Method and apparatus for explaining credit scores

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20040199456
  • Publication Number
    20040199456
  • Date Filed
    February 22, 2001
    24 years ago
  • Date Published
    October 07, 2004
    21 years ago
Abstract
A Web site is provided that contains an array of informative resources including for-pay services and extranet functions to serve consumers and traditional players in the financial services industry, including financial counselors, mortgage brokers, direct lenders, large national credit issuers, and third-party credit report re-sellers, plus information seekers such as the press, consumer groups, and government agencies. A primary focus is to educate consumers, consumer groups, and the consumer press by offering them access to the exceptionally high-quality information, both general and personal, about the practices of collection, storing, reporting, and evaluating consumer credit data.
Description


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field


[0002] The invention relates to credit scoring. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for explaining credit scores.


[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art


[0004] Recent events have made it desirable for developers of credit scoring algorithms, such as Fair, Isaac and Company, Inc. of San Rafael, Calif. to move toward offering a service to deliver credit bureau risk scores and explanations directly to consumers and lenders. Consumer advocacy groups and credit counseling organizations have provided positive feedback on these announced intentions. Additionally, credit scoring developers clients, i.e. the credit grantors themselves, have expressed their understanding of the need to pursue this undertaking. Most organizations are comfortable that each credit scoring developer, such as Fair, Isaac, is the only entity in the market that can actively take on the role of credit score delivery and explanation.


[0005] A comprehensive score delivery and explanation service should include all of the following pieces:


[0006] 1. Credit scores delivered to consumers.


[0007] 2. The primary reason codes that describe why the score was not higher.


[0008] 3. The consumer's credit bureau report from which the score was calculated to allow them to cross-reference the information with his/her actual credit report.


[0009] 4. A personalized score explanation that describes to that consumer, in plain language, how their individual score was derived. This explanation service can be further enhanced using data elements present in the consumer's credit report.


[0010] Given the desirability of providing such information to consumers, it would be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus for explaining credit scores.



SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a Web site containing an array of informative resources including for-pay services and extranet functions to serve consumers and traditional players in the financial services industry, including financial counselors, mortgage brokers, direct lenders, large national credit issuers, and third-party credit report re-sellers, plus information seekers such as the press, consumer groups, and government agencies. A primary focus is to educate consumers, consumer groups, and the consumer press by offering them access to the exceptionally high-quality information, both general and personal, about the practices of collection, storing, reporting, and evaluating consumer credit data.







BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]
FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram showing targeted users, access and entry points, and services provided by myFICO.com according to the invention;


[0013]
FIGS. 2

a
-2d are display screens showing a new member introduction for a credit score explanation service according to the invention;


[0014]
FIGS. 3

a
-3f are display screens showing a new member signup for a credit score explanation service according to the invention;


[0015]
FIG. 4 is a display screen showing a credit score explanation request in a credit score explanation service according to the invention;


[0016]
FIG. 5 is a display screen showing a confirmation for a credit score explanation request in a credit score explanation service according to the invention;


[0017]
FIG. 6 is an example which illustrates several of the pre-processing needs for reason codes according to the invention; and


[0018]
FIGS. 7

a
-7d are display screens which include a graph showing a consumer's credit score relative to the national population according to the invention.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The herein described credit score explanation service may be implemented in any of several embodiments, as are described herein. The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a Web site containing an array of informative resources including for-pay services and extranet functions to serve consumers and traditional players in the financial services industry, including financial counselors, mortgage brokers, direct lenders, large national credit issuers, and third-party credit report re-sellers, plus information seekers such as the press, consumer groups, and government agencies. A primary focus is to educate consumers, consumer groups, and the consumer press by offering them access to the exceptionally high-quality information, both general and personal, about the practices of collection, storing, reporting, and evaluating consumer credit data.


[0020] The working title of the Fair, Isaac and Company (FICO) Web presence is myFICO (myfico.com) because the most visible elements of the service are aimed directly at consumers who want to learn about their own FICO score.


[0021] Although the on-demand receipt of FICO scores is thought to be the primary draw to the site (based on consumer interest and press coverage), the invention also offers access to additional valuable services, such as registration in an opt-in/opt-out database, the ability to initiate requests for credit investigations, the ability to link to consumer credit counseling services should scores be low and represent high risk, and the ability to access multiple reports from different repositories upon request. These services heighten the level of consumer education, and also offer individuals access to information, actions, and preferences they have not had previously.


[0022] An additional benefit is to use myFICO.com to supply the consumer with their score and if that score is sufficient to pass the cutoff scores of specific brokers or lenders, the credit scoring developer can pass the consumer's name, application, and credit score on to the lender for consideration. The invention allows the credit scoring developer to build broker networks to refer these applicants to lenders who would approve them. The credit scoring developer can also link the applicants' email address to credit companies who wish to pre-approve and solicit these consumers based on score. This is a much more cost effective origination process (via email) than direct mail today.


[0023]
FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram showing targeted users, access and entry points, and services provided by myFICO.com 10. Access by consumers 12 may be through a credit reporting agency 13, using an identification verification process to access credit score reports 17, for opt-in/opt-out requests 16, to access a report service 18, and to initiated on line investigations 19; through a secure, one time connection 15 for one-off credit score reports 20; or through an entirely anonymous access method 14 (the latter also allows access by government agencies 22) for consumer oriented information 21. The invention also provides an extranet logon facility 25 to credit score reports 37 for such users as financial counselors 24, mortgage brokers 26, and direct lenders 27; an automated application service provider entry 29 to credit score reports 30 and other reports 31 for such users as large credit issuers 28, on line financial service providers 32, and credit report resellers 33; and repository access 35 to credit score reports and other reports 36 for repository consumer representatives 34 and credit report resellers 33.


[0024] Score Explanation Service


[0025] A first embodiment of a Web-based score explanation service requires only the, credit bureau identifier, credit score and up to four reason codes as input. A proprietary algorithm is used to provide an explanation of the primary factors influencing the score. This algorithm can be enhanced depending upon the amount of input data available although the use of the enhanced algorithm itself is optional and not considered to be a key element of the subject invention. Accordingly, one skilled in the art may substitute any appropriate mechanism for explaining credit score results, such as selecting reason codes based upon the credit score range and reason codes supplied with the credit report. In addition, the system furnishes suggestions about how the individual's credit standing can be improved over time. The result of the service is an explanation report that is provided to the requester over the Web.


[0026]
FIGS. 2

a
-2d are display screens showing a new member introduction for a credit score explanation service according to the invention; FIGS. 3a-3f are display screens showing a new member signup for a credit score explanation service according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a display screen showing a credit score explanation request in a credit score explanation service according to the invention; and FIG. 5 is a display screen showing a confirmation for a credit score explanation request in a credit score explanation service according to the invention. An example of a credit score explanation report is provided below.


[0027] The target audience for the score explanation service is lenders and brokers, although consumers who have been provided their score plus the reason codes by a broker can access it directly as well.


[0028] Enhanced Score Explanations


[0029] To enhance the richness of the explanation contained in the report, additional information is required. A credit bureau risk score development database is used to develop benchmark characteristics, and to enhance further the explanation algorithm. These characteristics (score and other credit report attributes) provide a national/regional basis upon which to compare individual score and attribute information. The requester of the explanation service is better served if the information provided in the explanation is pertinent to the individual versus general information. To the degree that individualized analysis data and recommendations are provided the value of the service offering is enhanced through the use of an enhanced algorithm.


[0030] Score, Report, and Explanation Delivery Service


[0031] This offering is targeted directly to the end consumer. This is a bundled service offering providing the credit score, the credit report from which the score was calculated, and a score explanation service. The explanation is further enhanced, using an enhanced algorithm to identify the specific information on the consumer credit profile that gave rise to the score and provides more precise actions for improving the credit risk profile and the credit score over time.


[0032] Score, Report, and Explanation Delivery Service From Multiple Credit Reports


[0033] This offering is targeted directly to the end consumer, most probably contemplating or in the midst of a mortgage shopping experience where multiple bureau reports and scores are accessed by lenders. This is a bundled service offering providing the credit score from all credit repositories, the credit reports from all credit repositories, and score explanations for all three scores. This also includes a discussion about why the scores are different across credit repositories and (optionally) the sources of those differences.


[0034] Enhancements


[0035] Other services, such as registration in the opt-in/opt-out lists, on-line requests to initiate investigations of credit report data elements, links to consumer credit counseling or to lenders are provided as enhancements of the offering. Also, explanations and delivery of other credit bureau scores, including insurance bureau scores, and even other developer scores can be included.


[0036] Access


[0037] Access to the service is preferably through the Web and preferably through a dedicated site, such as the Fair, Isaac Web site myFICO.com.


[0038] Users of the Service


[0039] This service is preferably offered to the financial services and direct to consumer markets, including:


[0040] Lenders;


[0041] Consumers;


[0042] Other Credit Repositories; and


[0043] Third Party Distribution Channel (e-ports and brokers).


[0044] Lenders subscribe to the service by accessing a Web site and entering credit bureau identifier, score and reason code information and receiving a credit score explanation. In other embodiments of the invention, the credit score, reason codes, and the underlying credit report upon which the score was calculated must be transmitted to a Web site, such as myFICO.com. The Web site has an agency agreement with the lender providing permissible purpose to access the consumer file.


[0045] Benefits to lenders include:


[0046] 1) institutions are able to use the score explanation as a means of providing and supporting score disclosure if and when mandated by law; and


[0047] 2) lenders are able to use the score explanation service as a means of differentiating their service/product offering from that of their competitors.


[0048] Consumers have access to a unique offering that includes the credit score, the reason codes, and an individualized score explanation assessment with copies of one or multiple credit reports or credit profiles. An explanation of the credit report may also be incorporated into the delivery package, as could other additional services. Offerings such as annual consumer score update services, providing periodic score updates and or updates when new trade lines appear on the file or the appearance of excessive inquiries in a short period of time, or a fraud alert process may be included. The invention could also provide a multiple bureau solution.


[0049] Credit data repositories may also wish to avail themselves of the score explanation service to support legislative or self imposed credit score disclosure efforts. The credit data repositories should access the service provider's Web site, e.g. myFICO.com, for this service. This solution is likely to satisfy most consumer demand and reduce the talk time between consumer assistance staff and consumers on score explanation issues.


[0050] Third party distribution channel (e-port and broker) partners can also be pursued. Many of these e-sites can serve as extended distribution channels reaching much deeper more quickly into the Web than the credit reporting agency or credit scoring developer might on their own. The invention provides a way to qualify a selected number of distribution partners and have them push the score delivery and explanation service out to other Web sites through their affiliation networks. Again, the method of access requires linking to the credit scoring delivery Web site. The third party distribution channel partner might also need to provide the score and credit report as input to the Web site to enable explanation, again in an acceptable system-to-system format. It is considered preferable not to allow distribution partners to store any of the information passed back to them as it is for the exclusive use of the consumer for whom it was obtained.


[0051] Critical System Needs


[0052] To construct such a site, the following technologies and abilities are required by the endeavor:


[0053] A system for verifying an individual's identity prior to their request for a credit report and credit score to prevent fraudulent use of the services (security interface).


[0054] A payment processing function.


[0055] Fast access to the credit file and score.


[0056] A reason code pop-up menu to help the user identify the coding associated with the text-labeled reasons provided.


[0057] A body of consumer support representatives, to respond individually to consumer questions about their credit reports and credit scores, i.e. overflow from the Web-based solution and because not all transactions can be handled by a Web-based interface.


[0058] Software to construct and present the score explanation for the user.


[0059] Delivery of the actual credit report used to calculate the credit score in a CPU-to-CPU format to additional software for examining and explaining the score with greater precision.


[0060] A critical element of successfully building such a service is to protect against fraudulent attempts to access individual credit reports. Beyond ID verification, the system must use a secure data protocol, such as HTTPS, and the database of consumer information must be well protected behind firewalls.


[0061] Process Score Explanation Inputs and Presentation of Output


[0062] This is a very high-level description of the basic operation of the score explanation service.


[0063] 1. Pre-process user-supplied inputs (see below).


[0064] 2. Verify input data (see below).


[0065] 3. If there are errors or warnings, return messages to user along with pre-filled form, containing their post-pre-processed responses.


[0066] 4. If no warnings or errors are detected, proceed to step 6.


[0067] 5. If no errors are detected, but warnings are produced, e.g. unusually high or low score or fewer than two reason codes, present the warning messages on the data entry screen, offering the user a chance to revise entries. If the user re-submits the form and the same warnings would repeat, i.e. the user wishes to bypass the warnings, allow them to do so, by proceeding to step 6.


[0068] 6. Present a checkout screen to the user. This should reiterate their inputs in canonized, non-editable form, detail the charge for the service, display the name and partial account number of the credit card to be charged, and a generate report (or purchase) button.


[0069] 7. When the user hits the purchase button, pass all verified, canonized user input fields and calculated fields to explanation generation functions, which returns the report in a browser window (potentially, a new target window).


[0070] 8. Present the user with reasonable next step options, e.g. request another report, close the window, go to the score explainer home page, go to the score explainer help/FAQ page, go to the credit scoring developer's home page.


[0071] Contents of User-Visible Input Data Stream


[0072] The data entry screen takes the following inputs:


[0073] a) Bureau/Score, e.g. Equifax/BEACON or Experian/Experian/Fair, Isaac Model, or TU/EMPIRICA, [pull-down menu, initial state blank]


[0074] b) Score, e.g. 712, [field width=3]


[0075] c) Reason Code 1, e.g. 22, 10, or X, [field width=3]


[0076] d) Reason Code 2 [field width=3]


[0077] e) Reason Code 3 [field width=3]


[0078] f) Reason Code 4 [field width=3]


[0079] Pre-Processing of User-Supplied Inputs


[0080] In the following discussion, the letter in brackets [ ] refer to the contents of the user-visible input data stream described above.


[0081] Strip leading zeros and any blanks from Score [a].


[0082] Strip leading zeros and any blanks from reason codes [c-f]. If the arguments consists of digits, canonize to a two-byte, leading zero format. For example, 7 becomes 07, 022 becomes 22, 14 becomes 14, and 003 becomes 03. If the arguments are alphabetic, stripping leading and trailing blanks produces a single-byte character; also, convert to uppercase. For example, <space>X<space>becomes X, and <space><space>k becomes K.


[0083] Left-justify the array of Reason Codes [c-f]. Migrate, without permuting their order, non-blank responses upward, shifting blank values to the end of the array, as demonstrated below. For example, if codes 1, 2, and 4 are entered, but 3 is blank, swap the values in 3 and 4, resulting in 1, 2, and 3 having non-blank entries, and field 4 containing the blank. Or if 1, 2, and 3 are blank, but 4 is non-blank, move the non-blank value to field 1, and blank out field 4.


[0084]
FIG. 6 is an example which illustrates several of the pre-processing needs for reason codes.


[0085] In the example of FIG. 2, compute the number of non-blank reason codes. The functions which assemble the score explanation report depend in part on this value. It should be one of {0,1,2,3,4}.


[0086] Determine the access mode of the incoming request. The functions which assemble the score explanation report depend in part on this value. If from the data entry screen of a web browser, set Access Mode to H (by-hand entry). If the service is accessed via a system-to-system request, set Access Mode to S. The latter option is intended only for the application service provider mode of this service.


[0087] Audit Logic for Score Explanation Primary Data Entry Screen.


[0088] When a user submits the form for processing, the following rules should be applied. In the event of inappropriate entry, the interface should provide a textual response, as indicated. If possible, the partially completed form should be presented to the user with specific errors or warnings adjacent to the appropriate field. Unless otherwise noted as a WARNING, exceptions to each rule below constitute an error that should prevent the user from reaching the checkout screen. Warnings, by contrast, having been delivered once, can be overridden the second time.


[0089] Validation Rules:


[0090] 1. HTTP_REFERRER (IP number or domain name of the page containing the form just submitted) must be a member of list Valid Hosts.


[0091] 2. Login state == verified user, i.e. they have logged in with username/password).


[0092] 3. Score [a] is non-blank, numeric, and within range Low Score to High Score.


[0093] 4. Score is within Typical Range. [WARNING]


[0094] 5. Bureau ID [b] is non-blank, and one of three possible values (1, 2, or 3).


[0095] 6. Number of non-blank Reason Codes is 2, 3, or 4. [WARNING]


[0096] 7. Reason Code 1 [c] is blank, or a member of All Codes in Use.


[0097] 8. Reason Code 2 [d] is blank, or a member of Possible Codes 2-4.


[0098] 9. Reason Code 3 [e] is blank, or a member of Possible Codes 2-4.


[0099] 10. Reason Code 4 [f] is blank, or a member of Possible Codes 2-4.


[0100] 11. No two non-blank Reason Codes [c-f] are allowed to be identical.


[0101] 12. All Reason Codes [c-f] must be two digits (consecutive numerics or alpha numeric combination), or be one-byte alphabetic codes. Mixing, for example, 22, 07, and 10 with X is not permitted.


