| It's really
pretty basic. You develop good credit by taking
out different lines of credit and making consistent
payments when your balance is due. Think of it
like exercise: If you're consistent with paying your
bills on time, you will gradually improve your credit
standing and enjoy the lasting benefits of your hard
work. Except it's not that hard!
The first step in building good credit is determining
your credit score. You can obtain your credit
score by ordering a credit
report. This report will determine your score
and also reveal any negative marks on your credit record.
If you've run into credit obstacles in the past and
you discover negative marks on your report, don't give
up hope. You can actually have past marks on your
credit removed through credit
repair.
By understanding your credit report, repairing any
negative marks and making responsible financial decisions,
you can enjoy a more profitable financial future.
A credit score is a rating used by a lender to help
determine whether you qualify for a particular credit
card, loan, or service. Based on information in your
credit file, the credit reporting company analyzes your
information using a complex mathematical model to yield
your credit score.
Most credit scores estimate the risk a company incurs
by lending you money or providing you with a service
-- specifically, the likelihood that you'll fail to
make payments in the next two to three years. The higher
the score, the less risk you represent. Your score is
calculated by a mathematical equation that evaluates
many types of information found in the credit file.
Many different formulas are used to calculate credit
scores, but most are based on the following factors,
which each scoring model weighs differently:
Payment history. A record of late payments on your
current and past credit accounts will lower your score.
Public records. Matters of public record such as bankruptcies,
judgments, and collection items may lower your score.
Amount owed. Owing too much will lower your score,
especially if you're approaching your total credit limit.
Length of credit history. In general, a longer credit
history is better.
New accounts. Opening multiple new accounts in a short
period of time may lower your score.
Inquiries. Whenever someone else gets your credit report
-- a lender or landlord for example -- an inquiry is
recorded on your credit report. A large number of recent
inquiries may lower your score. Insurance inquiries
that are created from an insurance quote or a renewal,
have no impact on your credit score.
Accounts in use. The presence of too many open accounts
can lower your score, whether you're using the accounts
or not.
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