Whether you’re buying a phone, applying for a mortgage or credit card, leasing or buying an apartment, obtaining insurance or even applying for a new job, there’s a high chance of someone checking your credit score. Your credit score is a three-digit number used by lenders to determine the type of credit risk you are as a person. The credit score is so important that it not only determines if you are approved for a loan but also how much you will be approved for and what interest rate you’ll pay.
The scores can vary from 300 to 850, and low scores mean high credit risks while high scores mean low credit risks. This means, when you have a low score, you may not be able to achieve some financial needs you have due to non-approval of loans. In some cases, you may pay high-interest rates and fees to obtain the loan.
What is a credit score?
A credit score is a number or score that indicates your level of risk to creditors or lenders. It is determined by a formula or algorithm that analyzes the information in your credit file. The lower your credit score is, the riskier you’re assumed to be.
What is contained in my Credit File?
A credit file contains the names and addresses the credit bureau believes you’ve used. It includes your positive credit history of creditors, type of credit card and if ongoing, the current status of the account. It also includes your negative credit history of past due payment history, collection accounts, public records of bankruptcy, liens, judgments, and repossessions.
How long does negative Information Linger on my Credit Report?
Typically, with the exclusion of some public records, negative information can stay up to seven years.
What is a FICO score?
A FICO score is a kind of credit score created by the Fair Issac Corporation and is the score usually used by lenders.
What are the categories of the FICO score?
The categories include:
Poor – Less than 580
Fair – 580-669
Good – 670-739
Very Good – 740-799
Exceptional – Over 800