[0102] In event of validation failures, return following messages:


[0103] 1. (Unauthorized access/access denied page.)


[0104] 2. (Unauthorized access/access denied page.)


[0105] 3. Please enter a score between Low Score and High Score.


[0106] 4. [WARNING] Most consumers score in the range Typical Range. The score you have entered is possible, but unusually high or low. Please confirm that you have not mistyped the score before requesting an explanation report.


[0107] 5. Please select a bureau from the pull-down menu.


[0108] 6. [WARNING] You have entered fewer than two reason codes, which is exceptionally rare for all but the very highest scoring borrowers. Please ensure that you have entered all the reason codes that were returned with the score, in the proper order. The score explanation report will be inaccurate without all of the reason codes. See the FAQ for more information.


[0109] 7. Not a valid reason code.


[0110] 8. Not a valid reason code.


[0111] 9. Not a valid reason code.


[0112] 10. Not a valid reason code.


[0113] 11. Reason codes may not be repeated.


[0114] 12. Reason codes should be either all numeric or all alphabetic


[0115] Transaction Data to be Stored


[0116] Each time a user hits the submit button on the checkout screen, a transaction entry should be added to the transactions table. Each transaction record should include:


[0117] 1. Transaction ID (a unique system-generated key)


[0118] 2. User session ID (if the Web server makes one readily available)


[0119] 3. Date and time of transaction


[0120] 4. User ID (presumably, login name, or unique user ID #)


[0121] 5. Users host domain name or IP address


[0122] 6. HTTP_REFERRER (URL of page containing the submitted form)


[0123] 7. Browser identification (MSIE, Mozilla, AOL; v2, v3, v4, v5, etc.; Mac/PC)


[0124] 8. Access mode (one of {H,S}, where H=entered by hand, S=system-to-system)


[0125] 9. Transaction status code (0 if successful, one of 1-99 as appropriate by exception numbers listed above)


[0126] 10. core [1]


[0127] 11. Bureau ID [2]


[0128] 12. Reason Code 1[3]


[0129] 13. Reason Code 2[4]


[0130] 14. Reason Code 3[5].


[0131] 15. Reason Code 4[6]


[0132] Appendices (Data Dictionary, Lists)


[0133] Valid Hosts


[0134] fairisaac.com


[0135] <score delivery partner(s) are added to this list>


[0136] Low Score, High Score, Typical Range


[0137] Low Score=250


[0138] High=950


[0139] Typical Range=300-850


[0140] All Codes in Use


[0141] Note that there are four different lists: one for TransUnion, another for Equifax, and two for Experian (one alpha, one numeric). Bureau ID is the key to look on the correct list.


[0142] Possible Codes 2-4


[0143] All Codes in Use, minus the following entries


[0144] 22, 38, 39, 40


[0145] Note: these four codes are identical for Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion (there are a small number of codes that do not have the same meaning across the bureaus). By design, these codes, when applicable, are always returned as the first reason with the (classic) FICO scores. If 22, 38, 39, or 40 appears as the second, third, of fourth codes, something was incorrectly entered or incorrectly presented to the user.



Table A. Score Explanation Report

[0146] Note: The score explanation report below is an example of credit score explanation report that is generated by the invention. It includes statements reflecting the frequency of specific reason codes, plus other benchmarks such as the references to how much a score might be raised in light of a specific reason code being cited with the score, in anticipation of a credit reporting agency's cooperation in using the development datasets for this more detailed and personalized explanation.


[0147] Score Explanation Report Jul. 31, 2000


[0148] Credit score: 648


[0149] Source of score: Equifax (BEACON)


[0150] Reason codes: 40, 10, 14, 13


[0151] Your BEACON score: 648


[0152] The information in your Equifax credit report has been summarized in a BEACON score of 648. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national average, you are in the 27th percentile of consumers by credit risk. Although every lender has its own strategies, policies, and target markets, this score suggests that you should have little difficulty acquiring new credit, though you will probably not qualify for the very best interest rates on home loans, credit cards, or car loans. In time, you may improve your credit score and present a lower risk to creditors by following the specific guidelines discussed below.


[0153] Your Credit Score (648) Relative to the National Population (See FIGS. 7a-7d)


[0154] In addition to the score, you received four reason codes. These represent the top four reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second code had the next strongest impact, and so on. The best way to understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your score over time is to consider these top reasons.


[0155] First Reason Code: 40


[0156] Your first reason code is 40, derogatory public record or collection filed. This code is triggered by the presence of either a negative public record, such as a filing for bankruptcy, a credit-related judgment, or a tax lien, or a collection account on your Equifax credit report. If you feel this information is in error, you should contact the bureau directly to investigate the item. Presuming that this information is in fact accurate, there is really nothing you can do to improve this aspect of your credit report. As the public record or collection item ages, it will have less and less influence on your credit score. Eventually, this type of negative credit information will be purged from your record altogether. This information may remain on your report for as many as seven years (10 years if it is a bankruptcy) after the time the event took place.


[0157] This reason is quite common among U.S. consumers, appearing as the first reason on about 35% of credit files. At the same time, it is possible to achieve a fairly high credit score despite the public record or collection on your report. If the derogatory item or items are at least a few years old, you have no recent history of delinquent payments on your credit accounts, and you maintain very conservative balances on your revolving credit accounts, it is possible to score in the 40th or 50th.


[0158] The fact that this reason code was returned first indicates that your score was reduced for this factor more than any other single measure of your credit report.


[0159] Second Reason Code: 10


[0160] Your second reason code is 10, proportion of balances to credit limits on revolving accounts is too high. Basically, this is a measurement of the degree to which you have utilized the total credit limits on your credit cards, department store cards, and other revolving lines of credit. This reason is very common among U.S. borrowers, appearing 75% of the time in the top four reasons. Statistical studies of consumer credit usage have shown repeatedly a very strong correlation between a consumers revolving utilization and their likelihood of incurring serious delinquencies in the future. People who are approaching their credit limits on one or more credit cards are 12 times more likely to default on their credit payments over the next two years than people who have used up just five or 10 percent of their available credit lines. In straight terms, the lower the utilization, the better. You can improve your credit rating over time by paying down your revolving balances.


[0161] Since this is the second reason cited for your score, its reasonable that doing so may improve your credit score by a substantial amount.


[0162] Third Reason Code: 14


[0163] Your third reason code is 14, length of time accounts have been established. A frequently returned reason, this code appears in the top four reasons of nearly 35% of FICO score calculations. Empirical studies of credit repayment performance show a consistent relationship between the length of borrowers credit history and the likelihood of paying on time. Generally, the longer your history, the more points you are awarded by the FICO score. Your history is measured by examining the dates on which your credit accounts were opened. All other factors being equal, an individual with accounts going back several years will score higher than someone with only a year or two of credit history.


[0164] Opening new accounts might lower your score, since it will shorten the average length of time you have held your credit accounts. Other than that, only time will improve this component of your credit rating.


[0165] This is the third most significant reason that your score is not higher.


[0166] Fourth Reason Code: 13


[0167] The final reason code is 13, time since delinquency is too recent or unknown. This reason is cited very frequently, appearing in the top four reasons on 38% of FICO score reports. The appearance of this reason means that there is evidence of delinquent payments on one or more of your credit accounts. Among the group of consumers with some history of late payments, one of strongest predictors of future serious delinquencies is the elapsed time since the most recent late payment status. In rare cases, a delinquency is present but cannot be explicitly dated. This usually has about average risk (better than a very recent delinquency, but not as good as a very old delinquency). In most cases, however, the date of a late payment or payments are known with certainty. Barring other effects, your credit score will improve with time as your delinquency (or delinquencies) become older. Your best course of action is to get current and stay current on all of your credit obligations. Federal law requires that delinquencies remain on your credit report for no more than seven years.


[0168] This is the fourth most significant reason that your score is not higher.


[0169] Summary


[0170] Based on your score, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating your repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you might not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit. In the future, you may improve your own credit score by following these specific recommendations:


[0171] Avoid additional collections, tax liens, credit judgments and filing for bankruptcy in the future. Future instances of these negative events can only lower your score.


[0172] Decrease the revolving balances on your credit cards, department store cards, and/or revolving lines of credit. Although consolidating your balances to a single revolving account or loan may simplify your finances and help you keep your status current, such an act is not likely to predictably move your credit score up or down.


[0173] Maintain a current rating on all of your credit accounts going forward. Missed payments reported to the credit bureau in the future will almost surely lower your score. Conversely, as your historical delinquencies become older, and all other factors remaining constant, your score will most likely improve.


[0174] All other things being equal, your score will likely rise as the length of your credit history grows. Opening new credit accounts might have a negative impact on your score, especially if your credit history consists of relatively few accounts (for example, just three or four accounts).


[0175] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so its important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, its generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year, to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0176] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report in not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0177] Equifax: (800) xxx-xxxx


[0178] Experian: (888) yyy-yyyy


[0179] Trans Union: (800) zzz-zzzz


[0180] The following provides various examples of outlines, explanations, and codes that are used in connection with the presently preferred embodiment of the invention:


[0181] SKELETON: Num Reasons=0


[0182] Intro Paragraph


[0183] The information in your ______ credit report has been summarized in a ______ score of ______. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national population, you are in the ______ percentile of consumers by credit risk.


[0184] Chart with National Distribution and This Consumer's Score


[0185] Consumers with scores in these ranges are “N” times as likely to {default/repay] as people with an average scores.


[0186] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0187] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit.


[0188] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0189] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. The factors listed in the specific guidelines below will likely not impact your score by very much. Paying attention to the first and second reasons might raise your score by a few points. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0190] Summary


[0191] Use one of the following:


[0192] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0193] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit


[0194] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0195] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0196] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so it's important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, it's generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0197] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report is not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0198] Equifax: (800) 685-1111


[0199] Experian: (888) 397-3742


[0200] Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


[0201] SKELETON: Num Reasons=1


[0202] Intro Paragraph


[0203] The information in your ______ credit report has been summarized in a ______ score of ______. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national population, you are in the ______ percentile of consumers by credit risk.


[0204] Chart with National Distribution AND This Consumer's Score


[0205] Consumers with scores in these ranges are “N” times as likely to {default/repay] as people with an average scores.


[0206] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0207] In time, you may improve your credit score by following the specific guideline listed below.


[0208] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit. In summary, your credit score suggest that you represent moderate risk to lenders, but your score can improve if you follow the specific guideline listed below.


[0209] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future. You can raise your score somewhat by following the specific guideline below.


[0210] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. The factors listed in the specific guidelines below will likely not impact your score by very much. Paying attention to the first and second reasons might raise your score by a few points. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0211] In addition to your score you entered one reason code. This represents one reason your score was not higher. The first code represents the factor with the strongest negative impact on your score. The best way to understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your score over time is to consider this reason.


[0212] First Reason Code:


[0213] Your first reason is


[0214] Explanation text


[0215] The fact that this reason was returned first indicates that your score was reduced for this factor more than any other single measure of your credit report.


[0216] Actionable qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {add text in quotations at end of reason code explanation}


[0217] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0218] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0219] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0220] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0221] Summary


[0222] To improve on your score of ______ try the following recommendation


[0223] Pull from the explanations


[0224] And the append with one of the following:


[0225] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0226] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit


[0227] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0228] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0229] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so it's important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, it's generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0230] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report is not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0231] Equifax: (800) 685-1111


[0232] Experian: (888) 397-3742


[0233] Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


[0234] SKELETON: Num Reasons=2


[0235] Intro Paragraph


[0236] The information in your ______ credit report has been summarized in a ______ score of ______. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national population, you are in the ______ percentile of consumers by credit risk.


[0237] Chart with National Distribution and This Consumer's Score


[0238] Consumers with scores in these ranges are “N” times as likely to {default/repay] as people with an average scores.


[0239] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0240] In time, you may improve your credit score by following the specific guidelines listed below.


[0241] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit. In summary, your credit score suggest that you represent moderate risk to lenders, but your score can improve if you follow the specific guidelines listed below.


[0242] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future. You can raise your score somewhat by following the specific guidelines below.


[0243] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. The factors listed in the specific guidelines below will likely not impact your score by very much. Paying attention to the first and second reasons might raise your score by a few points. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0244] In addition to your score you entered two reason codes. They represent two reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second code had the next strongest impact. The best way to understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your score over time is to consider these reasons.


[0245] First Reason Code:


[0246] Your first reason is


[0247] Explanation text


[0248] The fact that this reason was returned first indicates that your score was reduced for this factor more than any other single measure of your credit report.


[0249] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0250] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0251] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0252] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0253] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0254] Second Reason code:


[0255] Your second reason is


[0256] Explanation text


[0257] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0258] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0259] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0260] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0261] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0262] Else,


[0263] Since this is the second reason cited for your score, it's reasonable that following the suggestions to improve your score may over time improve your score by a substantial amount.


[0264] Summary


[0265] To improve on your score of ______ try the following recommendations


[0266] Pull from the explanations


[0267] And the append with one of the following:


[0268] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0269] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit


[0270] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0271] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0272] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so it's important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, it's generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0273] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report is not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0274] Equifax: (800) 685-1111


[0275] Experian: (888) 397-3742


[0276] Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


[0277] SKELETON: Num Reasons=3


[0278] Intro Paragraph


[0279] The information in your ______ credit report has been summarized in a ______ score of ______. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national population, you are in the ______ percentile of consumers by credit risk.


[0280] Chart with National Distribution and This Consumer's Score


[0281] Consumers with scores in these ranges are “N” times as likely to {default/repay] as people with an average scores.


[0282] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0283] In time, you may improve your credit score by following the specific guidelines listed below.


[0284] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit. In summary, your credit score suggest that you represent moderate risk to lenders, but your score can improve if you follow the specific guidelines listed below.


[0285] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future. You can raise your score somewhat by following the specific guidelines below.


[0286] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. The factors listed in the specific guidelines below will likely not impact your score by very much. Paying attention to the first and second reasons might raise your score by a few points. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0287] In addition to your score you entered three reason codes. They represent the reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second code had the next strongest impact, and so on. The best way to understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your score over time is to consider these top reasons.


[0288] First Reason Code:


[0289] Your first reason is


[0290] Explanation text


[0291] The fact that this reason was returned first indicates that your score was reduced for this factor more than any other single measure of your credit report.


[0292] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0293] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0294] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0295] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0296] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0297] Second Reason code:


[0298] Your second reason is


[0299] Explanation text


[0300] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0301] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0302] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0303] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0304] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0305] Else,


[0306] Since this is the second reason cited for your score, it's reasonable that following the suggestions to improve your score may over time improve your score by a substantial amount.


[0307] Third Reason Code:


[0308] Your third reason is


[0309] Explanation text


[0310] This is the third most significant reason your score is not higher.


[0311] Summary


[0312] To improve on your score of ______ try the following recommendations


[0313] Pull from the explanations


[0314] And the append with one of the following:


[0315] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0316] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit


[0317] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0318] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0319] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so it's important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, it's generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0320] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report is not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0321] Equifax: (800) 685-1111


[0322] Experian: (888) 397-3742


[0323] Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


[0324] SKELETON: Num Reasons=4


[0325] Intro Paragraph


[0326] The information in your ______ credit report has been summarized in a ______ score of ______. Most U.S. consumers score between 580 and 800. Compared to the national population, you are in the ______ percentile of consumers by credit risk.


[0327] Chart with National Distribution and This Consumer's Score


[0328] Consumers with scores in these ranges are “N” times as likely to (default/repay] as people with an average scores.


[0329] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0330] In time, you may improve your credit score by following the specific guidelines listed below.


[0331] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit. In summary, your credit score suggest that you represent moderate risk to lenders, but your score can improve if you follow the specific guidelines listed below.


[0332] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future. You can raise your score somewhat by following the specific guidelines below.


[0333] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. The factors listed in the specific guidelines below will likely not impact your score by very much. Paying attention to the first and second reasons might raise your score by a few points. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0334] In addition to your score you received four reason codes. They represent the top four reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second code had the next strongest impact, and so on. The best way to understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your score over time is to consider these top reasons.


[0335] First Reason Code:


[0336] Your first reason is


[0337] Explanation text


[0338] The fact that this reason was returned first indicates that your score was reduced for this factor more than any other single measure of your credit report.


[0339] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0340] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0341] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0342] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0343] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0344] Second Reason code:


[0345] Your second reason is


[0346] Explanation text


[0347] Actionable Qualifiers for Reason Code 1 and 2 {Add Text in Quotations at End of Reason Code Explanation}


[0348] If score is (<620) and reason is *actionable, “Doing so may substantially improve your score.”


[0349] If score is (620-680) and reason is *actionable, “This has the potential to raise your score a good deal.”


[0350] If score is (680-720) and reason is *actionable, “This may raise your score somewhat although your score is already very high.”


[0351] If score is (GT 720), “You have a very good score and this should not be a concern for you.”


