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The number of places that take your credit score into consideration when you want something is increasing geometrically. It is used more and more to evaluate you as a person when you apply for a new job. It is used by many of the car insurance companies to evaluate how much to charge you for car insurance, with alleged statistical proof that those consumers with low credit scores file more claims. And your credit score is used to determine the interest rate when you apply for a loan or a mortgage. Although this should be common knowledge amongst consumers, it is not for the most part, which is cause for concern. Teens and college students should definitely be aware of how this works, since the use of credit scores is going to become even more prevalent when they get into the outside world. There are things you can do to raise your credit score. This is not about doing anything illegal or bombarding the credit bureaus with hate mail or threats, but it is simply a matter of having the knowledge of how a credit score is calculated by the credit bureaus, and what steps you can take to allow your credit score to be calculated as a higher number. When it comes to teaching young people about credit, there's no shortage of ideas on what to tell them. A credit score is computed by the credit bureaus based on your credit history and credit profile. Each credit bureau computes a different number for you because they each have a snapshot view of your credit. Not one of them has the complete picture since they do not share information. A credit score is also known as a FICO score, and for most intents and purposes, the two terms are interchangeable. Things you need to understand about your credit history, your credit usage, and how to improve your credit score would include: Don't use credit when you can use cash Credit cards are sometimes viewed, especially by teens, as free money. There is absolutely nothing free about it. You are paying interest on that money, and the amount of interest you pay is your "rent" for that money. Don't pay rent if you don't have to. Studies have also shown that people who buy on credit spend 40-50% more than if they had paid cash, just because they can. Don't max out your account Nothing raises a red flag quicker or lowers your credit score more quickly than having one or more credit cards maxed out or nearly maxed out. This indicates that you are living near your financial edge. If you do carry a balance from month to month, try to keep your outstanding balance to about 25-30% of your credit limit to avoid having negative credit score points applied to your calculation. Make payments on time consistently Make 110% sure that you pay your bills on time every month. If your payment is due by the 10th of the month, make sure you mail it by the 3rd or 4th since it will take time to get there by US mail, then be posted to your account. Even better, many banks offer a bill pay service at no charge, so you can go online to make your payment and not even invest in a postage stamp. Following these tips on a regular basis will help you save money as well as raising your credit score over time. A higher credit score will definitely be worth your time to create. For more insights and additional information about how to Raise Your Credit Score as well as getting free copies of your credit reports, please visit our web site at http://www.credit-help-center.com
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credit score, fico score, credit history, credit bureaus,
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