FICO Credit Scores: What Do They Mean?

Since we live in an automated society, it's not surprising that your ability to repay your mortgage loan boils down to a single number. Credit reporting agencies use your history of paying all types of loans to compile a FICO score.

All three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) use a slightly different system to arrive at a score. The original FICO was developed by Fair Isaac and Company. Experian uses this model and calls its score FICO. Equifax's model, based on FICO, is called BEACON, while TransUnion, which also uses a slightly modified FICO, calls its score EMPIRICA. While each of the models considers a range of data available in your credit report, the differences aren't huge; all of the agencies use the following to build a credit score:

• Credit History - How long have you had credit?
• Late Payments - Do you have any payments later than 30 days?
• Credit Card Balances - How many accounts do you have? How much do you owe on your accounts?
• Inquiries on Your Credit - How many times have you had your credit checked for a loan?

These factors are assigned weights based on the formula being used. Each formula produces a single number which may vary a a little from one agency to another. Credit scores can be as low as 300 and as high as 800. Higher is always better. Most folks who want to get a mortgage these days score 620 or above.

Credit scores make a difference in your interest rate

Did you know? FICO scores affect more than your ability to get a loan. They also affect your interest rate. Lenders give lower interest rates to individuals with higher scores.

Can I raise my FICO score?

Is there any way to raise your credit score? Some companies promise quick fixes, but they can't do anything different than what you can do — for free. (Of course you must have incorrect items removed from your credit report.)

How do I find out my credit score?

Before you can improve your score, you have to obtain your score and ensure that the credit reports from each agency are correct. Fair Isaac, the company that offered the first FICO score, offers scores on myFICO.com. It's inexpensive, fast, and easy to get your credit score as well as reports from all three agencies. Also available are helpful information and online tools that can help you analyze what actions might have the greatest impact on your FICO score.

You can get a free credit report once a year from all three credit reporting agencies by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. While this report does not include a free credit score, the cost to "upgrade" your report to include a credit score is very reasonable.

Now that you have all the facts, you'll be a more informed consumer and you'll be better positioned to get the most favorable mortgage.

Curious about credit scores? Call us: 610-565-3600.