[0352] Else,


[0353] Since this is the second reason cited for your score, it's reasonable that following the suggestions to improve your score may over time improve your score by a substantial amount.


[0354] Third Reason Code:


[0355] Your third reason is


[0356] Explanation text


[0357] This is the third most significant reason your score is not higher.


[0358] Fourth Reason Code:


[0359] The final reason is


[0360] Explanation text


[0361] This is the fourth most significant reason that your score is not higher.


[0362] Summary


[0363] To improve on your score of ______ try the following recommendations


[0364] Pull from the explanations


[0365] And the append with one of the following:


[0366] Based on your score of {very low/low}, many lenders will view you as high risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may be limited, you should be able to find a lender who is willing to approve your loan but at higher rates.


[0367] Based on your score of {mod. Low}, many lenders may view you as a slightly higher risk than their most preferred customers. However, not all lenders are alike. Each creditor has its own unique strategy and assessment tools for evaluating repayment likelihood, as well as its own tolerance for default risk. It is likely that you will have little trouble securing credit in the future, although you may not qualify for the very best interest rates on all types of credit


[0368] Based on your score of {Moderate-Mod, High} most lenders may view you as their preferred customer. A wide array of loan products and credit card accounts will likely be available for you at attractive rates. It is likely that your mailbox frequently contains attractive offers, some of which may be suitable for your lifestyle. In summary, you have a very good score and should have no trouble obtaining credit in the future.


[0369] Based on your score of {high/very high} you will likely have your choice of credit products assuming that the other factors lenders take into account when approving credit or granting loans. Your score is a very good score. There is no such thing as a perfect score. But all things being equal, you should have a wide array of credit products available to you.


[0370] Above all, you should review your credit reports closely, to verify that that the information is accurate and complete. In many cases, your credit history may be the first thing a potential creditor wants to know about you, so it's important that the information be accurate. Even if everything appears to be correct right now, it's generally a good habit to periodically check those reports, perhaps once a year to ensure the information continues to be accurate.


[0371] If you feel that the information contained in your credit report is not accurate, you should contact the credit reporting agencies directly:


[0372] Equifax: (800) 685-1111


[0373] Experian: (888) 397-3742


[0374] Trans Union: (800) 916-8800


[0375] Explainer Reason Code Explanations


[0376] J6 (36) Length of Time Open Installment Loans Have Been Established


[0377] , “length of time open installment loans have been established”.


[0378] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the open installment loan accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest open loan, the average age of open installment loans, or both.). Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0379] X0 (46) Payments Due on Accounts


[0380] , “Payments Due on Accounts


[0381] The score measures the payments due on the accounts (revolving and installment) that are listed on your credit report. (For credit cards, the minimum payment due on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report. Note that even if you pay off your credit cards in full each and every month, your credit report may show the last billing statements minimum payment due on those accounts.) Research has shown that consumers with larger payments due on their credit accounts have greater future repayment risk than those with lower payments due. You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0382] **A3 (01) Amount Owed on Accounts is too High


[0383] , “Amount Owed on Accounts is too High”.


[0384] The score measures how much you owe on the accounts (revolving and installment) that are listed on your credit report. (For credit cards, the total outstanding balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report. Note that even if you pay off your credit cards in full each and every month, your credit report may show the last billing statement balance on those accounts.) Research has shown that consumers owing larger amounts on their credit accounts have greater future repayment risk than those who owe less. You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0385] D6 (02) Level of Delinquency on Accounts


[0386] , Level of Delinquency on Accounts.


[0387] Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. The score evaluates not only the presence of previous late payments, but also how late the payments were. For example, a payment that was 90 days late represents greater risk than a payment that was 30 days late if they occurred around the same time. But even a 30 day late payment represents substantially greater risk than no late payments at all. There is no quick fix to raise your score if the late payment on your credit report is valid. In order to improve your credit rating over time, you need to pay your bills on time. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better the score. If you have late payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. As time passes the importance of these previous late payments will gradually lessen and the score will increase—as long as you make your payments on time on all of your credit obligations, and use your available credit responsibly.


[0388] R4 (03) Too Few Bank/National Revolving Accounts


[0389] , “Too Few Bank/National Revolving Accounts”.


[0390] The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. You have slightly fewer bankcard accounts (such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) appearing on your credit report than other consumers with similar length credit histories. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0391] **P9 (03) Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High


[0392] , “Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High”.


[0393] Simply having installment loans and owing money on them does not mean you are a high-risk borrower. To the contrary, paying down installment loans is a good sign that you are able and willing to manage and repay debt, and evidence of successful repayment weighs favorably on your credit rating. The FICO score examines many aspects of your current installment loan and revolving balances. One measurement is to compare the total outstanding installment balances against the total original loan amounts. Generally, the closer the loans are to being fully paid off, the better the score. This is because research has shown that loans with more of their original balances remaining represent higher risk than loans which have been paid down more. Compared to other measurements of indebtedness, however, this has relatively limited influence on the FICO score. Your best strategy to improve your score is to pay down your installment loan or loans as quickly as possible.


[0394] T2 (04) Too Many Bank/national Revolving Accounts (EQX Only)


[0395] Too Many Bank/National Revolving Accounts.


[0396] The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. Your credit report shows more bankcard accounts (such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) than other consumers with similar length credit histories. Research has shown that consumers with a relatively large number of bankcard accounts appearing on their credit report represent higher risk compared to consumers with a more moderate number of bankcard accounts. Therefore, avoid applying for credit you don't need, or don't intend to use. (Note that closing your existing bankcard accounts will not make them disappear from your credit report immediately; therefore, closing many or all of your bankcard accounts will probably not increase the score.) The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing ALL of your accounts responsibly, and not missing any payments.


[0397] F7 (04) Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information (XPN/TU Only)


[0398] Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information.


[0399] This reason appears when no installment loan accounts appear on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0400] **T1 (05) Too Many Accounts with Balances


[0401] , “Too Many Accounts with Balances”.


[0402] Research shows that carrying balances on too many credit accounts at once is a predictor of future repayment risk. (For credit cards, note that even if you pay off your balance in full every month, your credit report may show a balance on those cards. The total balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report.) In order to improve your credit rating, pay down the balances on your credit obligations. For revolving accounts, once they are paid down keep your balances low. Note that consolidating your debt by transferring balances from many accounts onto fewer accounts will not necessarily raise your score, because the same total amount is still owed. Paying off your debt is the best way to raise your score.


[0403] T3 (06) Too Many Consumer Finance Company Accounts


[0404] Too Many Consumer Finance Company Accounts.


[0405] Research shows that consumers with consumer finance company loans appearing on their credit report represent higher risk compared to those with no consumer finance loans. Therefore, avoid applying for credit you don't need, or don't intend to use. (Note that after a consumer finance company account is closed, it will not disappear from the credit report immediately. Research shows that the presence of consumer finance company accounts on the credit report, whether open or closed, is still predictive of future repayment risk; and thus they will still be considered by the score.) The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing all of your accounts responsibly, not missing any payments, and not opening new credit accounts you don't need.


[0406] A0 (07) Account Pay History is too New to Rate


[0407] , “Account Pay History is too New to Rate”.


[0408] This reason occurs when, for all recently reported credit accounts in your credit report, none have a measurable account status. Examples of unmeasurable account status include accounts with just a few months history, accounts in dispute, accounts with a missing or blank status field, or accounts with status indicating too new to rate. The score needs history of payments on recently reported credit accounts in order to evaluate the likelihood of future payments being made on time. To improve your score you need to establish a recent history of successfully repaying credit obligations, especially by keeping account balances low and making all payments on time.


[0409] T5 (08) Too Many Inquiries Last 12 Months


[0410] , Too Many Inquiries in Last 12 Months.


[0411] Statistical studies show that consumers who are seeking new credit are riskier compared to consumers not seeking credit. This reason appears when your credit report contains credit inquiries posted as a result of your applying for new credit. Inquiries are the only information lenders have that indicates a consumer is actively seeking credit. There are many different types of inquiries that reside on your credit report. The score only considers those inquiries that were posted as a result of you actively seeking and applying for credit. Other types of inquiries, such as promotional inquiries (where a lender has pre-approved you for a credit offer) or consumer disclosure inquiries (where you have requested a copy of your own report) are not considered by the score.


[0412] In addition, the scores can identify rate shopping in the mortgage- and auto-lending environment, so that you are not penalized for inquiries related to one credit transaction.


[0413] Typically, the presence of inquiries on your credit file has only a small impact on FICO scores, carrying much less importance than delinquencies, current levels of indebtedness, and the length of time you have used credit. Thus, it is rare for this reason to appear in the top four codes for all but high scoring files. As time passes the age of your most recent inquiry will increase, and your score will rise as a result, provided you do not apply for additional credit in the meantime. Typically inquiries are purged from the credit bureau files after two years.


[0414] A common misperception is that every single inquiry will drop your score a certain number of points. This is not true. The impact of inquiries on your score will vary—depending on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will usually have a larger impact on the score for consumers with limited credit history and on consumers with previous late payment behavior. The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0415] T0 (09) Too Many Accounts Recently Opened


[0416] , “Too Many Accounts Recently Opened”.


[0417] Research shows that opening several credit accounts in a short period of time represents increased risk for future repayment—especially for consumers who do not have a long established credit history. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. The best way to improve your credit rating is by responsibly managing all of your accounts, including newly opened accounts, and not missing any payments.


[0418] **P5 (10) Proportion of Balances to Credit Limits on Bank/National Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts


[0419] , Proportion of Balances to Credit Limits on Bank/National Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts.


[0420] Research shows that owing a substantial balance on revolving accounts relative to the amount of revolving credit available to you represents increased risk. In fact, evaluation of your level of revolving debt is one of the most important factors in a credit score. The score evaluates your total balances in relation to your total available credit on revolving accounts, as well as on individual revolving accounts. For a given amount of revolving credit available, a greater amount owed indicates a greater risk, and lowers the score. (For credit cards, the total outstanding balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report. Note that even if you pay off your credit cards in full each and every month, your credit report may show the last billing statement balance on those accounts.)


[0421] Paying down your revolving account balances is a good sign that you are able and willing to manage and repay your debt, and this will increase your score. On the other hand, shifting balances among revolving accounts, opening up new revolving accounts, and closing down other revolving accounts will not necessarily improve your score, and could possibly decrease your score.


[0422] **B5 (11) Amount Owed on Revolving Accounts is too High


[0423] , “Amount Owed on Revolving Accounts is too High”.


[0424] The score measures how much you owe on the revolving accounts that are listed on your credit report. (For credit cards, the total outstanding balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report. Note that even if you pay off your credit cards in full each and every month, your credit report may show the last billing statement balance on those accounts.) Research has shown that consumers owing larger amounts on their revolving credit accounts have greater future repayment risk than those who owe less. You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0425] J8 (12) Length of Time Revolving Accounts Have Been Established


[0426] , Length of Time Revolving Accounts Have Been Established.


[0427] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the revolving accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest account, the average age of accounts, or both.). Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0428] K0 (13) Time Since Delinquency is too Recent or Unknown


[0429] , “Time Since Delinquency is too Recent or Unknown”.


[0430] Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. The score evaluates not only the presence of previous late payments, but also how recently the missed payments occurred. In general, the more recently a payment was missed, the greater the risk, and the lower the score. There is no quick fix to raise your score if the late payment on your credit report is valid. (Credit account delinquencies stay on your report for up to seven years. Note that closing an account on which you had previously missed a payment does not make the late payment disappear from your credit report.) In order to improve your credit rating over time, you need to pay your bills on time. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better the score. If you have late payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. As time passes the importance of these previous late payments will gradually lessen and the score will increase—as long as you make your payments on time on all of your credit obligations, and use your available credit responsibly.


[0431] In rare cases, evidence of a past missed payment on a credit account is present on the credit report, but the date of the late payment cannot be determined exactly. The occurrence of such undateable credit account delinquency on a credit report still represents greater risk than never having missed a payment at all, and thus it will still affect the score.


[0432] JO (14) Length of Time Accounts Have Been Established


[0433] , Length of Time Accounts Have Been Established.


[0434] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest account, the average age of accounts, or both.) Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0435] F5 (15) Lack of Recent Bank/National Revolving Information


[0436] , “Lack of Bank Revolving Information”.


[0437] This reason appears when no bankcard accounts (such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) appear on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0438] G1 (16) Lack of Recent Revolving Account Information


[0439] , Lack of Recent Revolving Account Information.


[0440] This reason appears when no revolving accounts (such as retail credit cards, bank or national credit cards, etc.) appear on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0441] G4 (17) No Recent Non-Mortgage Balance Information


[0442] , “No Recent Non-Mortgage Balance Information”.


[0443] This reason occurs when all credit accounts (except possibly a mortgage loan) appearing on the credit report, are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. Research shows that consumers who use credit very moderately (and make all their payments on time) have slightly better repayment risk on new accounts than those who have not been using credit at all for some time. Note that it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a recent history of successful credit usage, and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly.


[0444] M1 (18) Number of Accounts with Delinquency


[0445] , “Number of Accounts with Delinquency”.


[0446] The appearance of this reason indicates that there is past or present evidence of late payments on one or more of your credit obligations. Late payments on existing credit accounts is a very powerful predictor of future repayment risk on your credit obligations. There is no quick fix to improve the score if these reported late payments are valid. However, as these missed payments age and fall off the credit report (late payments stay on your report for up to seven years), their impact on the score will gradually decrease. In the meantime, it is important to pay all your credit obligations on time, in order to avoid any additional missed payments appearing on our credit report.


[0447] **R0 (19) Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed


[0448] , “Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed”.


[0449] There are two possible reasons why this code appears with a score. The first possibility is if one or more of your accounts is presently being reported in delinquent status, or your report shows evidence of missed payments in the past. Your credit report needs to show that you pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Second, if no missed payments appear on your credit report, and this reason appears with your score, then your score would be improved by adding more successful repayment history to your record. Research shows that consumers with a moderate number of successfully paid accounts appearing on their credit report have better future repayment risk than relatively inexperienced credit consumers i.e. those with just a few prior credit accounts on file.


[0450] D1 (19) Date of Last Inquiry too Recent


[0451] , “Date of Last Inquiry too Recent”.


[0452] Statistical studies show that consumers with more recent inquiries who (evidence of seeking new credit) are riskier compared to consumers not seeking credit. This reason appears when your credit report contains recent credit inquiries posted as a result of your applying for new credit. Inquiries are the only information lenders have that indicates a consumer is actively seeking credit. There are many different types of inquiries that reside on your credit report. The score only considers those inquiries that were posted as a result of you actively seeking and applying for credit. Other types of inquiries, such as promotional inquiries (where a lender has pre-approved you for a credit offer) or consumer disclosure inquiries (where you have requested a copy of your own report) are not considered by the score.


[0453] In addition, the scores can identify rate shopping in the mortgage- and auto-lending environment, so that you are not penalized for inquiries related to one credit transaction.


[0454] Typically, the presence of inquiries on your credit file has only a small impact on FICO scores, carrying much less importance than delinquencies, current levels of indebtedness, and the length of time you have used credit. Thus, it is rare for this reason to appear in the top four codes for all but high scoring files. As time passes the age of your most recent inquiry will increase, and your score will rise as a result, provided you do not apply for additional credit in the meantime. Typically inquiries are purged from the credit bureau files after two years.


[0455] A common misperception is that every single inquiry will drop your score a certain number of points. This is not true. The impact of inquiries on your score will vary—depending on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will usually have a larger impact on the score for consumers with limited credit history and on consumers with previous late payment behavior. The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0456] K1 (20) Time Since Derogatory Public Record or Collection is too Short


[0457] , “Length of Time Since Derogatory Public Record or Collection is too Short”.


[0458] For the group of consumers with derogatory public records or collection agency references on their credit reports, a strong predictor of future repayment risk is the recency of the item. All other factors being equal, your credit score will improve with time as your derogatory public record or collection item becomes older. There is no quick fix to raise your score if the derogatory item on your credit report is valid. Your best course of action to improve your credit rating is to get caught up on back payments and stay current on all of your credit obligations. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Federal law requires that derogatory public records and collection items remain on your credit report for no more than seven years (10 years for certain bankruptcy information). Note that satisfying or paying off a collection item or derogatory public record does not make it disappear from your credit report. Research shows that the fact that it occurred is still predictive of future repayment risk, and thus it will still be considered by the score.


[0459] **B6 (21) Amount Past Due on Accounts


[0460] , “Amount Past Due on Accounts.


[0461] This reason appears when there is evidence of recently missed payments on your credit report. If one of your accounts is presently being reported in delinquent status, the amount past due on the account is indicated on your credit report. Research shows that future repayment risk increases greatly with past due amounts; and the greater the past due amount, the higher the risk. In order to improve your credit rating you need to pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due amount is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0462] No New Mapping 22 Serious Delinquency, Derogatory Public Record, or Collection Filed


[0463] , “Serious Delinquency, Derogatory Public Record, or Collection Filed.


