 | You can now see your actual credit score, a number from 300 to 850, that tells you whether you're a good risk. |
| To improve your credit score quickly, pay your bills on time and pay down the total amount you owe. |
| There are three major credit bureaus who issue credit reports to lenders - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - and they don't share information. So even if you correct an error on one credit report, you will have to do the same on the other two. |
| You have the right under federal law to challenge items on your credit report. The credit bureau then has 30 days to decide whether that item should be removed. |
| If a credit bureau refuses to correct a mistake, you can sue them. |
| Get copies of all three credit reports six months before you apply for a home loan. An error on your credit report can take months to clear up. If your time is ticking away on a home closing and you can't get approved for a loan, you're going to lose the house. |
| Due to a new law, consumers can find out what their formerly secret credit score is. The score is what determines the type of loan product and terms consumers receive. • eLoan; free credit score reports • Equifax; Credit score reports for $12.95 • MyFICO; Credit score reports for $12.95 • Experian; Credit score reports coming soon online Clark Howard suggests that you request a copy of your credit report and credit score in advance of any major purchase. Buying a home? Get your report and score at least four to six months in advance; one month for new or used car purchases. This advance time will permit you to clean up errors before its pulled again by loan companies. |
| Credit scores have become huge these days because the number, which was always kept under wraps, is now public. And, people know the number is used for so many things, including the loan rate you are quoted, the amount you can borrow and even your insurance coverage. Well, myfico.com now has an interactive tool that tells you what you need to do if your score is lower than you’d like it to be. You can only use the tool if you sign up for myfico’s credit report and score, which costs $12.95. So, if your score is good, in the 700s or 800s, don’t need to worry about signing up. But if you’d like to find out how to improve your score, it’s worth it. These days even auto and home insurance companies are basing their decisions about you on your credit score. So, keep this in mind. |
| FTC - ask for "Fair Debt Collection Practices Act" |
| FairIsaac - credit report scoring |