--- title: Excite Credit Union Blog | Building Credit description: Building Credit | Helpful financial tips and community news from your local credit union – grow your knowledge and your savings. --- Quick Links - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622&_ga=2.9158332.885728407.1614017764-121813073.1607694182) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://excitecu.org/payment-options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) Locations/Hours% Rates Contact [![branding-excitecu-header](https://blog.excitecu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/branding-excitecu-header.png?width=286&height=119&name=branding-excitecu-header.png "branding-excitecu-header")](https://excitecu.org/)   ### [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - #### Save & Spend - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking) - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings) - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates) - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs) - [Digital Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Digital-Services-New) - #### Borrow - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans) - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans) - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards) - [Solar Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Solar-Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans) ### [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business) - #### Solutions - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking) - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings) - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services) - [Business Lending](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Lending) ### [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan) - #### Invest - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/) - #### Insure - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance) - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services) ### [Learn](https://blog.excitecu.org/Learn?hsLang=en) - #### Education - [Blog](https://blog.excitecu.org/) - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education) - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score) - [FAQs](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/FAQs) - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators) - #### About Us - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here) - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership) - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership) - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media) - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers) - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf) - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Security](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Security) ### [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - #### Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Foundation](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Excite-Foundation) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) [Rates](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Rates) [Locations/Hours](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) [Contact](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Contact-Us) Search term(s) Submit - [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - Save & Spend - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking) - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings) - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates) - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs) - Borrow - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans) - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans) - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards) - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans) - [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business) - Solutions - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking) - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings) - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services) - [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan) - Invest - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/) - Insure - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance) - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services) - [Learn](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn) - Education - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education) - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score) - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators) - About Us - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here) - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership) - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership) - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media) - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers) - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf) - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) ## [How Do Personal Loans Work?](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-do-personal-loans-work?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) July 02, 2026 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_July2026_Blog_Square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-do-personal-loans-work?hsLang=en) The Quick Answer: How does a personal loan work? A personal loan gives you a set amount of money upfront. You pay it back over time with fixed monthly payments, plus interest. Personal loans are often used for one-time expenses, debt consolidation,... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-do-personal-loans-work?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Spending Habits and Goals](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-choose-the-right-credit-card-for-your-spending-habits-and-goals?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) June 16, 2026 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en), [Security](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/security?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_June2026_Blog_Square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-choose-the-right-credit-card-for-your-spending-habits-and-goals?hsLang=en) With so many credit cards out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Rewards cards, low-rate cards, secured cards, business cards—the options add up quickly. But the best credit card isn't the one with the flashiest offer. It's the one that... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-choose-the-right-credit-card-for-your-spending-habits-and-goals?hsLang=en) --- ## [Rebuild Your Finances with Second‑Chance Banking](https://blog.excitecu.org/rebuild-your-finances-with-second-chance-banking?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) April 01, 2026 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Apr2026_Blog_Square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/rebuild-your-finances-with-second-chance-banking?hsLang=en) If you’ve ever gone through a difficult financial period and had to manage your money without a reliable bank account, debit card, or direct deposit, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s where second-chance banking can help. Excite Credit... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/rebuild-your-finances-with-second-chance-banking?hsLang=en) --- ## [Smart Money Moves: Simple Financial Planning Strategies](https://blog.excitecu.org/smart-money-moves-simple-financial-planning-strategies?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 03, 2026 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Emergency](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/emergency?hsLang=en), [Retirement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/retirement?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en), [Security](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/security?