[0464] This reason occurs when there is a derogatory public record, collection agency reference, or serious delinquency (late payment on a credit account) on your credit report. Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record, collection item, or serious credit account delinquency appearing on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report (derogatory public records, collection items, and credit account delinquencies stay on your report for up to seven years, with some bankruptcy records remaining for up to 10 years), their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off a collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report. Research shows that the fact that it occurred is still predictive of future repayment risk, and thus it will still be considered by the score.


[0465] **M6 (23) Number of Bank/National Revolving Accounts with Balances


[0466] , “Number of Bank or National Revolving Accounts with Balances”.


[0467] A bank or national revolving account includes Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and similar accounts. Research shows that carrying balances on too many bankcards at once is a predictor of future repayment risk. (Note that even if you pay off your balance in full every month, your credit report may show a balance on those cards. The total balance on your last statement is generally the amount that will show in your credit report.) In order to improve your credit rating, pay down those credit card balances. And once they are paid down, keep your balances lower on credit cards and other “revolving debt. Note that consolidating your debt by transferring balances from many cards onto fewer cards will not necessarily raise your score, because the same total amount is still owed. Paying off your debt is the best way to raise your score.


[0468] G6 (24) No Recent Revolving Balances


[0469] , “No Recent Revolving Balances.


[0470] The score evaluates the types of credit currently in use, or that you have successfully used in the past, and will consider the mix of retail cards, bankcards, and installment loans appearing on your credit report. In general, demonstrating the ability to moderately and responsibly use revolving credit accounts will boost the score slightly. Research shows that consumers with very moderate usage of revolving credit accounts (i.e. charging low balances and repaying them on time) have slightly better repayment risk than those who do not use revolving credit at all.


[0471] J4 (25) Length of Time Installment Loans Have Been Established


[0472] , Length of Time Installment Loans Have Been Established.


[0473] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the installment loan accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest loan, the average age of installment loans, or both.). Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0474] M8 (26) Number of Bank/National Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts (I/O Only)


[0475] , “Number of Bank Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts.


[0476] If this reason is appearing, most likely your score is fairly high, in which case you should have an excellent chance of being approved for credit, and receiving favorable terms. You have slightly fewer bank or national credit card accounts (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) appearing on your credit report than other consumers with relatively high scores.


[0477] R0 (27) Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed


[0478] , “Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed”.


[0479] There are two possible reasons why this code appears with a score. The first possibility is if one or more of your accounts is presently being reported in delinquent status, or your report shows evidence of missed payments in the past. Your credit report needs to show that you pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Second, if no missed payments appear on your credit report, and this reason appears with your score, then your score would be improved by adding more successful repayment history to your record. Research shows that consumers with a moderate number of successfully paid accounts appearing on their credit report have better future repayment risk than relatively inexperienced credit consumers i.e. those with just a few prior credit accounts on file.


[0480] **N2 (28) Number of Established Accounts


[0481] , “Number of Established Accounts”.


[0482] This reason may appear with credit reports with relatively short credit histories, but which have an unusually high number of credit accounts for such a young file. This reason may also appear with older credit files which have an unusually high number of credit accounts on file. Research has shown that consumers with a relatively large number of credit accounts appearing on their credit report represent higher risk compared to consumers with a more moderate number of credit accounts. Therefore, avoid applying for credit you don't need, or don't intend to use. (Note that closing your existing accounts will not make them disappear from your credit report immediately.) The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing ALL of your accounts responsibly, and not missing any payments.


[0483] G3 (29) No Recent Bank/National Revolving Balances


[0484] 29, “No Recent Bankcard Balances”.


[0485] The score evaluates the types of credit currently in use, or that you have successfully used in the past, and will consider the mix of retail cards, bankcards, and installment loans appearing on your credit report. In general, demonstrating the ability to moderately and responsibly use bank or national revolving accounts (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) will boost the score slightly. Research shows that consumers with very moderate usage of bankcard accounts (i.e. charging low balances and repaying them on time) have slightly better repayment risk than those who do not use bankcard credit at all.


[0486] D1 (29) Date of Last Inquiry too Recent


[0487] “Date of Last Inquiry too Recent”.


[0488] Statistical studies show that consumers with more recent inquiries who (evidence of seeking new credit) are riskier compared to consumers not seeking credit. This reason appears when your credit report contains recent credit inquiries posted as a result of your applying for new credit. Inquiries are the only information lenders have that indicates a consumer is actively seeking credit. There are many different types of inquiries that reside on your credit report. The score only considers those inquiries that were posted as a result of you actively seeking and applying for credit. Other types of inquiries, such as promotional inquiries (where a lender has pre-approved you for a credit offer) or consumer disclosure inquiries (where you have requested a copy of your own report) are not considered by the score.


[0489] In addition, the scores can identify rate shopping in the mortgage- and auto-lending environment, so that you are not penalized for inquiries related to one credit transaction.


[0490] Typically, the presence of inquiries on your credit file has only a small impact on FICO scores, carrying much less importance than delinquencies, current levels of indebtedness, and the length of time you have used credit. Thus, it is rare for this reason to appear in the top four codes for all but high scoring files. As time passes the age of your most recent inquiry will increase, and your score will rise as a result, provided you do not apply for additional credit in the meantime. Typically inquiries are purged from the credit bureau files after two years.


[0491] A common misperception is that every single inquiry will drop your score a certain number of points. This is not true. The impact of inquiries on your score will vary—depending on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will usually have a larger impact on the score for consumers with limited credit history and on consumers with previous late payment behavior. The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0492] K2 (30) Time Since Most Recent Account Opening is too Short


[0493] 30, “Time Since Most Recent Account Opening is too Short”.


[0494] Research shows that consumers who have recently opened new credit accounts exhibit slightly higher risk of default than those who have not. This is not an especially strong risk factor, and therefore usually means the difference of no more than a few points in a consumers FICO score. As with many other elements of the FICO score, this part of the score will improve with time. To improve your score, avoid opening new credit accounts unless necessary. It is possible that opening additional new accounts may lower your score.


[0495] R2 (31) Too Few Accounts with Recent Payment Information


[0496] , “Too Few Accounts with Recent Payment Information”.


[0497] This reason may appear when the credit report shows a relative lack of credit repayment experience (i.e. credit history is short, or the number of successfully paid credit accounts is low). Research shows that consumers with more credit experience have better repayment risk than those with less experience. This reason may also appear when there is a derogatory public record, collection agency reference, or serious credit account delinquency on your report, and the number of credit accounts with recent activity being reported is low. In this case, in order to improve your credit rating you need to pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score.


[0498] A6 (31) Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts


[0499] , “Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts”.


[0500] This reason appears when there is evidence of recently missed payments on your credit report. The occurrence of late payments on existing credit accounts is a very powerful predictor of future repayment risk on your credit obligations. Research shows that the greater the balances on past due accounts, the higher the risk. In order to improve your credit rating you need to pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due balance is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0501] F7 (32) Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information


[0502] , Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information.


[0503] This reason appears when no installment loan accounts appear on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0504] **P9 (33) Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High


[0505] , “Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High”.


[0506] Simply having installment loans and owing money on them does not mean you are a high-risk borrower. To the contrary, paying down installment loans is a good sign that you are able and willing to manage and repay debt, and evidence of successful repayment weighs favorably on your credit rating. The FICO score examines many aspects of your current installment loan and revolving balances. One measurement is to compare the total outstanding installment balances against the total original loan amounts. Generally, the closer the loans are to being fully paid off, the better the score. This is because research has shown that loans with more of their original balances remaining represent higher risk than loans which have been paid down more. Compared to other measurements of indebtedness, however, this has relatively limited influence on the FICO score. Your best strategy to improve your score is to pay down your installment loan or loans as quickly as possible.


[0507] A6 (34) Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts


[0508] , “Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts”.


[0509] This reason occurs when there is evidence of recently missed payments on your credit report. The occurrence of late payments on existing credit accounts is a very powerful predictor of future repayment risk on your credit obligations. Research shows that the greater the balances on past due accounts, the higher the risk. In order to improve your credit rating you need to pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due balance is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0510] J4 (36) Length of Time Open Installment Loans Have Been Established (I/O Only).


[0511] , Length of Time Open Installment Loans Have Been Established.


[0512] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the open installment loan accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest open loan, the average age of open installment loans, or both.). Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0513] N0 (37) Number of Consumer Finance Company Accounts Established Relative to Length of Consumer Finance History


[0514] , “Number of Consumer Finance Company Accounts Established Relative to Length of Consumer Finance History”.


[0515] This reason is based on a measurement of the frequency at which you have opened new finance company loan accounts since your first finance company account was opened. (If only one finance company loan appears on your credit report, then this reason is based on how recently that account was opened.) Research shows that consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more.


[0516] D8 (38) Serious Delinquency, and Public Record or Collection Filed


[0517] , Serious Delinquency, and Public Record or Collection Filed.


[0518] This reason occurs when there is a derogatory public record or collection agency reference, as well as one or more serious delinquencies on your credit accounts, appearing on your credit report. Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record, collection item, or serious credit account delinquency appearing on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report (derogatory public records, collection items, and credit account delinquencies stay on your report for up to seven years, with some bankruptcy records remaining for up to 10 years), their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off the collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report. Research shows that the fact that it occurred is still predictive of future repayment risk, and thus it will still be considered by the score.


[0519] D7 (39) Serious Delinquency


[0520] , “Serious Delinquency”.


[0521] This reason appears when your credit report contains evidence of one or more serious delinquencies on your credit accounts. Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. There is no quick fix to improve the score if the serious delinquency indicated on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report (credit account delinquencies stay on your report for up to seven years), their impact on the score will gradually decrease.


[0522] D4 (40) Derogatory Public Record or Collection Filed


[0523] , Derogatory Public Record or Collection Filed.


[0524] This reason appears whenever there is derogatory public record or collection agency reference on your credit report. Research shows that consumers with previous late payment behavior are much more likely to exhibit similar behavior in the future. There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record or collection item on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report (derogatory public records and collection items stay on your report for up to seven years, with some bankruptcy records remaining for up to 10 years), their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off the collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report. Research shows that the fact that it occurred is still predictive of future repayment risk, and thus it will still be considered by the score.


[0525] J3 (98) Length of Time Consumer Finance Company Loans Have Been Established


[0526] “Length of Time Consumer Finance Company Loans Have Been Established.


[0527] This reason is based on a measurement of the age of the finance company loan accounts on your credit report, i.e. the age of the oldest finance company loan, the average age of finance company loans, or both. Research shows that consumers with longer credit histories have better repayment risk than those with shorter credit histories. Also, consumers who frequently open new accounts have greater repayment risk than those who do not. Therefore, only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0528] F4 (97) Lack of Recent Auto Loan Information (I/O Only)


[0529] , Lack of Recent Auto Loan Information.


[0530] This reason appears when no auto loans are found on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. (Some banks or credit unions may not indicate auto loan on such loans when they report to the credit reporting agencies.) The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history, and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0531] F3 (98) Lack of Recent Auto Finance Loan Information (I/O Only)


[0532] , Lack of Recent Auto Finance Loan Information.


[0533] This reason appears when no auto finance company loans (e.g. loans with lenders such as GMAC, Ford Motor Credit, Chrysler Financial Corp., etc.) are found on the credit report, or all such accounts are closed, or are no longer being reported by the lender. The score evaluates the types of credit in your credit history, and will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans. It is not necessary to have one of each, and it is not a good idea to open credit accounts you have no need for, or don't intend to use. To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0534] Summary Bullets


[0535] J6 (36) Length of Time Open Installment Loans Have Been Established


[0536] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0537] X0 (46) Payments Due on Accounts


[0538] You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0539] A3 (01) Amount Owed on Accounts is too High


[0540] You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0541] D6 (02) Level of Delinquency on Accounts


[0542] In order to improve your credit rating over time, you need to pay your bills on time. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better the score. If you have late payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. As time passes the importance of these previous late payments will gradually lessen and the score will increase—as long as you make your payments on time on all of your credit obligations, and use your available credit responsibly.


[0543] R4 (03) Too Few Bank/National Revolving Accounts


[0544] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0545] P9 (03) Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High


[0546] Your best strategy to improve your score is to pay down your installment loan or loans as quickly as possible.


[0547] T2 (04) Too Many Bank/National Revolving Accounts (EQX Only)


[0548] Avoid applying for credit you don't need, or don't intend to use. (Note that closing your existing bankcard accounts will not make them disappear from your credit report immediately; therefore, closing many or all of your bankcard accounts will probably not increase the score.) The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing ALL of your accounts responsibly, and not missing any payments.


[0549] F7 (04) Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information (XPN/TU Only)


[0550] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0551] T1 (05) Too Many Accounts with Balances


[0552] Paying off your debt is the best way to raise your score.


[0553] T3 (06) Too Many Consumer Finance Company Accounts


[0554] The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing all of your accounts responsibly, not missing any payments, and not opening new credit accounts you don't need.


[0555] A0 (07) Account Pay History is too New to Rate


[0556] To improve your score you need to establish a recent history of successfully repaying credit obligations, especially by keeping account balances low and making all payments on time.


[0557] T5 (08) Too Many Inquiries Last 12 Months


[0558] The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0559] T0 (09) Too Many Accounts Recently Opened


[0560] The best way to improve your credit rating is by responsibly managing all of your accounts, including newly opened accounts, and not missing any payments.


[0561] P5 (10) Proportion of Balances to Credit Limits on Bank/National Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts


[0562] Paying down your revolving account balances is a good sign that you are able and willing to manage and repay your debt, and this will increase your score. On the other hand, shifting balances among revolving accounts, opening up new revolving accounts, and closing down other revolving accounts will not necessarily improve your score, and could possibly decrease your score.


[0563] B5 (11) Amount Owed on Revolving Accounts is too High


[0564] You can improve your credit rating by paying off your debts. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed. The best advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


[0565] J8 (12) Length of Time Revolving Accounts Have Been Established


[0566] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0567] K0 (13) Time Since Delinquency is too Recent or Unknown


[0568] If you have late payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. As time passes the importance of these previous late payments will gradually lessen and the score will increase—as long as you make your payments on time on all of your credit obligations, and use your available credit responsibly.


[0569] JO (14) Length of Time Accounts Have Been Established


[0570] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0571] F5 (15) Lack of Recent Bank/National Revolving Information


[0572] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0573] G1 (16) Lack of Recent Revolving Account Information


[0574] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0575] G4 (17) No Recent Non-Mortgage Balance Information


[0576] To improve your score you need to establish a recent history of successful credit usage, and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly.


[0577] M1 (18) Number of Accounts with Delinquency


[0578] It is important to pay all your credit obligations on time, in order to avoid any additional missed payments appearing on our credit report.


[0579] R0 (19) Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed


[0580] If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score


[0581] D1 (19) Date of Last Inquiry too Recent


[0582] The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0583] K1 (20) Time Since Derogatory Public Record or Collection is too Short


[0584] Your best course of action to improve your credit rating is to get caught up on back payments and stay current on all of your credit obligations. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score


[0585] B6 (21) Amount Past Due on Accounts


[0586] If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due amount is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0587] No New Mapping 22 SERIOUS Delinquency, Derogatory Public Record, or Collection Filed


[0588] There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record, collection item, or serious credit account delinquency appearing on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report, their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off a collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report


[0589] M6 (23) Number of Bank/National Revolving Accounts with Balances


[0590] In order to improve your credit rating, pay down those credit card balances.


[0591] And once they are paid down, keep your balances lower on credit cards and other “revolving debt. Note that consolidating your debt by transferring balances from many cards onto fewer cards will not necessarily raise your score, because the same total amount is still owed. Paying off your debt is the best way to raise your score.


[0592] G6 (24) No Recent Revolving Balances


[0593] Demonstrating the ability to moderately and responsibly use revolving credit accounts will boost the score slightly.


[0594] J4 (25) Length of Time Installment Loans Have Been Established


[0595] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0596] M8 (26) Number of Bank/National Revolving or Other Revolving Accounts (I/O Only)


[0597] R0 (27) Too Few Accounts Currently Paid as Agreed


[0598] If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score


[0599] N2 (28) Number of Established Accounts


[0600] Avoid applying for credit you don't need, or don't intend to use. (Note that closing your existing accounts will not make them disappear from your credit report immediately.) The best way to improve your credit rating is by managing ALL of your accounts responsibly, and not missing any payments.


[0601] G3 (29) No Recent Bank/National Revolving Balances


[0602] Demonstrating the ability to moderately and responsibly use bank or national revolving accounts (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) will boost the score slightly.


[0603] D1 (29) Date of Last Inquiry too Recent


[0604] The most prudent action to raise your score over time is by applying for credit only when you need it.


[0605] K2 (30) Time Since Most Recent Account Opening is too Short


[0606] To improve your score, avoid opening new credit accounts unless necessary. It is possible that opening additional new accounts may lower your score.


[0607] R2 (31) Too Few Accounts with Recent Payment Information


[0608] In order to improve your credit rating you need to pay your bills on time. If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score.


