Transparency
Editorial Policy
How we create, verify, review, and update every article — and who is accountable for what you read.
Our editorial mission
Every article published on That.You Credit must be accurate, independently verified, and genuinely useful to a consumer navigating the US credit system. We do not publish articles to attract affiliate commissions. We do not optimise for product sales. Our job is to help you understand how credit works.
Content creation standards
Named, credentialed authors
Every article is written or reviewed by a named author with stated credentials and a biography. Anonymous content is not published. Authors must be identifiable people with relevant background.
Primary source citations
We cite official sources: CFPB, FTC, NCUA, SSA, individual credit bureau documentation, and the text of applicable laws (FCRA, FDCPA, ECOA, CROA). Secondary sources must themselves cite primary sources.
Plain-English standard
Technical terms are defined the first time they appear in every article. We write for a reader at a high school reading level and never assume prior financial knowledge.
Factual vs. opinion distinction
We clearly distinguish between established facts, regulatory guidance, industry norms, and our editorial opinions. Opinion pieces are labeled as such.
No miracle claims
We do not claim, imply, or suggest that any action will guarantee a specific credit score increase. Score changes depend on individual credit profiles and bureau update cycles.
Legal sensitivity review
Articles covering legal rights, dispute processes, bankruptcy, and collections are reviewed by a second editor before publication. Legal information is presented as general education only.
Article lifecycle
| Stage | Who is responsible | What happens | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Brief | Editor | Topic assigned, search intent mapped, outline drafted, primary sources identified | Day 0 |
| 2. Draft | Author | Full article written with citations, key takeaways, and tool CTA if applicable | Days 1–3 |
| 3. Fact-check | Editor | Every factual claim verified against primary source. Numbers and legal citations confirmed. | Days 3–4 |
| 4. Copy edit | Editor | Grammar, readability, plain-English compliance, heading hierarchy reviewed | Day 4–5 |
| 5. Legal sensitivity review | Senior editor | Required for articles on rights, disputes, bankruptcy, collections | Day 5 (if applicable) |
| 6. Publish | CMS | Article set to Published status; sitemap regenerated; canonical tag applied | Day 5–7 |
| 7. Periodic review | Editor | All articles reviewed at least annually or when laws/bureau policies change | Ongoing |
Updates & corrections
Minor update
Trigger: New bureau process details, minor regulatory changes
Article updated; 'Last reviewed' date updated; no correction notice required
Material correction
Trigger: Factual error that could mislead a reader
Correction added at top of article noting what changed and when. Editor notified.
Law/regulation change
Trigger: FCRA amendment, CFPB rulemaking, court decision affecting consumer rights
Full article review triggered. Update published within 10 business days of effective date.
To report an error, use our contact form. Include the article URL and a description of the error. We respond within 2 business days.
AI usage policy
What we use AI for:
- ✓Drafting initial outlines and structure
- ✓Suggesting plain-English rewrites of legal language
- ✓Generating first-draft letter templates
- ✓Summarising complex regulatory documents
What AI does NOT do:
- ✗Publish content without human review and approval
- ✗Verify factual claims — all facts are human-checked
- ✗Replace the judgment of our editorial team
- ✗Sign articles — all content is attributed to a named human author
Approved source hierarchy
| Tier | Source type | Examples | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Primary | Federal law and regulation | US Code (FCRA, FDCPA, ECOA), CFR, Federal Register | Definitive; cited directly |
| 1 — Primary | Federal agency guidance | CFPB, FTC, OCC, Federal Reserve publications | Definitive; cited directly |
| 2 — Secondary | Credit bureau documentation | Equifax, Experian, TransUnion help centers, press releases | Cited with date; cross-checked |
| 2 — Secondary | Peer-reviewed research | Federal Reserve research papers, NBER working papers | Cited with author and year |
| 3 — Reference | Industry publications | FICO whitepapers, VantageScore methodology guides | Background only; primary source preferred |
| Not used | Anonymous blogs, forums | Reddit, random personal finance blogs | Not cited or relied upon |
Editorial independence
The That.You Credit editorial team operates independently of all commercial activities. No advertiser, partner, or investor has input on article content, rankings, or recommendations.
If we add affiliate links or sponsored content in the future, those will be clearly labeled and disclosed at the top of the page. Our editorial guidance will not be influenced by commercial relationships. See How We Make Money for full revenue transparency.
Educational content only. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or personal financial advice. Results vary. Laws and bureau processes change. Consult the CFPB, FTC, and AnnualCreditReport.com for authoritative guidance. Full disclaimer