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Feb2026_Blog_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/smart-money-moves-simple-financial-planning-strategies?hsLang=en) Have you ever noticed how ambitious New Year’s resolutions can lose momentum before spring even arrives? You set big goals for personal finance management and financial planning strategies, but feel overwhelmed when it’s time to put them into... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/smart-money-moves-simple-financial-planning-strategies?hsLang=en) --- ## [Budgeting 101: How to Take Control of Your Finances Without Feeling Overwhelmed](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 29, 2025 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Retirement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/retirement?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/EXCITE_Jan2025_Blog_Square_final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) Ready to improve your financial situation? Start with your monthly budget—a powerful tool that reflects your values, adapts to your circumstances, and helps you achieve your dreams. Creating a budget is simpler than you might think. You can use ... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/budgeting-101-how-to-take-control-of-your-finances?hsLang=en) --- ## [Getting Your Kids Excited About Money Management](https://blog.excitecu.org/getting-your-kids-excited-about-money?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) May 24, 2024 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Parenting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/parenting?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/MAY_Square_Final.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/getting-your-kids-excited-about-money?hsLang=en) Let’s talk about money! It’s never too early to talk about finances with your children. When you take your toddlers to the store, they watch you buy groceries (and probably ask for their favorite candy at checkout). Kids are very observant and... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/getting-your-kids-excited-about-money?hsLang=en) --- ## [Understanding How Much Car You Can Afford and the Impact of a Good Credit Score](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 23, 2024 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/JAN%20-%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) Let’s dive into two crucial aspects of car buying: understanding how much car you can afford and recognizing the impact of a good credit score. Welcome to the comprehensive guide on navigating the exciting journey of purchasing your dream car while... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/understanding-how-much-car-you-can-afford?hsLang=en) --- ## [Navigating Back to School: 5 Simple Money Tips for College Students](https://blog.excitecu.org/back-to-school?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) August 25, 2023 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/back%20to%20school%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/back-to-school?hsLang=en) As summer winds down and the school bells start ringing, a new academic adventure awaits. Whether you're stepping onto campus for the first time or gearing up for another semester, one thing is certain financial preparation is crucial. At Excite... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/back-to-school?hsLang=en) --- ## [Boost Your Financial Literacy: 5 Simple Ways with Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/boost-your-financial-literacy?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) March 31, 2023 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/boost%20your%20financial%20literacy%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/boost-your-financial-literacy?hsLang=en) April is Financial Literacy Month, which makes it the perfect time to assess your financial knowledge and explore ways to improve it. Being financially literate means having a good understanding of personal finance, including budgeting, saving,... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/boost-your-financial-literacy?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Improve Your Credit Knowledge](https://blog.excitecu.org/improve-your-credit-knowledge?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) March 08, 2023 [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Building Credit](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/building-credit?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/Square-4.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/improve-your-credit-knowledge?hsLang=en) National Credit Education Month is a time to celebrate the power of financial literacy and encourage people to take control of your finances. At Excite Credit Union, we believe that having a solid understanding of personal finance is key to... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/improve-your-credit-knowledge?hsLang=en) --- - - ### Posts by Topic - [Talking About Money (50)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) - [Savings (27)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/savings?hsLang=en) - [Budgeting (22)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/budgeting?hsLang=en) - [Building Credit (12)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/building-credit) - [Auto (10)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto?hsLang=en) - [Credit Unions are Different than Banks (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en) - [Retirement (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/retirement?hsLang=en) - [Security (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/security?hsLang=en) - [Business Services (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/business-services?hsLang=en) - [Parenting (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/parenting?hsLang=en) - [Small Business (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/small-business?hsLang=en) - [Credit Cards (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-cards?hsLang=en) - [Emergency (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/emergency?hsLang=en) - [Real Estate (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/real-estate?hsLang=en) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/taxes?hsLang=en) - [Community Engagement (2)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/community-engagement?hsLang=en) - [Home Improvement (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/home-improvement?hsLang=en) - [Insurance (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/insurance?hsLang=en) - [Student Loans (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/student-loans?hsLang=en) see all ### About Excite - [About Us](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/locations) - [Careers](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/careers) - [Community](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community/excitecares) - [Legal](https://www.excitecu.org/Legal) - [**Phone: 800.232.8669**](tel:8002328669) - **Routing: 321176804** - **NMLS #477592** ### Resources - [Forms](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Forms) - [Order Checks](https://www.deluxe.com/products-services/financial-checks-retail-linking.jsp) - [Opt Out](https://newapps.excitecu.org/MemberOptOuts/OptOutHome) - [Sitemap](https://www.excitecu.org/Sitemap) - [Privacy](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/privacy) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Homeowner Hardship Assistance](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Loan-Hardship-Assistance) ### Follow Us | [![Download on the App Store](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-apple.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/excite-mobile-banking/id441879558) | [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-google.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifs.banking.fiid5230) | | --- | --- | Equal Housing Opportunity Federally Insured by NCUA © 2021 **Excite Credit Union**. 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