[0609] A6 (31) Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts


[0610] If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due balance is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0611] F7 (32) Lack of Recent Installment Loan Information


[0612] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0613] P9 (33) Proportion of Loan Balances to Loan Amounts is too High


[0614] Your best strategy to improve your score is to pay down your installment loan or loans as quickly as possible.


[0615] A6 (34) Amount Owed on Delinquent Accounts


[0616] If you have missed payments, get caught up on back payments and stay current. The longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. Note that closing an account on which a past due balance is still owed does not make it disappear from your credit report.


[0617] J4 (36) Length of Time Open Installment Loans Have Been Established (I/O Only).


[0618] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0619] N0 (37) Number of Consumer Finance Company Accounts Established Relative to Length of Consumer Finance History


[0620] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more.


[0621] D8 (38) Serious Delinquency, and Public Record or Collection Filed


[0622] There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record, collection item, or serious credit account delinquency appearing on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report, their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off the collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report


[0623] D7 (39) Serious Delinquency


[0624] There is no quick fix to improve the score if the serious delinquency indicated on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report, their impact on the score will gradually decrease.


[0625] D4 (40) Derogatory Public Record or Collection Filed


[0626] There is no quick fix to improve the score if the derogatory public record or collection item on your credit report is valid. However, as these age and fall off the credit report, their impact on the score will gradually decrease. Note that satisfying or paying off the collection item or derogatory public record will not result in this information being removed from your credit report.


[0627] J3 (98) Length of Time Consumer Finance Company Loans Have Been Established


[0628] Only apply for needed credit and wait before you apply for more. All other factors being equal, your score is likely to improve as your credit history ages.


[0629] F4 (97) Lack of Recent Auto Loan Information (I/O Only)


[0630] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.


[0631] F3 (98) Lack of Recent Auto Finance Loan Information (I/O Only)


[0632] To improve your score you need to establish a credit history with several types of loan or account relationships and demonstrate that you can manage credit responsibly. Over time you will build a history which demonstrates your ability to manage different types of credit.



Exemplary Implementation

[0633] The Following Tables Providea Detailed Description of an Exemplary Implementaion fo the Invention.


[0634] List of Tables Contained Below


[0635] Substitution Labels (Table B).


[0636] Primary Explanations Table (Table C).


[0637] Per Bureau Reason Code Mapping (Table D).


[0638] Expanded Reason Explanations (Table E).


[0639] Overview of Tables


[0640] The body of the analysis begins with “{Main}”, which is retrieved from the Primary Explanations Table. Based on the value of its Associated Key (Num of Reasons), the appropriate text block is selected for the body of the explanation under construction. This text block is then scanned for further instructions, in the form of “{<label>}” or “#<keyword>#”, to conditionally introduce additional text blocks in place of the token. Labels are replaced with text blocks from the Primary Explanations Table, conditioned on the value of their Associated Keys in comparison to the Key Value. Keyword substations are supplied by the environment (e.g., “DATE”), or from other tables. Keywords of the form “CODEx”, “REASONx”, “FRIENDLYx”, for example, invoke look-ups in the Expanded Reason Explanations and Per Bureau Reason Code Mapping tables. This process continues recursively until all “{<label>}” and “#<keyword>#” tokens have been exhausted. Note that the text blocks are Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) fragments, and include instructions for the display of conditionally chosen graphics files to aid in the explanation.
1TABLE BSubstitution LabelsLabelAssociated KeyBar ChartsScoreCB MarkBureauCB NameBureauContact CBScoreLenders ViewScoreMainNum of ReasonsNo Code KickScoreOdds BetterScoreOdds WorseScorePercentileScorePercentile GraphScoreReason SetNum of ReasonsRisk LikelihoodScoreScore Group IntroScoreScore Group SummaryScoreScore NameBureauScore Name ArticleBureauScore Name UnregBureauScore QualifierScore


[0641]

2





TABLE C










Primary Explanations Table










Key



Label
Value
Explanation Text












Bar Charts
0.000000
<img src=../images/bi1.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 20% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 700 and 749. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the “up to 499” range, along with




1% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br87.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 700-749 range is 5%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately five will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range (up to 499) have a delinquency rate




of 87%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
500.000000
<img src=../images/bi5.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 20% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 700 and 749. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 500-549 range, along with




5% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br71.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 700-749 range is 5%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately five will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 500-549, have a delinquency rate




of 71%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
550.000000
<img src=../images/bi7.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 20% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 700 and 749. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 550-599 range, along with




7% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br51.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 700-749 range is 5%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately five will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 550-599, have a delinquency rate




of 51%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
600.000000
<img src=../images/bi11.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 20% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 700 and 749. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 600-649 range, along with




11% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br31.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 700-749 range is 5%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately five will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 600-649, have a delinquency rate




of 31%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
650.000000
<img src=../images/bi16.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 5% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 500 and 549. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 650-699 range, along with




16% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br15.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 500-549 range is 71%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately 71 will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 650-699, have a delinquency rate




of 15%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
700.000000
<img src=../images/bi20.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 5% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 500 and 549. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 700-749 range, along with




20% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br5.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 500-549 range is 71%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately 71 will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 700-749, have a delinquency rate




of 5%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
750.000000
<img src=../images/bi29.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 5% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 500 and 549. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 750-799 range, along with




29% of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown




above are provided for your information, but they do not




necessarily correspond to any particular lender's policies for




extending credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img




src=../images/br2.gif width=430




height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit repayment.</b> <font




color=##333333>The second chart demonstrates the delinquency




rate (or credit risk) associated with selected ranges of the FICO




score. In this illustration, the delinquency rate is the percentage of




borrowers who reach 90 days past due or worse on any credit




account over a two-year period. For example, the delinquency rate




of consumers in the 500-549 range is 71%. This means that for




every 100 borrowers in this range, approximately 71 will default




on a loan, file for bankruptcy, or fall 90 days past due on at least




one credit account in the next two years. As a group, the




consumers in your score range, 750-799, have a delinquency rate




of just 2%.</font></blockquote><br>


Bar Charts
800.000000
<img src=../images/bi11r.gif width=430




height=176><br><blockquote><b>Distribution.</b> <font




color=##333333>This chart shows the percentage of people who




score in specific FICO score ranges. For example, about 5% of




U.S. consumers have a FICO score between 500 and 549. Your




score of #SCORE# places you in the 800+ range, along with 11%




of the total population. (Note that the score ranges shown above




are provided for your information, but they do not necessarily




correspond to any particular lender's policies for extending




credit.)</font></blockquote><br><br><img src=../images/br1.gif




width=430 height=171><br><blockquote><b>Credit




repayment.</b> <font color=##333333>The second chart




demonstrates the delinquency rate (or credit risk) associated with




selected ranges of the FICO score. In this illustration, the




delinquency rate is the percentage of borrowers who reach 90 days




past due or worse on any credit account over a two-year period.




For example, the delinquency rate of consumers in the 500-549




range is 71%. This means that for every 100 borrowers in this




range, approximately 71 will default on a loan, file for bankruptcy,




or fall 90 days past due on at least one credit account in the next




two years. As a group, the consumers in your score range, 800+,




have a delinquency rate of just 1%.</font></blockquote><br>


CB Mark
1.000000
EMPIRICA is a registered trademark of Trans Union, LLC.


CB Mark
2.000000
BEACON is a registered trademark of Equifax, Inc.


CB Mark
3.000000


CB Name
1.000000
Trans Union, LLC


CB Name
2.000000
Equifax


CB Name
3.000000
Experian


Contact CB
0.000000
Review your credit bureau report from each credit reporting




agency at least once a year and especially before making a large




purchase, like a house or a car. You should make sure the




information in your credit bureau report is correct. You don't need




to be concerned if the balance doesn't exactly match your credit




card statement. But you do need to worry if the credit bureau




report includes late payments that you believe are in error. And




you should verify that the accounts listed on your credit bureau




report are accounts that you own. Your credit score is based on




your credit bureau report, and lenders also review this information




when making credit decisions.<br><br>If you feel that the




information contained in your credit bureau report is not accurate,




you should contact the credit reporting agencies




directly:<br><blockquote>Equifax: (800) 685-1111




<i>www.equifax.com</i><br>Experian: (888) 397-3742




<i>www.experian.com</i><br> Trans Union: (800) 916-8800




<i>www.transunion.com</i></blockquote><br><br>Fair,




Isaac, FICO and FICO Guide are trademarks or registered




trademarks of Fair, Isaac and Company, Inc. in the United States




and/or other countries. {CB Mark}<br><br><b>Copyright ©




2000 Fair, Isaac and Co., Inc. All rights reserved.</b>


Lenders
0.000000
<b>How lenders view your FICO score</b><br>Many lenders use


View

FICO scores as one method to estimate the risk associated with an




individual's application for credit. Simply put, the higher the




score, the lower the risk. People with high FICO scores are




proven to repay loans and credit cards more consistently than




people with low FICO scores. And although the scores are




remarkably accurate, no one can predict with certainty whether or




not you will repay a credit account.<br><br>Frequently, there is




more to consider in a credit decision than just a person's credit




history. Because the FICO score is based solely on the




information in your credit bureau report, many lenders bring other




factors into their decisions as well, such as your income or




employment history. So the FICO score itself, while important, is




by no means the only factor on which your credit application is




evaluated. It is also important to understand that every lender sets




their own policies and tolerance for risk when making decisions.




Though many lenders incorporate FICO scores into their




decisions, there is certainly no single “cutoff score” used by all




lenders. In fact, since they often consider additional information




or special circumstances, some lenders may extend you credit even




if your score is low, or decline your request although your score is




high. Nonetheless, the FICO score is the most widely used and




recognized credit rating, so it's important that you know and




understand your own score.<br>


Main
0.000000
<b>FICO Guide<sup>TM</sup> Analysis</b>




<i>#DATE#</i><br><br><b>CreditScore:</b>




#SCORE#<br><b>Source of score:</b> {CB Name} ({Score




Name})<br><b>Reason codes:</b> (none)<br><br><b>Your




{Score Name Unreg} score: #SCORE#</b><br>The information




in your {CB Name} credit bureau report has been summarized in




{Score Name Article} {Score Name} score of #SCORE#. Most




U.S. consumers score between 300 and 850. Generally, the higher




your score, the more favorably a lender will view your application




for credit. Compared to the national population, you are in the




{Percentile} percentile of consumers by credit risk. A score of




#SCORE# is {Score Qualifier} average. {Risk




Likelihood} <br><br> {Percentile Graph} <br><br>{Lenders




View}<br><p class=page></p>{Score Group




Intro}<br><br>{Bar Charts}<br><br>{Reason Set}<br>




{Contact CB}


Main
1.000000
<b>FICO Guide<sup>TM</sup> Analysis</b>




<i>#DATE#</i><br><br><b>Credit Score:</b>




#SCORE#<br><b>Source of score:</b> {CB Name} ({Score




Name})<br><b>Reason codes:</b> #CODE1#<br><br><b>Your




{Score Name Unreg} score: #SCORE#</b><br>The information




in your {CB Name} credit bureau report has been summarized in




{Score Name Article} {Score Name} score of #SCORE#. Most




U.S. consumers score between 300 and 850. Generally, the higher




your score, the more favorably a lender will view your application




for credit. Compared to the national population, you are in the




{Percentile} percentile of consumers by credit risk. A score of




#SCORE# is {Score Qualifier} average. {Risk




Likelihood}<br><br>{Percentile Graph} <br><br>{Lenders




View}<br><p class=page></p>{Score Group




Intro}<br><br>{Bar Charts}<br><br>{Reason Set}<br>




{Contact CB}


Main
2.000000
<b>FICO Guide<sup>TM</sup> Analysis</b>




<i>#DATE#</i><br><br><b>CreditScore:</b>




#SCORE#<br><b>Source of score:</b> {CB Name} ({Score




Name})<br><b>Reason codes:</b> #CODE1# #CODE2#<br><br><b>Your




{Score Name Unreg) score: #SCORE#</b><br>The information




in your {CB Name} credit bureau report has been summarized in




{Score Name Article} {Score Name} score of #SCORE#. Most




U.S. consumers score between 300 and 850. Generally, the higher




your score, the more favorably a lender will view your application




for credit. Compared to the national population, you are in the




{Percentile} percentile of consumers by credit risk. A score of




#SCORE# is {Score Qualifier} average. {Risk




Likelihood}<br><br>{Percentile Graph}<br><br>{Lenders




View}<br><p class=page></p>{Score Group




Intro}<br><br>{Bar Charts}<br><br>{Reason Set}<br>




{Contact CB}


Main
3.000000
<b>FICO Guide<sup>TM</sup> Analysis</b>




<i>#DATE#</i><br><br><b>CreditScore:</b>




#SCORE#<br><b>Source of score:</b> {CB Name} ({Score




Name})<br><b>Reason codes:</b> #CODE1# #CODE2#




#CODE3#<br><br><b>Your {Score Name Unreg} score:




#SCORE#</b><br>The information in your {CB Name} credit




bureau report has been summarized in {Score Name Article}




{Score Name} score of #SCORE#. Most U.S. consumers score




between 300 and 850. Generally, the higher your score, the more




favorably a lender will view your application for credit.




Compared to the national population, you are in the {Percentile}




percentile of consumers by credit risk. A score of #SCORE# is




{Score Qualifier} average. {Risk




Likelihood}<br><br>{Percentile Graph}<br><br>{Lenders




View}<br><p class=page></p>{Score Group




Intro}<br><br>{Bar Charts}<br><br>{Reason Set}<br>




{Contact CB}


Main
4.000000
<b>FICO Guide<sup>TM</sup> Analysis</b>




<i>#DATE#</i><br><br><b>CreditScore:</b>




#SCORE#<br><b>Source of score:</b> {CB Name} ({Score




Name})<br><b>Reason codes:</b> #CODE1# #CODE2#




#CODE3# #CODE4#<br><br><b>Your {Score Name Unreg}




score: #SCORE#</b><br>The information in your {CB Name}




credit bureau report has been summarized in {Score Name




Article} {Score Name} score of #SCORE#. Most U.S. consumers




score between 300 and 850. Generally, the higher your score, the




more favorably a lender will view your application for credit.




Compared to the national population, you are in the {Percentile}




percentile of consumers by credit risk. A score of #SCORE# is




{Score Qualifier} average. {Risk




Likelihood}<br><br>{Percentile Graph}<br><br>{Lenders




View}<br><p class=page></p>{Score Group




Intro}<br><br>{Bar Charts}<br><br>{Reason Set}<br>




{Contact CB}


No Code
0.000000
As your score is not exceptionally high, the latter is the more


Kick

probable explanation.


No Code
700.000000
Your score is quite high, but it is usually the case that even scores


Kick

this high are accompanied by at least one or two reason codes. If




possible, you might wish to examine the credit bureau report that




includes your FICO score and search for reason codes which will




give you an idea of the top factors affecting your score. Even so,




based on your strong FICO score, your credit history is very good.


No Code
760.000000
Your score is exceptionally high, so it is most likely that no factors


Kick

were returned with the FICO score. Nothing in your credit bureau




report suggests that you might be a credit risk to lenders.










