06/02/2021
Is your credit score important?
So, what is a credit score?
A credit score is a three-digit number, typically between 300 and 850, which is designed to represent your credit risk, or the likelihood you will pay your bills on time. In general, a higher credit score represents a higher likelihood of responsible financial habits. Credit scores are one of many factors used by lenders when determining your likelihood of paying back a loan.
Credit scores are calculated using the content of your credit report. Each of the three nationwide credit bureaus uses a slightly different method of determining your score.
Now at this point you may be wondering what the main factors involved in calculating a credit score are. I've listed a few factors below for your consideration:
1. The number of accounts you have
2. The types of accounts you have
3. Your used credit vs. your available credit
4. The length of your credit history
5. Your payment history
If you look at your credit scores based on data from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – you may see three different scores. This is completely normal. Your scores may not all be the same because not all creditors and lenders report to all three bureaus. Many creditors report to all three, but you may have an account with a creditor that only reports to one, two, or none.
Want to know where to check your credit score? Check out Equifax - it's absolutely free!