My credit score is 792 … right now. The score changes every now and then based on all the factors considered in determining your score.

If you don’t know yours, you can get a free credit score ^[2] from GoFreeCredit.com. After you get your score, like me, you’ll know how lenders see you.

What EXACTLY is a “credit score?”

A credit score is a number that summarizes your credit risk based on a snapshot of your credit report as of a particular point in time. Most scoring systems use a range of 300-850 with the higher the score, the lower the risk of default to the lender.

What are the components of a credit score?

Your credit score is made up of five main categories of information that scoring companies ^[2] evaluate They are weighted as follows:

^[3]

• Payment history (35%) – Do you pay your bills on time and in full?
• Amounts owed (30%) – Are you over extended?
• Length of credit history (15%) – Have you been doing this a while?
• New credit (10%) – Are you mysteriously looking for more and more credit?
• Types of credit used (10%) – Are you experienced with more than one type?

^[4]

Do different lenders score things differently (mortgage lenders vs. car loan lenders)?
Lenders don’t determine how credit is scored. Lenders decide how credit scores, such as the scores from GoFreeCredit ^[2], are used in the loan process. For a lender, how scores are used typically depends on: 1) the credit products being offered; and 2) the amount of financial risk the lender is willing to assume.

What is a good credit score? Above 650, 700, 750?
That’s hard to say because most lenders differ in their lending strategies. What one lender deems to be a good score (indicating low risk) could be seen as too risky by another lender. To get an idea of what scores are considered good by mortgage ^[5] and auto lenders, the My Fico home page features a table that matches FICO scores with the loan rates currently being offered by lenders.

Does anyone else use my score?

You better believe it. That’s why it’s so foolish to ignore your score and stick your head in the sand, claiming that “since you don’t plan to use credit, your score is of no consequence.” Your credit score ^[6] is used by car insurance ^[7] companies, potential employers, and homeowners insurance ^[8] companies. Your bank may access it should you decide to open a checking account.

Your credit score IS very important, regardless of what the self-professed gurus say. Let it plummet to 400 and see how your life changes! Your car insurance ^[7] rates will probably increase, you may have trouble finding a job (especially one where you handle money or come anywhere near it), and you may even have trouble opening a bank account. Maintaining a good credit score ^[2] is just one measure of maturity and fiscal responsibility.

About the author

Ron has written 1082 articles on The Wisdom Journal.

The founder and editor of The Wisdom Journal ^[9] in 2007, Ron has worked in banking, distribution, retail, and upper management for companies ranging in size from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations. He graduated Suma Cum Laude from a top MBA program and currently is a partner in a national building materials company.

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