The Basics of your Credit Score

Credit scoring is information collected by the credit bureau which allows lending institutions to make decisions about loans based on your past history with money.  Any time a person applies for a loan with a bank or credit union, credit scoring is what will determine the applicant’s eligibility to borrow. 

When it comes to credit scoring, the higher the number, the better.  Normally credit scoring numbers range somewhere in the area between 300 and 850.  Credit scoring is based on a variety of different factors.  It is important and helpful to understand the things that affect credit scoring, because awareness of these details helps you to make the best decisions possible in order to help ensure a high number in the credit scoring process.

Your payment history is a large part of credit scoring, and your credit scoring will be higher if you have paid all of your bills on time.  Debt is also part of credit scoring, and if you carry too high a balance, this will affect your credit scoring.  Before requesting a loan, it would be a good idea to try to clear up some of your previous balances on credit cards, etc.  A past history of good credit will help your credit scoring as well.  Another thing that can affect credit scoring is any institution that has recently inquired about your credit.  Each of these inquiries shows up on your credit report.  To keep your credit scoring at the highest possible number, it is important not to apply for too much credit in the same general time period.  As well, good credit can be somewhat dependent on a varied mix of different types of accounts and loans.  Using this information to your advantage will help you obtain the best credit scoring possible.