Credit Scores
Credit Bureaus track your personal credit history in a customer record. The customer record can then be used to generate a credit score. It is advantageous to have a higher score because there is greater chance of being qualified for additional credit or the loan that you need for that new house or car. It is important to note that when lenders consider a loan or credit application, additional information is usually required for making credit decisions. A creditor will usually ask for information like your monthly income, employment history, and your current outstanding debts to make an assessment as to whether or not you are capable of repaying your loan.
Given that you have a high credit score, lenders should be able to conclude that you are capable of repaying your debts. This would then enable lenders to provide you with better interest rates and loan offers. Credit cards may be harder to obtain because lenders still see room for improvement. To improve your credit score, continue to pay your debts on time. Lender offers will differ based on the attribute information you provide concerning your monthly income, employment history, and monthly debt. This information will aid in the determination of whether you receive an excellent offer, or just a respectable offer.
There are several factors taken into account that help determine your credit score. The factors that make your score lower are:
* Average balance of retail accounts is too high
* Length of time finance accounts have been established is too short
* Too many inquiries
Credit Reports
In the United States, once every 12 months, each person is entitled to one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
* Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374Self-Service Line 1(800)685-1111
* Experian (formerly known as TRW)
P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013Consumer Credit Questions 1(888)397-3742
* TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 190221(800)888-4213