| What Is A Credit Score And Tips On Raising It |
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Definition of a credit score
Definition of a credit score Your score is a numerical rating based on factors that are measured by your willingness to repay loans. The score is calculated from the information that is in your profile which is a record of all your credit activities. This score predicts your credit performance, which means the higher your score, the better credit risk you are. The FICO score is most the most popular credit scoring system. You can get your FICO score by Clicking Herefrom any of the three main credit agencies. (it is advisable to monitor all three. Equifax (800) 685-1111 Experian (888) 397-3742) Trans Union (800) 916-8800 Since a credit score is from credit history, there must be at least a 6 month history to get an accurate score. You must have at least on account that has been open for at least 6 months and has activity in those six months. You would have to develop a credit history to be eligible to apply for a mortgage. If your score is too low, there are ways to raise your credit score . However, it is almost impossible to improve it in a short time period. It is important to employ credit habits that will ensure a high credit score at the time you most need it. What are the relevant factors considered in a credit score? A credit score in interested in a borrowers willingness to repay the loan. It will predict the likelihood that you will repay that loan based on your credits past performance and current standing. Information like your income or your demographic data are not in your credit profile. It does not measure your ability to pay back a loan, this is done through your debt-to-income ratio. The credit report does track both the positive and negative activity in your credit history, such as timeliness of payments, current debt balances, length of credit history, types of credit available to you, the number of credit inquiries and any legal action taken against you for non-payment (such as bankruptcy or a lawsuit.) Although late payments will reduce your score, a current history of timely payments can raise it. Different weights are assigned to the various factors considered. For instance, FICO assigns thirty-five percent of your score to your payment history, thirty percent to your debt level, fifteen percent to the length of time span of your credit history, also fifteen percent to the type of loans such as installment versus revolving, and five percent to your credit score requests, which measure your level of pursuit after new credit. Your credit score is very important. It is used to consider applications for credit, loans, mortgages, insurance, and even employment. It is very important to maintain a high score and ensure accurate reporting. How can you raise your score? Raising it is a task that has to be accomplished over time. The credit score is assessed by history. So it is impossible to change you score over a short period of time if you are applying for a loan. Therefore it is important to be aware of positive and negative things that affect your rating so you can improve your score before you need it. You can improve your score a little each year by as much as 50 points by careful management of your credit obligations. You should develop positive habits to promote a good history, (make your payments on time, leave available balances, etc) Monitor all three credit bureaus to make sure they are accurate. Obtain your reports annually by clicking here and make any corrections in writing. Pay all your bills on time, even your utility bills. Negative habits are: don't max out cards, don't request your credit reports constantly, don't take on more credit than you can manage, don't spend beyond your ability to pay back, don't quit building your credit because you have a bankruptcy. Continue to work on re-establishing our credit, even if it is a small consumer loan. Many lenders are more concerned about the previous history after a derogatory incident than the previous history. Last of all, don't leave errors undisputed, request corrections in writing. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. To download your credit reports Click Here. Also published at What Is A Credit Score And Tips On Raising It. |