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What is a Credit Score?

Creditors use a system called credit scoring to help determine your creditworthiness.


Creditors use a system called credit scoring to help determine your creditworthiness. Utilizing information collected from your credit application and your credit report, creditors use statistical programs to compare your information to the profiles of similar consumers. These scoring systems award points for every factor that helps predict your creditworthiness, or how likely it is that you will repay the loan.

Companies may use a variety of credit scoring systems, but common factors they may consider include: your payment history, the total amount of debt you owe, the "maturity" or length of your credit history, the types of credit in use, and the number of recent credit inquiries on your file.

The best way to improve your credit score is to pay your bills on time, pay off any outstanding balances, and not acquire any new debt. Improving your credit score takes some time, so be patient.


Related Article: Keeping an Eye on your Personal Credit History >>
The Learning Center
Credit
Fair Credit Reporting Act Equal Credit Opportunity Act Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act What is Credit? How Credit Bureaus Work Personal Credit Report - A Financial History What is a Credit Score? Keeping an Eye on your Personal Credit History How Do I Clean Up My Credit Report? Choosing the Best Credit Repair Services TransUnion - Credit reporting agency Experian - A Leading Credit Bureau Equifax - Personal Credit Solutions
Debt
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Selecting a Debt Management Program or Debt Counseling Service Finding the Right Debt Consolidation Agency
Personal Finance
Consumer Protection Laws - Credit and Debt Steering Clear of Credit Repair and Debt Management Scams Do I Have a Debt Problem? Get Me Out of Debt! Debt Free Living - A few simple suggestions Identity Theft Prevention - Protecting yourself What If I Become an Identity Theft Victim?