Getting Your Credit Report and Understanding Whats On It

If you intend to apply for a loan, you need to obtain your credit score. Understanding what this score means will allow you to make the loan process easier and quicker. Let's face it; most people want the loan process to be as painless as possible. Obtaining and understanding your credit score will help you see potential problems and perhaps eliminate them before you begin the loan process.

There are three different Credit Bureaus from which you can obtain your credit score. These are Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Each of these companies applies a different formula in figuring your credit rating, though these formulas are weighted so a score from one company is equivalent to the same number score from the others. Because these three firms coordinate their credit rating system through the Fair Isaac Company, the credit score is known as a FICO score. Particular loan companies might look at your salary or the stability of your current employment, but the FICO score usually provides a good understanding of a person's credit standing.

Your FICO score is based on your credit report, which is a combination of your current credit accounts and your long term credit history. The past two years is by far the most important part of your credit history. Usually, a bad spot on your credit record will disappear once the twenty-four month window has closes on it. Your credit rating can range anywhere from 375 to 900, but most scores are in the 600-700 range.

650 or more. This is considered the magic number, and if you score 650 or higher, then you have excellent credit. If your credit rating is 650 or above, acquiring loans should be relatively easy and your interest rates should be to your liking.

Between 620 and 650. This is where most people stand and means you will be able to obtain reasonable loans and rates of interest, though the process might be a little slower and you might have to answer a few more questions.

Below 620. This doesn't mean you cannot get a loan. But it does mean the loan process will be longer, less pleasant and with more strings attached. Understanding this fact about your credit score will help prepare you when obtaining a loan.

If you find a discrepancy in a credit report, you need to address your concern to the appropriate credit bureau. If you can give a reasonable explanation for the mistake or, better yet, if you can provide documentation to contradict the discrepancy, you can have your credit report changed. Usually, all three credit bureaus will not make the same mistake and your FICO score will be correct. I would suggest not inquiring about your credit score too often, because each inquiry goes on your credit record and the appearance of concern can affect your credit score.

Finally, remember that the number of the FICO score is not important in itself. Each creditor will have different credit rating cutoffs, so a firm understanding of your potential creditor's credit score guidelines will help you understand the real implications of your credit score.

You can read more about credit and debt issues at the Debt Consolidation Blog.

Identity Theft ? How Can You Prevent It Happening to You?

The nightmare of identity theft strikes an estimated 750,000 people... Read More

Rewards Cards - Are They Right For You?

Rewards cards have become the latest rage in the credit... Read More

Fixing A Credit Report

Fixing a credit report starts with seeing what's on it.... Read More

What Are The Most Common Credit Card Mistakes?

Now in a world with so many easy to get... Read More

Getting Your Credit Report and Understanding Whats On It

If you intend to apply for a loan, you need... Read More

Tired Of Being Broke?...Learn How To Force Banks To Give You Money!

Imagine...obtaining credit that's incredibly easy...opening doors of opportunity you never... Read More

Errors on Your Credit Report: What You Should Do

There are times when you may be turned down for... Read More

Why Credit Cards are a Bad Idea

Credit cards are just so convenient, aren't they? There's no... Read More

All You Wanted to Know of Bad Credit

Martin Henderson is in a fix these days. Because of... Read More

10 Step Credit Repair Guide

The process of clearing credit can be laborious and frustrating,... Read More

How Businesss Mess Up Their Credit Policies

In "Become the Squeaky Wheel" a book recently published, Michelle... Read More

Identity Theft ? Guard Your Childrens Social Security Numbers

Identity theft is a growing concern among Americans, and rates... Read More

Teaching Students To Keep Out Of Credit Card Debt - The Parents Role

Parents have the full responsibility for their children and their... Read More

Identity Theft - Dont Think You Are Immune

As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the need to regularly... Read More

Why Is It important!

Your credit is the most important thing you have other... Read More

Rebuild Your Credit the Right Way the First Time

If you are one of the millions of people out... Read More

Rate Tarts Losing Ability to Cherry Pick

A "rate tart" is someone who switches from one zero... Read More

Learn The Truth About Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, according... Read More

10 Ways of Reducing the Risk of Identity Theft

1- Check your credit report regularly2- Secure personal information in... Read More

Do you Know the Benefits of Checking your Credit Report?

Do you know why you should check your credit report?Of... Read More

Credit Card Traps: How To Spot Them On The Spot!

They arrive in your mail - a conspicuous looking mail... Read More

Simplifying Your Search For a New Credit Card

Today, selecting the proper credit card can be a bit... Read More

Credit Card Rates - Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company

Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates,... Read More

Understanding the Process of Credit Counseling

Many of us have seen the advertisements on television. "Get... Read More

Credit Counseling Basics

Credit counseling is an option you might want to consider... Read More