Odds Better
730.000000
1.05



Odds Better
735.000000
1.16


Odds Better
740.000000
1.28


Odds Better
745.000000
1.41


Odds Better
750.000000
1.56


Odds Better
755.000000
1.72


Odds Better
760.000000
1.90


Odds Better
765.000000
2.10


Odds Better
770.000000
2.32


Odds Better
775.000000
2.56


Odds Better
780.000000
2.83


Odds Better
785.000000
3.12


Odds Better
790.000000
3.45


Odds Better
795.000000
3.81


Odds Better
800.000000
4.20


Odds Better
805.000000
4.64


Odds Better
810.000000
5.12


Odds Better
815.000000
5.66


Odds Better
820.000000
6.25


Odds Better
825.000000
6.90


Odds Better
830.000000
7.61


Odds Better
835.000000
8.41


Odds Better
840.000000
9.28


Odds Better
845.000000
10.2


Odds Better
850.000000
11.3


Odds Better
855.000000
12.5


Odds Better
860.000000
13.8


Odds Better
865.000000
15.2


Odds Better
870.000000
16.8


Odds Better
875.000000
18.6


Odds Better
880.000000
20.5


Odds Better
885.000000
22.6


Odds Better
890.000000
25.0


Odds Better
895.000000
27.6


Odds Better
900.000000
30.5


Odds Better
905.000000
33.6


Odds Better
910.000000
37.1


Odds Better
915.000000
41.0


Odds Better
920.000000
45.3


Odds Better
925.000000
50.0


Odds Better
930.000000
55.2


Odds Better
935.000000
60.9


Odds Better
940.000000
67.2


Odds Better
945.000000
74.2


Odds Better
950.000000
82.0


Odds Worse
250.000000
12800


Odds Worse
255.000000
11600


Odds Worse
260.000000
10500


Odds Worse
265.000000
9500


Odds Worse
270.000000
8610


Odds Worse
275.000000
7800


Odds Worse
280.000000
7060


Odds Worse
285.000000
6400


Odds Worse
290.000000
5790


Odds Worse
295.000000
5250


Odds Worse
300.000000
4750


Odds Worse
305.000000
4300


Odds Worse
310.000000
3900


Odds Worse
315.000000
3530


Odds Worse
320.000000
3200


Odds Worse
325.000000
2900


Odds Worse
330.000000
2620


Odds Worse
335.000000
2380


Odds Worse
340.000000
2150


Odds Worse
345.000000
1950


Odds Worse
350.000000
1770


Odds Worse
355.000000
1600


Odds Worse
360.000000
1450


Odds Worse
370.000000
1190


Odds Worse
375.000000
1080


Odds Worse
380.000000
975


Odds Worse
385.000000
883


Odds Worse
390.000000
799


Odds Worse
395.000000
724


Odds Worse
400.000000
656


Odds Worse
405.000000
594


Odds Worse
410.000000
538


Odds Worse
415.000000
487


Odds Worse
420.000000
441


Odds Worse
425.000000
400


Odds Worse
430.000000
362


Odds Worse
435.000000
328


Odds Worse
440.000000
297


Odds Worse
445.000000
269


Odds Worse
450.000000
244


Odds Worse
455.000000
221


Odds Worse
460.000000
200


Odds Worse
465.000000
181


Odds Worse
470.000000
164


Odds Worse
475.000000
148


Odds Worse
480.000000
134


Odds Worse
485.000000
122


Odds Worse
490.000000
110


Odds Worse
495.000000
99.9


Odds Worse
500.000000
90.5


Odds Worse
505.000000
82.0


Odds Worse
510.000000
74.2


Odds Worse
515.000000
67.2


Odds Worse
520.000000
60.9


Odds Worse
525.000000
55.2


Odds Worse
530.000000
50.0


Odds Worse
535.000000
45.3


Odds Worse
540.000000
41.0


Odds Worse
545.000000
37.1


Odds Worse
550.000000
33.6


Odds Worse
555.000000
30.5


Odds Worse
560.000000
27.6


Odds Worse
565.000000
25.0


Odds Worse
575.000000
20.5


Odds Worse
580.000000
18.6


Odds Worse
585.000000
16.8


Odds Worse
590.000000
15.2


Odds Worse
595.000000
13.8


Odds Worse
600.000000
12.5


Odds Worse
605.000000
11.3


Odds Worse
610.000000
10.2


Odds Worse
615.000000
9.28


Odds Worse
620.000000
8.41


Odds Worse
625.000000
7.61


Odds Worse
630.000000
6.90


Odds Worse
635.000000
6.25


Odds Worse
640.000000
5.66


Odds Worse
645.000000
5.12


Odds Worse
650.000000
4.64


Odds Worse
655.000000
4.20


Odds Worse
660.000000
3.81


Odds Worse
665.000000
3.45


Odds Worse
670.000000
3.12


Odds Worse
675.000000
2.83


Odds Worse
680.000000
2.56


Odds Worse
685.000000
2.32


Odds Worse
690.000000
2.10


Odds Worse
695.000000
1.90


Odds Worse
700.000000
1.72


Odds Worse
705.000000
1.56


Odds Worse
710.000000
1.41


Odds Worse
715.000000
1.28


Odds Worse
720.000000
1.16


Odds Worse
725.000000
1.05


Percentile
0.000000
1st


Percentile
490.000000
1st


Percentile
508.000000
2nd


Percentile
521.000000
3rd


Percentile
532.000000
4th


Percentile
541.000000
5th


Percentile
549.000000
6th


Percentile
557.000000
7th


Percentile
565.000000
8th


Percentile
572.000000
9th


Percentile
579.000000
10th


Percentile
586.000000
11th


Percentile
592.000000
12th


Percentile
598.000000
13th


Percentile
604.000000
14th


Percentile
609.000000
15th


Percentile
614.000000
16th


Percentile
619.000000
17th


Percentile
623.000000
18th


Percentile
628.000000
19th


Percentile
632.000000
20th


Percentile
636.000000
21st


Percentile
640.000000
22nd


Percentile
644.000000
23rd


Percentile
648.000000
24th


Percentile
651.000000
25th


Percentile
655.000000
26th


Percentile
659.000000
27th


Percentile
662.000000
28th


Percentile
665.000000
29th


Percentile
669.000000
30th


Percentile
672.000000
31st


Percentile
675.000000
32nd


Percentile
678.000000
33rd


Percentile
682.000000
34th


Percentile
685.000000
35th


Percentile
688.000000
36th


Percentile
691.000000
37th


Percentile
694.000000
38th


Percentile
697.000000
39th


Percentile
700.000000
40th


Percentile
703.000000
41st


Percentile
706.000000
42nd


Percentile
708.000000
43rd


Percentile
711.000000
44th


Percentile
714.000000
45th


Percentile
717.000000
46th


Percentile
719.000000
47th


Percentile
722.000000
48th


Percentile
724.000000
49th


Percentile
727.000000
50th


Percentile
732.000000
52nd


Percentile
734.000000
53rd


Percentile
736.000000
54th


Percentile
739.000000
55th


Percentile
741.000000
56th


Percentile
743.000000
57th


Percentile
745.000000
58th


Percentile
748.000000
59th


Percentile
750.000000
60th


Percentile
752.000000
61st


Percentile
754.000000
62nd


Percentile
756.000000
63rd


Percentile
758.000000
64th


Percentile
760.000000
65th


Percentile
762.000000
66th


Percentile
763.000000
67th


Percentile
765.000000
68th


Percentile
767.000000
69th


Percentile
769.000000
70th


Percentile
771.000000
71st


Percentile
772.000000
72nd


Percentile
774.000000
73rd


Percentile
776.000000
74th


Percentile
778.000000
75th


Percentile
780.000000
76th


Percentile
781.000000
77th


Percentile
783.000000
78th


Percentile
784.000000
79th


Percentile
786.000000
80th


Percentile
788.000000
81st


Percentile
789.000000
82nd


Percentile
791.000000
83rd


Percentile
792.000000
84th


Percentile
794.000000
85th


Percentile
795.000000
86th


Percentile
797.000000
87th


Percentile
799.000000
88th


Percentile
800.000000
89th


Percentile
802.000000
90th


Percentile
803.000000
91st


Percentile
805.000000
92nd


Percentile
807.000000
93rd


Percentile
809.000000
94th


Percentile
811.000000
95th


Percentile
814.000000
96th


Percentile
817.000000
97th


Percentile
820.000000
98th


Percentile
826.000000
99th


Percentile
843.000000
100th









Percentile
0.000000
<img src=../images/p1.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 1st percentile. This




means that roughly 1% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 99% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
490.000000
<img src=../images/p1.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 1st percentile. This




means that roughly 1% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 99% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
508.000000
<img src=../images/p2.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 2nd percentile. This




means that roughly 2% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 98% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
521.000000
<img src=../images/p3.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 3rd percentile. This




means that roughly 3% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 97% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
532.000000
<img src=../images/p4.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 4th percentile. This




means that roughly 4% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 96% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
541.000000
<img src=../images/p5.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 5th percentile. This




means that roughly 5% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 95% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
549.000000
<img src=../images/p6.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 6th percentile. This




means that roughly 6% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 94% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
557.000000
<img src=../images/p7.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 7th percentile. This




means that roughly 7% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 93% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
565.000000
<img src=../images/p8.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 8th percentile. This




means that roughly 8% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 92% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
572.000000
<img src=../images/p9.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 9th percentile. This




means that roughly 9% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 91% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
579.000000
<img src=../images/p10.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 10th percentile. This




means that roughly 10% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 90% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
586.000000
<img src=../images/p11.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the nationalpopulation,




your FICO&reg; score is in the 11th percentile. This




means that roughly 11% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 89% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
592.000000
<img src=../images/p12.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 12th percentile. This




means that roughly 12% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 88% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
598.000000
<img src=../images/p13.gif height= 126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 13th percentile. This




means that roughly 13% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 87% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
604.000000
<img src=../images/p14.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 14th percentile. This




means that roughly 14% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 86% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
609.000000
<img src=../images/p15.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 15th percentile. This




means that roughly 15% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 85% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
614.000000
<img src=../images/p16.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 16th percentile. This




means that roughly 16% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 84% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
619.000000
<img src=../images/p17.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 17th percentile. This




means that roughly 17% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 83% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
623.000000
<img src=../images/p18.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 18th percentile. This




means that roughly 18% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 82% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
628.000000
<img src=../images/p19.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 19th percentile. This




means that roughly 19% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 81% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
632.000000
<img src=../images/p20.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 20th percentile. This




means that roughly 20% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 80% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
636.000000
<img src=../images/p21.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 21st percentile. This




means that roughly 21% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 79% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
640.000000
<img src=../images/p22.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 22nd percentile. This




means that roughly 22% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 78% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
644.000000
<img src=../images/p23.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 23rd percentile. This




means that roughly 23% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 77% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
648.000000
<img src=../images/p24.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 24th percentile. This




means that roughly 24% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 76% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
651.000000
<img src=../images/p25.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 25th percentile. This




means that roughly 25% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 75% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
655.000000
<img src=../images/p26.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 26th percentile. This




means that roughly 26% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 74% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
659.000000
<img src=../images/p27.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 27th percentile. This




means that roughly 27% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 73% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
662.000000
<img src=../images/p28.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 28th percentile. This




means that roughly 28% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 72% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
665.000000
<img src=../images/p29.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 29th percentile. This




means that roughly 29% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 71% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
669.000000
<img src=../images/p30.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 30th percentile. This




means that roughly 30% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 70% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
672.000000
<img src=../images/p31.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 31st percentile. This




means that roughly 31% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 69% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
675.000000
<img src=../images/p32.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 32nd percentile. This




means that roughly 32% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 68% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
678.000000
<img src=../images/p33.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 33rd percentile. This




means that roughly 33% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 67% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
682.000000
<img src=../images/p34.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 34th percentile. This




means that roughly 34% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 66% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
685.000000
<img src=../images/p35.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 35th percentile. This




means that roughly 35% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 65% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
688.000000
<img src=../images/p36.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 36th percentile. This




means that roughly 36% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 64% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
691.000000
<img src=../images/p37.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 37th percentile. This




means that roughly 37% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 63% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
694.000000
<img src=../images/p38.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 38th percentile. This




means that roughly 38% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 62% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
697.000000
<img src=../images/p39.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 39th percentile. This




means that roughly 39% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 61% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
700.000000
<img src=../images/p40.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 40th percentile. This




means that roughly 40% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 60% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
703.000000
<img src=../images/p41.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 41st percentile. This




means that roughly 41% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 59% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
706.000000
<img src=../images/p42.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 42nd percentile. This




means that roughly 42% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 58% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
708.000000
<img src=../images/p43.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 43rd percentile. This




means that roughly 43% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 57% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
711.000000
<img src=../images/p44.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 44th percentile. This




means that roughly 44% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 56% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
714.000000
<img src=../images/p45.gif height= 126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 45th percentile. This




means that roughly 45% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 55% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
717.000000
<img src=../images/p46.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 46th percentile. This




means that roughly 46% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 54% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
719.000000
<img src=../images/p47.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 47th percentile. This




means that roughly 47% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 53% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
722.000000
<img src=../images/p48.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 48th percentile. This




means that roughly 48% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 52% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
724.000000
<img src=../images/p49.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 49th percentile. This




means that roughly 49% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 51% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
727.000000
<img src=../images/p50.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 50th percentile. This




means that roughly 50% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 50% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
729.000000
<img src=../images/p51.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 51st percentile. This




means that roughly 51% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 49% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
732.000000
<img src=../images/p52.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 52nd percentile. This




means that roughly 52% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 48% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
734.000000
<img src=../images/p53.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 53rd percentile. This




means that roughly 53% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 47% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
736.000000
<img src=../images/p54.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 54th percentile. This




means that roughly 54% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 46% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
739.000000
<img src=../images/p55.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 55th percentile. This




means that roughly 55% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 45% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
741.000000
<img src=../images/p56.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 56th percentile. This




means that roughly 56% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 44% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
743.000000
<img src=../images/p57.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 57th percentile. This




means that roughly 57% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 43% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
745.000000
<img src=../images/p58.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 58th percentile. This




means that roughly 58% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 42% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
748.000000
<img src=../images/p59.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 59th percentile. This




means that roughly 59% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 41% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
750.000000
<img src=../images/p60.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 60th percentile. This




means that roughly 60% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 40% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
752.000000
<img src=../images/p61.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 61st percentile. This




means that roughly 61% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 39% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
754.000000
<img src=../images/p62.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 62nd percentile. This




means that roughly 62% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 38% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
756.000000
<img src=../images/p63.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 63rd percentile. This




means that roughly 63% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 37% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
758.000000
<img src=../images/p64.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 64th percentile. This




means that roughly 64% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 36% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
760.000000
<img src=../images/p65.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 65th percentile. This




means that roughly 65% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 35% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
762.000000
<img src=../images/p66.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 66th percentile. This




means that roughly 66% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 34% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
763.000000
<img src=../images/p67.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 67th percentile. This




means that roughly 67% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 33% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
765.000000
<img src=../images/p68.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 68th percentile. This




means that roughly 68% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 32% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
767.000000
<img src=../images/p69.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 69th percentile. This




means that roughly 69% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 31% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
769.000000
<img src=../images/p70.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 70th percentile. This




means that roughly 70% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 30% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
771.000000
<img src=../images/p71.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 71st percentile. This




means that roughly 71% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 29% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
772.000000
<img src=../images/p72.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 72nd percentile. This




means that roughly 72% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 28% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
774.000000
<img src=../images/p73.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 73rd percentile. This




means that roughly 73% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 27% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
776.000000
<img src=../images/p74.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 74th percentile. This




means that roughly 74% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 26% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
778.000000
<img src=../images/p75.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 75th percentile. This




means that roughly 75% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 25% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
780.000000
<img src=../images/p76.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 76th percentile. This




means that roughly 76% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 24% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
781.000000
<img src=../images/p77.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 77th percentile. This




means that roughly 77% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 23% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
783.000000
<img src=../images/p78.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 78th percentile. This




means that roughly 78% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 22% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
784.000000
<img src=../images/p79.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 79th percentile. This




means that roughly 79% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 21% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
786.000000
<img src=../images/p80.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 80th percentile. This




means that roughly 80% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 20% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
788.000000
<img src=../images/p81.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 81st percentile. This




means that roughly 81% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 19% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
789.000000
<img src=../images/p82.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 82nd percentile. This




means that roughly 82% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 18% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
791.000000
<img src=../images/p83.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 83rd percentile. This




means that roughly 83% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 17% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
792.000000
<img src=../images/p84.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 84th percentile. This




means that roughly 84% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 16% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
794.000000
<img src=../images/p85.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 85th percentile. This




means that roughly 85% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 15% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
795.000000
<img src=../images/p86.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 86th percentile. This




means that roughly 86% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 14% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
797.000000
<img src=../images/p87.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 87th percentile. This




means that roughly 87% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 13% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
799.000000
<img src=../images/p88.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 88th percentile. This




means that roughly 88% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 12% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
800.000000
<img src=../images/p89.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 89th percentile. This




means that roughly 89% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 11% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
802.000000
<img src=../images/p90.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 90th percentile. This




means that roughly 90% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 10% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
803.000000
<img src=../images/p91.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 91st percentile. This




means that roughly 91% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 9% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
805.000000
<img src=../images/p92.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 92nd percentile. This




means that roughly 92% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 8% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
807.000000
<img src=../images/p93.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 93rd percentile. This




means that roughly 93% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 7% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
809.000000
<img src=../images/p94.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 94th percentile. This




means that roughly 94% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 6% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
811.000000
<img src=../images/p95.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 95th percentile. This




means that roughly 95% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 5% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
814.000000
<img src=../images/p96.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 96th percentile. This




means that roughly 96% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 4% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
817.000000
<img src=../images/p97.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 97th percentile. This




means that roughly 97% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 3% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
820.000000
<img src=../images/p98.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 98th percentile. This




means that roughly 98% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 2% have scores which are




higher. </b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
826.000000
<img src=../images/p99.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 99th percentile. This




means that roughly 99% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 1% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Percentile
843.000000
<img src=../images/p100.gif height=126


Graph

width=430><br><blockquote><b>Understanding your




percentile.</b> <font color=##333333>Compared to the national




population, your FICO&reg; score is in the 100th percentile. This




means that roughly 100% of consumers have scores lower than or




equal to your own score, and 0% have scores which are




higher.</b></font></blockquote>


Reason Set
0.000000
Typically, a FICO score is returned with up to four uniquereason




codes, that indicate the most significant factors on the credit




bureau report affecting an individual's score.Sometimes,




particularly when the FICO score is quite high, there may be only




a few such factors, and only two or three reasons are returned.




