CREDIT SCORES

Everything you always wanted to know,

but were afraid to ask!

              

  Credit Score. Beacon. FICO. Chances are, if you''ve applied for credit, you'v'e heard these words. Most consumers don't know what they mean or why they matter. And with good reason. For many years, lenders did not want you to know your credit score so it was kept a closely guarded secret. That''s changed recently and now you can have access to your personal credit score.

                 Your payment history is simply an indicator of your payment history. It is based on information contained in your credit report. including your account balances, how long you've had each account, the number of credit cards you have, and if you pay on time. The higher the credit score, the better. Credit scores (also called Beacon or FICO scores) range from 300 to 850. If your score is too low, you''ll pay a higher interest rate or possibly be denied credit. If your score is high, you receive a lower interest rate.

 Different lenders have different guidelines for what is considered an acceptable credit score. While this number is important, it is only one of the factors used by lenders when they evaluate your credit application. If you apply for a mortgage, auto loan or any other type of loan, the loan officer will consider your credit score.

 There are three major credit reporting agencies, (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). So your credit score may vary depending on which credit bureau supplies it. Since each credit bureau has different information, some lenders take the total of all three scores and divide by three to obtain your average credit score.

You can now obtain your personal credit score. Go to www.equifax.com and you can order your credit report with credit score for $12.95. At www.creditexpert.com you can obtain your credit score from Experian for only for $6.00, and for an additional fee, receive a copy of your credit report. At TransUnion, www.transunion.com your credit score is included when you order your credit report for $8.50.

 ACCS recommends that you order your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus once a year to check for errors and monitor ativity. There is no better time than the present to review your credit history and learn your individual credit score. Our counselors can assist you in reading and understanding your credit report, correcting errors, interpreting your credit scores and guide you in ways to improve both your credit in general and your credit score in specific.

If you''re curious about this thing called credit score and concerned about its impact on your credit, help is just a few clicks away. Simply click on each of the above links to go directly to that credit bureau''s web site and order your credit report and score. Then click on info@accs.org or call toll free (800) 729-0551 to request a consultation with one of our counselors to discuss your individual situation.