Anyone who has checked into their credit score has probably found the rating scale to be somewhat confusing. There are a bunch of numbers, each meaning something different. Understanding how this rating works will help you to read your credit score effectively.
There are several pieces of information reviewed by companies when they build your credit score. These factors include the following:
– Your past payment history
– When you pay your bills
– The amount of outstanding debt you have
– The length of your credit history
If you have a great deal of debt or you don’t have a very long credit history, you will receive a lower credit score even if there are no “black marks” against you.
Recent credit applications also factor into your score. If you have made too many applications recently, this will cause you to receive a lower score. As will too much debt at high interest rates, such as high rate credit cards.
A score of 700 or higher is considered a good credit score. At this level, you shouldn’t have any problems getting credit, and at a low rate of interest.
If your...