What is Included in My Credit Score?

We get asked that question all the time, and for good reason!

To answer "What is included in my credit score?", let's look at what FICO says.  

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) calculates credit scores for the major credit reporting agencies like TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

So how do they determine your score?

Basically, FICO uses 5 different categories by various weighted percentages:

PAYMENT HISTORY:   35%

Major categories:

  • Past due accounts
  • Bankruptcies
  • Judgments
  • Wage attachments
  • Paid as agreed accounts

AMOUNTS OWED:   30%

  • Amounts owing on all and specific types of accounts
  • Number of accounts with balances
  • Proportion of credit lines and installment loan amount used

LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY:  15% what is included in my credit score

  • Time since accounts opened
  • Time since account activity

NEW CREDIT:   10%

  • Number of recently opened accounts, and proportion of accounts that are recently opened, by type of account
  • Number of recent inquiries
  • Re-establishment of positive credit history following past payment problems

TYPES OF CREDIT USED:   10%

  • FICO weighs different types of accounts and it is not very clear which type has more weight.
  • Large accounts such as your home mortgage are not as adverse as say too many small credit cards with very high interest rates.

FICOtakes into consideration all of these categories, not just one or two.  In other words, no one piece of information or factor alone will determine your score.

A lender will look at other things when making a decision:

  • including your income
  • how long you have worked at your present job
  • the kind of credit you are requesting.

Finally, your score considers both positive and negative information in your credit report.

For example, late payments will lower your score, but re-establishing a good track record of timely payments will raise your FICO credit score!

If you feel overwhelmed with too much credit or would like to know how to improve your credit score, please request our FREE, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS.

We will help you determine the best course of action with no obligation!

Call 877-492-4109 TODAY

photo by: SMJP

Tags: FICO, Equifax, what is included in my credit report