundation for Credit Strategies Seminars educating over 25mm young adults. It contains great tips on getting and keeping good credit for yourself. I truly encourage everyone who want to have awesome credit to get this book.

People that I have referred this book to rave about it as well. Libraries have multiple copies and people tell me that they are almost always checked out. My first copy of Ultimate Credit Handbook is very worn and close to falling apart...

I met Gerri back in 1988 at an International Credit Industry conference. I have never met a more giving person. Her career has been dedicated selflessly to helping consumers.

Buy this book because if you don't, you will lose out on thousands of dollars in interest fees.