Your Credit Score

Credit scores: all lenders use credit scores to determine interest rates and credit limits.

The credit scoring system was developed in the early 1950's. However, it was not widely utilized until the early 1980's, when it was overhauled by Fair, Isaac & Company. At that time the 3 major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Trans Union, worked with FICO to create three separate credit models, one for each bureau.These agencies still use their own criteria to rate credit holders but the numbers have been normalized so that a score of 650 at Bureau A is equal to a score of 650 at Bureau B, etc.

Simply put, a credit score is a mathematical equation calculated by the review of a potential applicants credit history. It is based on factors such as income, instances of late or missed payments, types of debt owed, number of credit inquiries on file and the percentage of available credit that is actually being used.

Credit scores generally range between 300 and 800. The average credit score lies somewhere between the 600 and 700 range. As a rule, in order to receive a standard, lower cost loan a score of 620 or above is required. A high score indicates a low credit risk, meaning those with high scores find it very easy to obtain credit.

It is important that credit issuing companies indicate a credit holder's limit on their credit report. Failure to do so will usually result in a lower credit score. This is due to the fact that most scoring models plug in the highest balance from another listed account, when a credit limit is missing. This is an action which causes it to look as though a greater percentage of an individuals total available credit is actually being used. To avoid this type of situation, deal only with lenders who include this specific piece of information in their bureau reports.

There is a law which requires each of the three major credit bureaus to provide you with a no-cost credit report, once a year, should you request it. There is no such law pertaining to credit scores. Credit bureaus are allowed to charge consumers a "fair and reasonable" fee, for them.

There is an exception to the law above. Consumers are eligible for a no-cost credit score when applying for any type of home loan. As long as the mortgage lender uses a credit score when making an approval determination, he or she must supply that information to each applicant who requests it.

The questions you should be asking.

1: How do I order my free report?

2: What information do I have to provide to get my free report?

3: Are there other situations where I might be eligible for a free report?

4: What is a credit score, and how does it affect my ability to get credit?

For the answers to these and many more questions visit www.usacreditinfo.com

Cornelius P Crumpacker
http://www.usacreditinfo.com

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:51:23 GMT

UPDATE 1-Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic - Reuters

UPDATE 1-Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic
Reuters - 2 hours ago
MIAMI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Nana, the 14th of the Atlantic hurricane season, formed on Sunday in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Caribbean islands, the US National Hurricane Center said.
Forecasters: Tropical Storm Nana forms in Atlantic The Associated Press
Tropical Storm Nana Forms Central Florida News 13|
El Nuevo Herald - Orlando Sentinel - CBS 4 - WFMY News 2
all 175 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:29:57 GMT

Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio - The Associated Press


Times Online
Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio
The Associated Press - 39 minutes ago
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Sarah Palin told voters in southeastern Ohio on Sunday that she and running mate John McCain would bring jobs back to this economically depressed piece of Appalachia.
John McCain and Sarah Palin try new tactics Los Angeles Times
US-POLITICS Summary Washington Post
Milwaukee Labor Press - Tampa Tribune - guardian.co.uk - FOXNews
all 2,032 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:11:58 GMT

First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into ... - AHN


Canada.com
First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into ...
AHN - 2 hours ago
Vienna, VA (AHN)-Space Adventures, Ltd, a company that provides space missions to the global community, announced that client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space ...
Video: Raw Video: US space tourist begins journey AssociatedPress
US game designer blasts into space with DNA cargo The Associated Press
VIP Breakdown - Independent - Slashdot - Houston Chronicle
all 1,036 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:28:36 GMT

Tigers still seeking QB to turn season around - SportingNews.com


Seattle Post Intelligencer
Tigers still seeking QB to turn season around
SportingNews.com - 38 minutes ago
AP Sports Wri AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- The Auburn Tigers didn't figure they'd be in this position: Unranked, desperately trying to salvage a once-promising season and still seeking a quarterback solution seven games into the season.
Tuberville And Tigers Trying To Regroup Dawg Post
A Pig Sooie Shocker in Auburn WTVM
BamaMag.com - Sports Network - The Associated Press - International Herald Tribune
all 647 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:13:08 GMT

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer survivor shares her story - Naples Daily News