Even more rare is to receive just one reason code.<br><br>In your




case, you have received no reason codes at all. This may be




because your score is exceptionally high, and there is literally




nothing that can be done to improve it, or because the vendor




providing your credit report has failed to include the reasons with




the FICO score. {No Code




Kick}<br><br><b>Summary</b><br>{Score Group




Summary}<br><br>Because no reason codes accompany your




FICO score, we can provide no specific recommendations on how




you might improve it.<br><br>


Reason Set
1.000000
<b>Factors affecting your score.</b><br>In addition to the score,




you received one reason code, which indicates the only factor on




your credit bureau report that received less than the maximum




possible points. Receiving just one code is exceptionally rare, and




occurs only on very high-scoring files. It is conceivable that by




understanding and acting on this one reason you can raise your




score, but there is probably no practical need to do so.




<br><br><i>First Reason Code: #CODE1#</i> The only




reason code cited with your score is #CODE1#, “#REASON1#”.




#FRIENDLY1# <br><br><b>Summary</b><br>{Score Group




Summary}<br><ul><li>#ACTION1#</ul>


Reason Set
2.000000
<b>Factors affecting your score.</b><br>In addition to the score,




you received two reason codes. These represent the top two




reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes




were returned to you is significant. The first code represents the




factor with the strongest negative impact on your score; the second




code had less impact. The best way to understand how you scored




and what you can do to improve your score over time is to




consider these reasons.<br><br><i>First Reason Code:




#CODE1#</i> Your first reason code is #CODE1#,




“#REASON1#”. This is the single most important factor




affecting your score. #FRIENDLY1# <br><br><i>Second Reason Code:




#CODE2#</i> Your second reason code is #CODE2#,




“#REASON2#”. #FRIENDLY2#




<br><br><b>Summary</b><br>{Score Group




Summary}<br><ul><li>#ACTION1#<br><br>




<li>#ACTION2#</ul>


Reason Set
3.000000
<b>Factors affecting your score. </b><br>In addition to the score,




you received three reason codes. These represent the top three




reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes




were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the




factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second




code had the next strongest impact, and so on. The best way to




understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your




score over time is to consider these top reasons.<br><br><i>First




Reason Code: #CODE1#</i> Your first reason code is #CODE1#,




“#REASON1#”. This is the single most important factor affecting




your score. #FRIENDLY1# <br><br><i>Second Reason Code:




#CODE2#</i> Your second reason code is #CODE2#,




“#REASON2#”. #FRIENDLY2# <br><br><i>Third Reason




Code: #CODE3#</i> Your third reason code is #CODE3#,




“#REASON3#”. #FRIENDLY3#




<br><br><b>Summary</b><br>{Score Group




Summary}<br><ul><li>#ACTION1#<br><br>




<li>#ACTION2#<br><br> <li>#ACTION3#</ul>


Reason Set
4.000000
<b>Factors affecting your score.</b><br>In addition to the score,




you received four reason codes. These represent the top four




reasons your score was not higher. The order in which these codes




were returned to you is significant: the first code represents the




factor with the strongest negative impact on your score, the second




code had the next strongest impact, and so on. The best way to




understand how you scored and what you can do to improve your




score over time is to consider these top reasons.<br><br><i>First




Reason Code: #CODE1#</i> Your first reason code is #CODE1#,




“#REASON1#”. This is the single most important factor affecting




your score. #FRIENDLY1# <br><br><i>Second Reason Code:




#CODE2#</i> Your second reason code is #CODE2#,




“#REASON2#”. This is the second most important factor affecting




your score. #FRIENDLY2# <br><br><i>Third Reason Code:




#CODE3#</i> Your third reason code is #CODE3#,




“#REASON3#”. #FRIENDLY3# <br><br><i>Fourth Reason




Code: #CODE4#</i> Your fourth reason code is #CODE4#,




“#REASON4#”. #FRIENDLY4#




<br><br><b>Summary</b><br>{Score Group




Summary}<br><ul><li>#ACTION1#<br><br>




<li>#ACTION2#<br><br> <li>#ACTION3#<br><br>




<li>#ACTION4#</ul>


Risk
0.000000
Studies show that for consumers with scores similar to yours, the


Likelihood

odds of becoming seriously delinquent (90+ days past due) on one




or more credit accounts are {Odds Worse} times higher than for




people with an average score.


Risk
722.000000
Scores this close to the national average indicate a neutral level


Likelihood

of credit risk. For people with scores similar to yours, the odds




of successfully repaying all credit accounts are equal to the odds




for the nation's borrowers as a whole.


Risk
736.000000
Studies show that for consumers with scores similar to yours, the


Likelihood

odds of successfully repaying all their credit accounts are {Odds




Better} times better than for people with an average score.


Score
0.000000
Lenders may view consumers with a score of #SCORE# as high


Group Intro

risk. But that does not mean that you will be turned down for




every loan you apply for. While the types of credit available may




be limited, there are lenders who may approve loan applicants




with a score of #SCORE# but at higher rates and with more




restrictive terms. Other factors such as your income may also




affect a lender's willingness to extend credit to you.


Score
620.000000
Lenders may view consumers with a score of #SCORE# as a


Group Intro

slightly higher risk. Usually, lenders will evaluate other factors




besides the score in their review of your application for credit.




The factors will likely differ from one lender to the next, as each




creditor has its own decision strategies, credit policies, and




customer focus. While there are many lenders who approve loan




applicants with a score of #SCORE#, they may do so with higher




rates or more restrictive terms.


Score
680.000000
Most lenders will view consumers with a score of #SCORE# as an


Group Intro

acceptable risk. This is generally recognized as a good score, and




a wide array of loans and credit products will likely be available




to you, often at attractive rates. Even so, remember that lenders




often incorporate other information into their decision process, in




addition to the FICO score, so you might be offered different rates




or terms by different lenders. Nonetheless, most lenders agree that




scores around #SCORE# indicate an acceptable level of risk.


Score
720.000000
Your score of #SCORE# is very high. As a result credit will likely


Group Intro

be readily available to you, often at attractive rates. It is unlikely




that your credit application would be denied based on this score




alone.<br><br>The fact that you have received such a high score




implies that you scored the maximum (or very near the maximum)




possible points for many of the aspects that are evaluated by the




FICO score. As such, you should <i>not</i> consider the factors




discussed later in this analysis to be any serious flaws with your




credit history. They simply indicate the few factors on which you




did not score the absolute maximum possible points. And while




the guidelines associated with the first few reasons may help you




improve your score by a few points over time, you should already




have a wide array of credit products available to you.<br><br>


Score
760.000000
Based on your score of #SCORE#, you will likely have your


Group Intro

choice of credit. Your score is excellent, and a wide array of loans




and credit cards will likely be available to you, often at attractive




rates. It is unlikely that your credit application would be denied




based on this score alone.<br><br>The fact that you have received




such a high score implies that you scored the maximum (or very




near the maximum) possible points for many of the aspects that




are evaluated by the FICO score. As such, you should <i>not</i>




consider the factors discussed later in this analysis to be any




serious flaws with your credit history. They simply indicate the




few factors on which you did not score the absolute maximum




possible points. And while the guidelines associated with the first




few reasons may help you improve your score by a few points




over time, you should already have a wide array of credit products




available to you.


Score
0.000000
While many lenders will view consumers with a score of


Group

#SCORE# as high risk, that does not mean that every lender will


Summary

turn down every loan with a score of #SCORE#. Some lenders




may be willing to approve loan applicants with a score of




#SCORE#, but typically at higher rates and with more restrictive




terms. Other factors such as your income may also affect a




lender's willingness to extend credit to you.


Score
620.000000
Lenders may view consumers with a score of #SCORE# as a


Group

slightly higher risk. Different lenders will evaluate other factors


Summary

besides the score in their review of a loan application. While there




are many lenders who might approve loan applicants with a score




of #SCORE#, they may do so with higher rates or more restrictive




terms.


Score
680.000000
Most lenders view consumers with a score of #SCORE# as an


Group

acceptable risk. But remember that lenders often consider other


Summary

factors beyond just the score, and those factors might help or hurt




your application. Still, a score of #SCORE# is considered to be




acceptable by most lenders and would recommend you as a good




candidate for many types of credit products.


Score
720.000000
Your score of #SCORE# is very good, and suggests that you are


Group

a dependable borrower. Chances are that you will have a wide array


Summary

of credit available to you. The guidelines below may help you




improve your score somewhat over time, but your score is already




very strong.


Score
760.000000
Your score of #SCORE# is excellent, and suggests that you are


Group

an exceptional borrower. Chances are that you will have the widest


Summary

array of credit available to you. The guidelines below may help




you improve your score somewhat over time, but your score is




already very high.


Score Name
1.000000
EMPIRICA&reg;


Score Name
2.000000
BEACON&reg;


Score Name
3.000000
Experian/Fair, Isaac Risk Model


Score Name Article
1.000000
an


Score Name Article
2.000000
a


Score Name Article
3.000000
an


Score Name Unreg
1.000000
EMPIRICA


Score Name Unreg
2.000000
BEACON


Score Name Unreg
3.000000
Experian/Fair, Isaac Risk Model


Score Qualifier
0.000000
far below


Score Qualifier
580.000000
well below


Score Qualifier
660.000000
below


Score Qualifier
680.000000
somewhat below


Score Qualifier
722.000000
slightly below


Score Qualifier
727.000000
exactly


Score Qualifier
729.000000
slightly above


Score Qualifier
735.000000
above


Score Qualifier
760.000000
well above










[0642]

3





TABLE D










Per Bureau Reason Code Mapping











Code
Bureau ID
Public Code















*
1.00
22



*
2.00
22



*
3.00
22



*
3.00
X



A0
1.00
07



A0
1.00
7



A0
2.00
07



A0
2.00
7



A0
3.00
07



A0
3.00
7



A0
3.00
G



A3
1.00
01



A3
1.00
1



A3
2.00
01



A3
2.00
1



A3
3.00
01



A3
3.00
1



A3
3.00
A



A6
1.00
31



A6
2.00
34



A6
3.00
34



B5
1.00
11



B5
2.00
11



B5
3.00
11



B5
3.00
L



B6
1.00
21



B6
2.00
21



B6
3.00
21



B6
3.00
W



D1
1.00
19



D4
1.00
40



D4
2.00
40



D4
3.00
40



D6
1.00
02



D6
1.00
2



D6
2.00
02



D6
2.00
2



D6
3.00
02



D6
3.00
2



D6
3.00
B



D7
1.00
39



D7
2.00
39



D7
3.00
39



D8
1.00
38



D8
2.00
38



D8
3.00
38



F3
2.00
98



F4
1.00
97



F4
3.00
98



F5
1.00
15



F5
2.00
15



F5
3.00
15



F5
3.00
P



F6
1.00
99



F6
2.00
99



F6
3.00
99



F7
1.00
04



F7
1.00
4



F7
2.00
32



F7
3.00
32



F7
3.00
Y



G1
1.00
16



G1
2.00
16



G1
3.00
16



G1
3.00
Q



G3
1.00
29



G3
3.00
29



G4
1.00
17



G4
2.00
17



G4
3.00
17



G4
3.00
R



G6
1.00
24



G6
2.00
24



G6
3.00
24



G6
3.00
U



J0
1.00
14



J0
2.00
14



J0
3.00
14



J0
3.00
O



J3
1.00
98



J4
2.00
25



J4
3.00
25



J6
3.00
36



J8
1.00
12



J8
2.00
12



J8
3.00
12



J8
3.00
M



K0
1.00
13



K0
2.00
13



K0
3.00
13



K0
3.00
N



K1
1.00
20



K1
2.00
20



K1
3.00
20



K1
3.00
V



K2
1.00
30



K2
2.00
30



K2
3.00
30



K2
3.00
Z



M1
1.00
18



M1
2.00
18



M1
3.00
18



M1
3.00
S



M6
2.00
23



M6
3.00
23



M8
1.00
26



N0
3.00
37



N2
1.00
28



N2
2.00
28



N2
3.00
28



N7
2.00
26



N7
3.00
26



P5
1.00
10



P5
2.00
10



P5
3.00
10



P5
3.00
K



P9
1.00
03



P9
1.00
3



P9
2.00
33



P9
3.00
33



P9
3.00
I



R0
1.00
27



R0
2.00
19



R0
3.00
19



R0
3.00
T



R2
2.00
31



R2
3.00
31



R4
2.00
03



R4
2.00
3



R4
3.00
03



R4
3.00
3



R4
3.00
C



T0
1.00
09



T0
1.00
9



T0
2.00
09



T0
2.00
9



T0
3.00
09



T0
3.00
9



T0
3.00
J



T1
1.00
05



T1
1.00
5



T1
2.00
05



T1
2.00
5



T1
3.00
05



T1
3.00
5



T1
3.00
E



T2
2.00
04



T2
2.00
4



T2
3.00
04



T2
3.00
4



T2
3.00
D



T3
1.00
06



T3
1.00
6



T3
2.00
06



T3
2.00
6



T3
3.00
06



T3
3.00
6



T3
3.00
F



T5
1.00
08



T5
1.00
8



T5
2.00
08



T5
2.00
8



T5
3.00
08



T5
3.00
8



T5
3.00
H



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[0643]

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TABLE E










Expanded Reason Explanations












Code
Reason
Friendly Reason Text
Action Text
1st
Act





*
Serious
This reason occurs when there is a derogatory
It will take time
y
n



delinquency,
public record, collection agency reference, or
for your score to



derogatory
serious delinquency (late payment on a credit
improve if the



public record,
account) on your credit bureau report.
derogatory public



or collection
Analysis reveals that consumers with previous
record, collection



filed
late payments are much more likely to pay
item, or serious




late in the future. There is no “quick” fix to
credit account




improve the score if the derogatory public
delinquency




record, collection item, or serious credit
appearing on your




account delinquency appearing on your credit
credit bureau




report is valid. However, as these age and fall
report is valid.




off the credit bureau report, their impact on
However, as these




the score will gradually decrease.
age and fall off




(Derogatory public records, collection items,
the credit report,




and credit account delinquencies stay on your
their impact on




report for up to seven years; there are items
the score will




that could remain longer.) Note that satisfying
gradually decrease.




or paying off a collection item or derogatory




public record will not remove this information




from your credit bureau report. The fact that




it occurred is still predictive of future




repayment risk, and thus it will still be




considered by the score.


A0
Account payment
This reason occurs when none of the credit
Your credit score
n
n



history is too
accounts in your credit bureau report have
should rise as



new to rate
enough history for the score to consider. The
your credit




FICO score needs information on payments of
history lengthens




recently active credit accounts in order to
and includes enough




evaluate the likelihood of future payments
information for




being made on time. Each of the accounts in
the FICO score to




your file fall into one of four categories: the
evaluate.




account has just a few months of history, it is




in dispute, the current status is missing, or the




status indicates the account is “too new too




rate.” Consumers who have no rateable




accounts on file are, as a group, riskier than




consumers with accounts in current status




being reported to the bureau. Your credit




score should rise as your credit history




lengthens and includes enough information




for the FICO score to evaluate.


A3
Amount owed
The score measures how much you owe on
Paying off your
n
y



on accounts
the accounts (revolving and installment) that
debts should



is too high
are listed on your credit bureau report. (For
improve your




credit cards, the total outstanding balance on
credit score.




your last statement is generally the amount
Consolidating or




that will show in your credit bureau report.
moving your debt




Note that even if you pay off your credit cards
around from one




in full each and every month, your credit
account to another




bureau report may show the last billing
will not, however,




statement balance on those accounts.)
raise your score,




Research reveals that consumers owing larger
since the same




amounts on their credit accounts have greater
amount is still




future repayment risk than those who owe
owed.




less. You can improve your credit score by




paying off your debts. Consolidating or




moving your debt around from one account to




another will not, however, raise your score,




since the same amount is still owed. The best




advice is to pay off your debts as quickly as




you can.


A4
Amount owed on
The score measures how much you owe on
Paying off your
n
n



bank/national
the bank/national revolving accounts that are
debts may help to



revolving
listed on your credit bureau report. (For
improve your



accounts
credit cards, the total outstanding balance on
credit score.




your last statement is generally the amount




that will show in your credit bureau report.




Note that even if you pay off your credit cards




in full each and every month, your credit




bureau report may show the last billing




statement balance on those accounts.)




Research has shown that consumers owing




larger amounts on their revolving credit




accounts have greater future repayment risk




than those who owe less. You can improve




your credit rating by paying off your debts.




Consolidating or moving your debt around




from one account to another will not,




however, raise your score, since the same




amount is still owed. The best advice is to




pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


A6
Amount owed on
This reason appears when there is evidence of
It will take time
n
n



delinquent
recently missed payments on your credit
to improve your



accounts
bureau report. Late payments are a very
score. You need




powerful predictor of future repayment risk.
to get caught up




Research shows that the greater the balances
on back payments




on past due accounts, the higher the risk. In
and make future




order to improve your credit rating you need
payments on time.




to pay your bills on time. If you have missed
The longer you pay




payments, get caught up on back payments
your bills on time,




and stay current. The longer you pay your
the better your




bills on time, the better your score. Note that
score.




closing an account on which a past due




balance is still owed does not make it




disappear from your credit report.


