Article: What You Should Know About Your Credit Score
Get To Know Your Credit Score
Having good credit is important and can affect many areas of your life. It is important to monitor your credit report and make sure you’re taking steps to establish and maintain a good credit score.
Important facts about your credit score
- Check your score annually. The only truly free place to check your credit report is at www.annualcreditreport.com. Do yourself a favor, protect your credit and identity by reviewing your report from each of the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every year.
- Check your credit report. Your score is different each month and with each lender, so focusing on your credit report is a better use of your time. Make sure your report is accurate, as well as a good reflection of your long-term financial goals. Think of it as your financial reference.
- Pay your bills on time. Of the few key elements that make up your FICO credit score – the single most important is paying all bills on time. This component is responsible for more than 30% of your score.
- Available credit is key. Another 30% of your credit score is based on how much of your credit you use compared to how much you have available. The more you have available, and the less you use, the better it is for your score.
Learn more about your credit report
- For more insights, check out the Credit Scores and Reports module in our Financial Education Center
- How to get a free credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com
- Importance of Credit History and Successful Saving
- Boost Your Credit Score
Join us for one of our free financial workshops:
- Make the Most of Your Credit
- Establish Your Credit
- Using Credit Cards Wisely
Check our workshop page for these and other upcoming workshops.
Work with one of our financial coaches
Enjoy free financial coaching from a helpful, trusted, experienced Advantis staff member — over the phone or in a branch. Have a conversation about the smart way to build and maintain healthy credit. Learn more and schedule your appointment today.
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