HOW TO FIX YOUR CREDIT

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WHAT IS YOUR CREDIT SCORE ?

Different lenders use different scoring models. So before you pay for your score, ask your lender or bank which one they’re using: Most use the FICO score, but there are others, some lenders may even be willing to share your credit score information with you for free. 

Most scores are based on a number between 375 and 900, that's calculated through a method for determining the likelihood that credit users will pay their bills. The most common scoring system is from the FICO score, Fair Isaac Corporation, an independent company that came up with an ever changing secret scoring method and software that analyzes customer habits used by banks and lenders, insurers and other businesses. Each of the three major credit bureaus worked with Fair Isaac in the early 1980's to come up with the scoring method. 
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Credit Scoring Variations: FICO vs VantageScore

While the FICO credit score is popular among lenders, the credit bureaus also use their own models. For instance, here’s a look at the different scores available out there, and where to pick them up (some products mentioned below bundle credit scores with reports):

Credit Score
Where To Buy
Cost
Range
FICO Score (TransUnion)myFICO $12.76 (sale)300 – 850
FICO Score (Equifax)myFICO$12.76 (sale)300 – 850
FICO Score (Equifax)Equifax Score Power$15.95300 – 850
Experian PlusExperian$15300 – 850
VantageScoreExperian$5.95501 – 990
(letter grade: A – F)
Credit Karma ScoreCredit KarmaFREE300 – 900

WHAT MAKES UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE ?

 l35% —Payment History (only payments later than 30 days past due)

l30% — Outstanding debt, the ratio of current revolving debt
(credit card balances, etc.) to total available revolving credit (credit limits)
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15% — Length of credit history
l10% — Mix of credit used (revolving and installment)
l10% —Hard inquiries for new credit and/or amount of credit obtained recently

Credit Score Graph