ChattahBox
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer survivor shares her story
Naples Daily News - 1 hour ago
By LIANE SMITH (Contact) She felt pain in her breasts. One of her aunt’s died in February from breast cancer. Another aunt, in her 60s now, has battled it on and off for more than a dozen years.
Pink And Purple Join To Help Women eFluxMedia
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Should Be Prevention Month! Food Consumer
Princeton Times Leader - San Marcos Daily Record - Hudson Reporter - WISC
all 136 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:31:44 GMT

Falcons' Ryan is not your typical rookie QB - FOXSports.com


Boston Globe
Falcons' Ryan is not your typical rookie QB
FOXSports.com - 36 minutes ago
by Alex Marvez Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 14 seasons as a beat writer and is the president of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Falcons missed chances in red zone Atlanta Journal Constitution
Bears rally late, fall to Falcons on last-second FG Chicago Sun-Times
Sports Network - SI.com - The Associated Press - Rotowire
all 607 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:14:27 GMT

Mighty Chihuahuas Eclipse DiCaprio and Crowe in Test of Star Power - New York Times

Mighty Chihuahuas Eclipse DiCaprio and Crowe in Test of Star Power
New York Times - 2 hours ago
By BROOKS BARNES LOS ANGELES - This is how far movie stars have fallen in their ability to pull audiences into theaters, at least when the story revolves around Iraq and the messiness of the Middle East: A picture about talking dogs, “Beverly Hills ...
Dogs rule: 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' No. 1 again Los Angeles Times
'Chihuahua' fetches $17.5M, remains top movie dog The Associated Press
Reuters - Hollywood.com - Cincinnati.com - Bloomberg
all 374 news articles

Publ.Date : Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:18:44 GMT

Clickbank Datafeed
Get Paid for Surveys


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Which Credit Bureau Should I Use To Check My Credit Report?

There are three main credit bureaus in the United States;... Read More

Is Plastic Making You Happier?

If you're like most people, you probably own at least... Read More

Free Credit Reports - How to Maintain Your Credit Profile

Maintaining your Credit ProfileEvery consumer should be maintaining their credit... Read More

Tips for Credit Card Surfers

Moving money from credit card to credit card to take... Read More

Credit Counseling -- Why It Doesnt Work For Most Debtors

"Cut Your Payments in Half!" the headline screams. "Consolidate Your... Read More

How to Repair a Bad Credit Rating

If you have a bad credit rating, then you might... Read More

Choosing the Right Credit Counseling Agency for You ? Some Tips Part 2

Credit counseling companies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether... Read More

Update Your Computer System With Bad Credit Computer Financing

The moment I placed myself in front of the computer... Read More

What You Need to Know About Credit Reports

You hear people talk about credit reports all the time... Read More

The Best Strategy To Erase Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is a growing sickness in the United... Read More

Credit Cards And Loans - So Many Options - So Little Time

Credit Cards and Loans sounds like just two things, but... Read More

Free Credit Report - Really

2005 marks the year that consumers will be able to... Read More

Warning: Todays Non Profit Credit Counselors Are Yesterdays Bill Collectors!

Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are... Read More

Credit Card Companies Are Out for Your Money

You're probably thinking "Tell me something I don't know" but... Read More

Credit Score - Reporting Your Financial Health

Credit score is one of the most basic, determining factor... Read More

Four Tips How Homeowners Can Rebuild Their Life After a Foreclosure

Let's face it, if you are facing the possibilities of... Read More

Beat Credit Card Companies at Their Own Game!

Have you ever wondered how much money a credit card... Read More

What Are The Most Common Credit Card Mistakes?

Now in a world with so many easy to get... Read More

Home Loans ? Repair Your Credit Before You Buy

Before you take out a home loan or make any... Read More

Credit Repair: How To Deal With Your Creditors

If you are in danger of credit problems because you... Read More

Can You Acquire Good Credit Overnight? You Bet

Your credit file may not reflect all your credit accounts.... Read More

Useful Tips When Choosing Credit Cards

Chances are you have received your share of "pre-approved" credit... Read More

What Is A FICO Score?

A credit score is most commonly known as a FICO... Read More

Credit Card Balance Transfers Explained

What is a balance transfer ? A balance transfer can... Read More

The Easy Way To Gain Access To Your Free Online Credit Report

When you apply for credit, those lending you the money... Read More