Credit Reports & Credit Scores

Anyone who has ever applied for a credit card, loan or cell phone has encountered their credit scores. But how much do you really know about scores?

A major change to the FICO credit score formula was announced by Fair Isaac Corporation in early June. FICO scores will no longer factor authorized user accounts into their credit scoring formulas. Read about the impact of this change on your credit scores.

This step-by-step guide shows you the best way to correct inaccurate information on your credit reports. First, check the expiration dates of the records. Next, customize our sample dispute letter and send your correction to the credit bureaus. Get started now!

The first in a series of five articles that will identify areas you can work on to improve your credit standing.

Can reducing your debt balances boost your credit scores? Part two in the Credit Improvement series.

A healthy balance of credit and loan accounts on your credit report is great for your credit scores. Part three of the Credit Improvement series.

Lenders look at how long you have been using credit when determining your credit standing. Part four of the Credit Improvement series.

Each time you apply for credit, an inquiry appears on your credit report. These inquiries can have a dramatic impact on your score. Part five of the Credit Improvement series.

What is a credit report? Where does the information come from? Who uses it? All your credit report questions are answered in this article covering the basics.

Your credit data impacts a wide range of financial decisions. Inaccurate and fraudulent information on your reports could lead to costly increases in your rates. From checking your credit reports for errors to correcting these inaccuracies, this article shows you how to keep your credit reports accurate and healthy.

Did you know that you are entitled to a free credit report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion once every 12 months? In this article, Credit.com's experts show you how to order your free credit reports, hidden tricks to making the ordering process go smoothly and ideas for making the best use of this free service.

Figuring out exactly how credit scores work is problematic. Like nuclear fission, learning Chinese and setting the clock on your DVD player, credit scoring is not something that most people can easily master. In this article, our financial experts reveal secret information about late payments and how they impact your credit scores.

Starting in September 2007, FICO will ignore authorized user accounts in their new credit scoring models. Read more about the phase-in plan for this change and what it might mean for your credit.

550? 725? 680? What does your credit score mean? In this article, we show you exactly what goes into having good credit, fair credit, and bad credit. See what your credit score tells lenders and what you need to do to improve.