subject: Understanding How Credit Rating Functions [print this page] Do you know the way the credit scoring system works? Many consumers may be familiar with the credit report and credit score, but some may not completely understand the complete process behind the credit scoring system. In this article, let's discuss basic information about credit reporting.
What is a credit score?
The credit score is numerical value used by credit reporting organizations to establish an individual's credit value. Financial institutions, lending companies, and also creditors check credit report scores to find out whether or not an individual may end up be granted approval. Some loan providers might require a high credit score while others can be less exacting in terms of assessing credit scores.
There are 3 major credit reporting agencies in which keep track of account activities of consumers. These are Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Every credit agency does its very own independent credit reporting and also uses its own credit scoring model.
Equifax utilizes the FICO scoring system, created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. The other two bureaus Experian as well as Trans Union developed their own model that is based on the FICO scoring system. The FICO score ranges from the low of 300 to a high score of 850.
Calculations are made based on five basic elements: payment history (35%), credit utilization (30%), length of credit history (15%), types of credit (10%), and credit inquiries (10%). Based on these kinds of criteria, it is easy to see why well-timed repayment of your bills may drastically impact your own personal credit rating. With 35%, even a few misses on your due dates can easily pull down your credit score.
Another significant factor is how you utilize your credit limit. Credit utilization makes up 30% of one's total FICO score so if you have a great debt-to-credit ration, your own score can really drop. This is the reason why financial experts advise not using more than 40% of your credit card's limit, even if a credit card provides zero annual percentage rates or perhaps a low interest rate. If you get into the habit of maxing out of your limit, your credit score can suffer.
The other three factors are just as important. Length of credit history makes up 15% which is why college students should make an application for their very own college student credit card as soon as they're ready to manage debt as well as repayment.
Think about the actual types of credit you use? This accounts for 10% of the FICO score. For example, having numerous credit card accounts will not boost your score. You can show your capacity to handle debt and credit successfully through managing different types of debts such as a personal loans, mortgage, auto loans, aside from the credit card.
Lastly, credit inquiries or perhaps hard inquiries made by creditors in response to your credit application can affect your credit score. This is the reason why consumers are strongly advised not to submit multiple applications to various lenders simultaneously simply to see who will grant approval more quickly. Rather, you should take time evaluating your options and once you've identified the right creditor, after that this is the only time you can submit an application.
