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Definition of a credit score
A credit score is a numerical rating based on relevant factors measuring a borrower’s willingness to repay a loan. Your credit score is calculated from the information in your credit profile which is a record of your credit activities over time. This score predicts your credit performance. The higher the 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 the credit score is derived from a credit history, there must be a minimum history in order to get an accurate score. Before a credit report Click Here to download yours now can be obtained, you must have a minimum of one account that has been open for at least six months, and current activity within the most recent six months.
You need to develop a credit history to be eligible to apply for a mortgage. If your score is too low, there are ways you can raise your credit score. However, it is not possible to do this in a short time period. It is very important to employ credit habits that will make sure your credit score stays high at the time that you need it. What are factors that are considered in your credit score?
The credit score is only interested in a borrower’s willingness to pay back the loan. It predicts the likelihood that the loan will get repaid based on the accumulation of the borrower’s past performance and current standing. Such information as savings, income or demographic data like nationality, race, religion, marital status, and gender are specifically left out of the credit profile. It is not meant to measure the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. For that, the lender looks at your debt-to-income ratio .
Credit reports track both positive and negative activity in your credit history. It tracks when you make your payments, your balances, the length of the history and the type of credit you have. The number of inquiries and and legal action will also show up, such as bankruptcy or a lawsuit. Late payments can reduce your score, but current payments can increase it.
Weights are assigned to various factors considered. 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. This measures your level of pursuit after new credit.
Your credit score is used to consider you in most applications for credit, loans and mortgages, even insurance or employment. It is very important to maintain a high score and ensure your report is accurate.
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.
To download your credit reports Click Here. This article, What Is A Credit Score And Tips On Raising It has free reprint rights.
