Your FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) score is the numerical culmination of various credit data culled from the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Along with your income, job history and how much you're requesting, lenders take into account your FICO score before lending you money. Your FICO score is determined by payment history (35 percent), amounts owed (30 percent), length of credit history (15 percent), new credit (10 percent) and types of credit used (10 percent). FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The higher the score (725 is average), the better the interest rates and chances of credit approval.
Correct Errors
You can increase your FICO score over a period of four to six months. Scores are updated monthly and financial planners suggest that consumers check their score at least annually or at least six months before planning a major purchase. The Wall Street Journal reported that a 2004 Public Interest Research Groups study found 79 percent of credit reports have errors, 29 percent of which were serious enough to cause credit denial. Increase your score by notifying a credit bureau of a mistake on your report.
Pay Down Your Cards and Work with Lenders
To increase your FICO score, try to pay down any balances you can or pay off balances in full each month if you can. Maxing out your credit cards won't do your FICO score any favors nor does having multiple balances. If you have a good, long relationship with your lender, you should also talk to your lender to see if a late payment here or certain negative data there can be removed from your credit report. Explain the circumstances around the late payment, etc.
Do Not Close All Accounts
The length of your credit history does count for 15 percent of your FICO score. Keep your score up by holding onto your credit card--even if you rarely use it. This shows that you stay loyal to a lender and is especially helpful if you always clear out the balance on it.
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