Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

Get the answers you need to commonly asked questions about managing your credit.

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What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three digit number calculated from your data-rich credit report and is one factor used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness for a mortgage, loan or credit card. Your score can affect whether or not you are approved as well as what interest rate you are charged. There are many different credit scores and the credit score you view may not be the score used by a particular lender

What Affects My Credit Score the Most?

Your payment history is the most important aspect of your credit score, because it shows how you’ve managed your finances, including any late payments. Your credit history is also very important, as it demonstrates how long you've been managing your accounts, when your last payments were made, and any recent charges.

Will checking my credit report hurt my credit score?

Checking your own credit report won’t hurt your scores. Credit inquiries are defined as either hard or soft inquiries. Reviewing your own credit report is considered a soft inquiry, and soft inquiries don’t hurt your scores. Checking your credit report at least once a year allows you to identify any mistakes and helps you manage your personal finances.

How important is my credit history?

Your credit history is also very important, as it demonstrates how long you've been managing your accounts, when your last payments were made, and any recent charges.

Who creates credit reports?

The big three national credit bureaus-TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax-create credit reports. They’re the ones that data furnishers (e.g., credit card issues, auto lenders, mortgage lenders) report information to, be it positive or negative. The credit bureaus are also responsible for investigating credit disputes should you find inaccurate information in your credit reports.

When do credit reports update?

Creditors send new info to the credit bureaus once a month. They don’t all send information on the same day of the month. instead of waiting for all the new data to come in – doing one big update on one day of the month the credit bureaus update reports as new information is received. 

How is My Credit Score Calculated?

Understanding the components that make up credit scores can help you wisely manage your credit decisions. To see how it all breaks down, here's an example of how scores are calculated with a popular algorithm. Your payment history makes up 35% of your score, while the amount you owe lenders represents 30%. The length of your credit history contributes 15%, and the types of credit accounts you maintain comprise 10%. Finally, new credit accounts are responsible for 10%. All of these values are then broken down into a credit score, which ranges between 300 and 850—the higher the number the better.

How Long Does Negative Information Stay on My Credit Report?

Typically, the negative information on your credit report tends to fall off after 7 years, or 10 if you’ve been through bankruptcy. Positive information remains on your report for an average of 10 years from the day its corresponding account is closed. This information applies to loans like mortgages and car loans, the types of agreements that have fixed terms on the number of years for repayment. For revolving accounts, such as credit cards, your positive history will stay on your report for as long as the account is active.

how long before I see results?

It's a pretty normal question to ask: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends -- on your goals, your situation and how much work you need done.

How are credit reports created?

Credit reports are created when you open your first line of credit. They include personally-identifying information, as well as details specific to your new credit account. From that point forward, your credit history will be recorded in your credit reports, including: Credit accounts, Credit limits, Balances, Payment history, Collections and other negative listings (e.g., charge-offs, judgments, liens)

How to Dispute My Credit Report Online?

Because inaccurate, derogatory information can lower your credit score and may indicate fraudulent activity, it's best to dispute any potential inaccuracies as soon as you spot them. The fastest and easiest way to resolve an inaccuracy on your credit report is through the online Credit Report Dispute process at Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax.

How to Get Free Copies Credit Reports Per Year?

As a consumer, you may request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus every twelve months. Accessing and reviewing your credit reports from each of the three bureaus annually helps you ensure the accuracy of the information. It also allows you to monitor your account history to protect against identity theft