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The Ins and Outs of a Credit Score

June 3, 2016 at 2:08 PM

A credit score is more than just a financial “grade.” The rating represents something much more important, and could have a big impact on your wallet. Many first-time homebuyers are curious about improving credit scores, and how that will come into play when applying for a loan. Credit bureaus like Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, crunch your personal financial data using an algorithm, or a financial model, to determine your creditworthiness. This analysis, in theory, can predict your ability, or inability, to pay your future debts. Understandably so, the information is invaluable when applying for loans.

Unlike the suggested movies “you might like” on Netflix, this algorithm output cannot be ignored. The score is a direct reflection of your credit history, which is a financial inventory of things you’ve paid for. Credit cards, past loans, government information are all sources that make up your history. Other information includes the number of credit cards and loans you have and if you pay your bills on time.

Your credit report is a little different. It includes personal information, including your social security number, the amount you owe and if you have been late, or delinquent, on a payment. Businesses and lending institutions want to know all about your creditworthiness and your credit score.

Credit scores are calculated by:

When it’s all added up, your score is an important factor in getting a loan and securing a competitive interest rate/APR. A difference of one percentage point can mean thousands of dollars of interest paid over the life of a loan. It’s a big deal, and luckily for you, you can do something about your credit score.

But first, let’s see how credit scores stack up.

What’s a Good Credit Score?

Excellent credit is generally a score 720 and above; good credit is 660 to 719; fair credit is 620 to 659 and anything 619 and below is considered poor standing. Let’s break it down even more.

Those with the best credit score, 800 and above, are said to be 1-percenters. (Remember, credit scores do not take into account your income, or even employment history). That is, of those with this exceptional FICO score, only 1 percent are likely to delinquent on their bills, according to Experian. They are also likely to experience an easy path to a loan with excellent terms.

Tips to Boost Your Credit Score

Now, here are some actual things you can do to boost your score.