B5
Amount owed on
The score measures how much you owe on
Improve your
n
y



revolving
the revolving accounts that are listed on your
credit score by



accounts is
credit bureau report. (For credit cards, the
paying off your



too high
total outstanding balance on your last
debts as quickly




statement is generally the amount that will
as you can.




show in your credit bureau report. Note that




even if you pay off your credit cards in full




each and every month, your credit bureau




report may show the last statement balance on




those accounts.) Research has shown that




consumers owing larger amounts on their




revolving credit accounts have greater future




repayment risk than those who owe less. You




can improve your credit score by paying off




your debts. Consolidating or moving your




debt around from one account to another will




not, however, raise your score, since the same




amount is still owed. The best advice is to




pay off your debts as quickly as you can.


B6
Amount past due
This reason appears when there is evidence of
To improve your
n
y



on accounts
recently missed payments on your credit
score if you have




bureau report. If one of your accounts is being
missed payments,




reported in delinquent status, the amount past
get caught up on




due on the account is indicated on your credit
back payments




bureau report. Research demonstrates that the
and make future




greater the past due amount, the higher the
payments on time.




risk. In order to improve your credit rating




you need to pay your bills on time. If you




have missed payments, get caught up on back




payments and stay current. The longer you




pay your bills on time, the better your score.




Closing an account on which a past due




amount is still owed does not make it




disappear from your credit bureau report.


D1
Date of last
This reason appears when your credit bureau
To improve your
n
n



inquiry too
report contains recent inquiries posted as a
score over time



recent
result of your applying for credit. Research
apply for credit




shows that consumers who are seeking
only when you




several new credit accounts are riskier than
need it.




consumers who are not seeking credit.




Inquiries are the only information lenders




have that indicates a consumer is actively




seeking credit. There are different types of




inquiries that reside on your credit bureau




report. The score only considers those




inquiries that were posted as a result of you




applying for credit. Other types of inquiries,




such as promotional inquiries (where a lender




has pre-approved you for a credit offer) or




consumer disclosure inquiries (where you




have requested a copy of your own report) are




not considered by the score.<br><br>The




scores can identify “rate shopping” in the




mortgage and auto-lending environment, so




that one credit search involving multiple




inquiries is usually only counted as a single




inquiry.<br><br>Typically, the presence of




inquiries on your credit file has only a small




impact on FICO scores, carrying much less




importance than late payments, the amount




you owe, and the length of time you have




used credit. This reason rarely appears as a




primary or secondary reason except in high-




scoring files. As time passes the age of your




most recent inquiry will increase, and your




score will rise as a result, provided you do not




apply for additional credit in the meantime.




Typically inquiries are purged from the credit




bureau files after two years.<br><br>A




common misperception is that every single




inquiry will drop your score a certain number




of points. This is not true. The impact of




inquiries on your score will vary - depending




on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will




usually have a larger impact on the score for




consumers with limited credit history and on




consumers with previous late payments. The




most prudent action to raise your score over




time is by applying for credit <i>only</i>




when you need it.


D4
Derogatory
This reason appears whenever there is
There is no
y
n



public record
derogatory public record or collection agency
“quick” fix to



or collection
reference on your credit bureau report.
improve the score



filed
Studies reveal that consumers with previous
if the derogatory




missed payments are much more likely to
public record or




miss payments in the future. There is no
collection item on




“quick” fix to improve the score if the
your credit bureau




derogatory public record or collection item on
report is valid.




your credit bureau report is valid. However,
However, as these




as these age and fall off the credit bureau
age and fall off




report, their impact on the score will
the credit report,




gradually decrease. (Derogatory public
their impact on




records and collection items stay on your
the score will




report for up to seven years; there are other
gradually decrease.




items that could remain longer.) Note that




satisfying or paying off the collection item or




derogatory public record will not remove this




information from your credit bureau report.




The fact that it occurred is still predictive of




future repayment risk, and thus it will still be




considered by the score.


D6
Level of
Research reveals that consumers with
Paying your bills
n
n



delinquency
previous late payments are much more likely
on time is the best



on accounts
to pay late in the future. The score evaluates
way to improve




not only the presence of previous late
your credit rating.




payments, but also how late the payments
As time passes




were. For example, a payment that was 90
the importance of




days late represents greater risk than a
previous late




payment that was 30 days late, if they
payments will




occurred around the same time. But even a
gradually lessen




30 day late payment represents much greater
and the score will




risk than a spotless payment history. There is
increase - as long




no “quick” fix to raise your score if the late
as you make your




payment on your credit bureau report is valid.
payments on time




In order to improve your credit rating over
on all of your




time, you need to pay your bills on time. The
credit obligations,




longer you pay your bills on time, the better
while maintaining




the score. If you have late payments, get
a low-to-moderate




caught up on back payments and stay current.
amount of out-




As time passes the importance of these
standing debt.




previous late payments will <i>gradually</i>




lessen and the score will increase - as long as




you make your payments on time on all of




your credit obligations, and use your available




credit responsibly.


D7
Serious
This reason appears when your credit bureau
It will take time
y
n



delinquency
report shows one or more serious
to improve the




delinquencies on your credit accounts.
score if the




Studies reveal that consumers with previous
serious delinquency




late payments are much more likely to pay
indicated on your




late in the future. There is no “quick” fix to
credit bureau




improve the score if the serious delinquency
report is valid. As




indicated on your credit bureau report is valid.
these reference




However, as these age and fall off the credit
age and fall off




bureau report (credit account delinquencies
the credit report,




stay on your report for up to seven years),
their impact on




their impact on the score will gradually
the score will




decrease.
gradually decrease.


D8
Serious
This reason occurs when there is a derogatory
There is no
y
n



delinquency,
public record or collection agency reference,
“quick” fix to



and public
as well as one or more serious delinquencies
improve the score



record or
on your credit accounts, appearing on your
if the derogatory



collection
credit bureau report. Studies reveal that
public record,



filed
consumers with previous late payments are
collection item, or




much more likely to pay late in the future.
serious credit




There is no “quick” fix to improve the score if
account delinquency




the derogatory public record, collection item,
appearing on your




or serious credit account delinquency
credit bureau




appearing on your credit bureau report is
report is valid.




valid. However, as these age and fall off the
However, as these




credit bureau report, their impact on the score
age and fall off




will gradually decrease. (Derogatory public
the credit report,




records, collection items, and credit account
their impact on




delinquencies stay on your report for up to
the score will




seven years; there are items that could remain
gradually decrease.




longer.) Note that satisfying or paying off the




collection item or derogatory public record




will not remove this information from your




credit bureau report. The fact that it occurred




is still predictive of future repayment risk, and




thus it will still be considered by the score.


F3
Lack of recent
This reason appears when a lender is using a
To improve your
n
n



auto finance
score for auto financing and when no auto
score you need to



loan information
finance company loans (loans with lenders
establish a credit




such as GMAC, Ford Motor Credit, Chrysler
history and




Financial Corp., etc.) are found on the credit
demonstrate that




bureau report, or all such accounts are closed,
you can manage




or are no longer being reported by the lender.
credit responsibly.




The score evaluates the types of credit in your




credit history, and will consider your mix of




credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans,




finance company accounts and mortgage




loans. It is not necessary to have one of each,




and it is not a good idea to open credit




accounts you have no need for, or don't intend




to use. New loans and the associated




inquiries may lower your score in the short-




term. To improve your score you need to




establish a credit history and demonstrate that




you can manage credit responsibly.


F4
Lack of recent
This reason appears when you are working
To improve your
n
n



auto loan
with a lender in auto financing and when no
score you need to



information
auto loans are found on the credit bureau
establish a credit




report, or all such accounts are closed, or are
history and




no longer being reported by the lender.
demonstrate that




(Some banks or credit unions may not
you can manage




indicate “auto loan” on such loans when they
credit responsibly.




report to the credit reporting agencies.) The




score evaluates the types of credit in your




credit history, and will consider your mix of




credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans,




finance company accounts and mortgage




loans. It is not necessary to have one of each,




and it is not a good idea to open credit




accounts you have no need for, or don't intend




to use. New loans and the associated




inquiries may lower your score in the short-




term. Over time you will build a history




which demonstrates your ability to manage




different types of credit.


F5
Lack of recent
This reason appears when no bankcard
To improve your
n
n



bank/national
accounts (Visa, MasterCard, Discover,
score you need to



revolving
American Express, Diners Club, etc.) appear
establish a credit



information
on the credit bureau report, or all such
history and




accounts are closed, or are no longer being
demonstrate that




reported by the lender. The score evaluates
you can manage




the types of credit in your credit history and
credit responsibly.




will consider your mix of credit cards, retail




accounts, installment loans, finance company




accounts and mortgage loans. It is not




necessary to have one of each, and it is not a




good idea to open credit accounts you have no




need for, or don't intend to use. Opening a




bankcard account might be a long-term




strategy to improve your score and




demonstrate that you can manage credit




responsibly. However, new account openings




and the associated inquiries may lower your




score in the short term. To improve your




score you need to establish a credit history




with several types of loan or account




relationships and demonstrate that you can




manage credit responsibly. Over time you




will build a history which demonstrates your




ability to manage different types of credit.


F7
Lack of recent
This reason appears when no installment loan
To improve your
n
n



installment
accounts appear on the credit bureau report,
score you need to



loan information
or all such accounts are closed, or are no
establish a credit




longer being reported by the lender. The score
history and




evaluates the types of credit in your credit
demonstrate that




history and will consider your mix of credit
you can manage




cards, retail accounts, installment loans,
credit responsibly.




finance company accounts and mortgage




loans. It is not necessary to have one of each,




and it is not a good idea to open credit




accounts you have no need for, or don't intend




to use. Establishing a new loan might be a




long-term strategy to improve your score and




demonstrate that you can manage credit




responsibly. However the new loan and the




associated inquiries may lower your score in




the short-term. Over time you will build a




history which demonstrates your ability to




manage different types of credit.


G1
Lack of recent
This reason appears when no revolving
To improve your
n
n



revolving
accounts (such as retail credit cards, bank or
score it will take



account
national credit cards, etc.) appear on the credit
time to establish a



information
bureau report, or all such accounts are closed,
credit history with




or are no longer being reported by the lender.
several types of




The score evaluates the types of credit in your
loan or account




credit history and will consider your mix of
relationships and




credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans,
demonstrate that




finance company accounts and mortgage
you can manage




loans. It is not necessary to have one of each,
credit responsibly.




and it is not a good idea to open credit




accounts you have no need for, or don't intend




to use. To improve your score you need to




establish a credit history with several types of




loan or account relationships and demonstrate




that you can manage credit responsibly.




Opening a revolving account might be a long-




term strategy to improve your score and




demonstrate that you can manage credit




responsibly. However, new account openings




and the associated inquiries may lower your




score in the short term. Over time you will




build a history which demonstrates your




ability to manage different types of credit.


G3
No recent
The score evaluates the types of credit
Demonstrating
n
n



bank/national
currently in use, or that you have used in the
the ability to



revolving
past, and will consider the mix of retail cards,
moderately and



balances
bankcards, and installment loans appearing on
responsibly use




your credit bureau report. In general,
bank or national




moderate and responsible use of bank or
revolving accounts




national revolving accounts (Visa,
(Visa, MasterCard,




MasterCard, Discover, American Express,
Discover, American




Diner's Club, etc.) will boost the score
Express, Diner's




slightly. Research shows that consumers with
Club, etc.) may




very moderate usage of bankcard accounts
boost the score




(charging low balances and repaying them on
slightly.




time) have slightly better repayment risk than




those who do not use bankcard credit at all.


G4
No recent
This reason occurs when all credit accounts
Use of other types
n
n



non-mortgage
(except possibly a mortgage loan) appearing
of credit may



balance
on the credit bureau report, are closed, or are
improve your score.



information
no longer being reported by the lender.




Research shows that consumers who use




credit very moderately (and make all their




payments on time) have slightly better




repayment risk on new accounts than those




who have not been using credit at all for some




time. Note that it is not a good idea to open




credit accounts you have no need for, or don't




intend to use. Opening an account might be a




long-term strategy to improve your score and




demonstrate that you can manage credit




responsibly. However, new account openings




and the associated inquiries may lower your




score in the short term.


G6
No recent
The score evaluates the types of credit
Demonstrating
n
n



revolving
currently in use, or that you have used in the
the ability to



balances
past, and will consider the mix of retail cards,
moderately and




bankcards, and installment loans appearing on
responsibly use




your credit bureau report. In general,
revolving credit




moderate and responsible use of revolving
accounts may boost




credit accounts will boost the score slightly.
the score slightly.




Research shows that consumers with very




moderate usage of revolving credit accounts




(charging low balances and repaying them on




time) have slightly better repayment risk than




those who do not use revolving credit at all.


J0
Length of time
This reason is based on the age of the
Your score should
n
n



accounts
accounts on your credit bureau report (the age
improve as your



have been
of the oldest account, the average age of
credit history ages.



established
accounts, or both). Research shows that




consumers with longer credit histories have




better repayment risk than those with shorter




credit histories. Also, consumers who




frequently open new accounts have greater




repayment risk than those who do not.




Therefore, only apply for needed credit and




wait before you apply for more. All other




factors being equal, your score is likely to




improve as your credit history ages.


J3
Length of time
This reason is based on the age of the finance
It will take time
n
n



consumer finance
company loan accounts on your credit bureau
for your score to



company loans
report (the age of the oldest finance company
improve. You



have been
loan, the average age of finance company
score should



established
loans, or both). Research shows that
improve as your




consumers with longer credit histories have
credit history ages.




better repayment risk than those with shorter




credit histories. All other factors being equal,




your score is likely to improve as your credit




history ages.


J4
Length of time
This reason is based on the age of the
Your score should
n
n



installment
installment loan accounts on your credit
improve as your



loans have been
bureau report (the age of the oldest loan, the
credit history ages.



established
average age of installment loans, or both).




Research shows that consumers with longer




credit histories have better repayment risk




than those with shorter credit histories. All




other factors being equal, your score is likely




to improve as your credit history ages.


J6
Length of time
This reason is based on the age of the open
Your score should
n
n



open installment
installment loan accounts on your credit
improve as your



loans have been
bureau report (the age of the oldest open loan,
credit history ages.



established
the average age of open installment loans, or




both). Research shows that consumers with




longer credit histories have better repayment




risk than those with shorter credit histories.




Only apply for needed credit and wait before




you apply for more. All other factors being




equal, your score is likely to improve as your




credit history ages.


J8
Length of time
This reason is based on the age of the
Only apply for
n
n



revolving
revolving accounts on your credit bureau
needed credit.



accounts
report (the age of the oldest account, the
Maintain low-to-



have been
average age of accounts, or both). Research
moderate balances



established
shows that consumers with longer credit
and make your




histories have better repayment risk than
payments on time




those with shorter credit histories. Also,
and your score




consumers who frequently open new accounts
should improve as




have greater repayment risk than those who
your credit




do not. Therefore, only apply for needed
history ages.




credit and wait before you apply for more.




All other factors being equal, your score is




likely to improve as your credit history ages.


K0
Time since
Analysis of consumer credit histories shows
Over time the
n
n



delinquency
that consumers with previous late payments
importance of



is too recent
are much more likely to pay late in the future.
previous late



or unknown
The FICO score evaluates not only the
payments will




presence of previous late payments, but also
lessen. If you




how recently the missed payments occurred.
have late payments,




In general, the more recently a payment was
get caught up on




missed, the greater the risk, and the lower the
back payments and




score. There is no “quick” fix to raise your
stay current.




score if the late payment on your credit




bureau report is valid. (Credit account




delinquencies stay on your report for up to




seven years. Note that closing an account on




which you had previously missed a payment




does not make the late payment disappear




from your credit bureau report.) In order to




improve your credit score over time, you need




to pay your bills on time. The longer you pay




your bills on time, the better the score. If you




have late payments, get caught up on back




payments and stay current. As time passes




the importance of these previous late




payments will <i>gradually</i> lessen and




the score will increase - as long as you make




your payments on time on all of your credit




obligations, and use your available credit




responsibly.<br><br>In rare cases, evidence




of a past missed payment on a credit account




is present on the credit report, but the date of




the late payment cannot be determined




exactly. An “undateable” credit account




delinquency on a credit report still represents




greater risk than never having missed a




payment at all, and thus it will still affect the




score.


K1
Time since
For consumers with derogatory public records
Improving your
n
n



derogatory
or collection agency references on their credit
credit score will



public record
bureau reports, a strong predictor of future
take time. Get



or collection
repayment risk is the recency of the item. All
caught up on back



is too short
other factors being equal, your FICO score
payments and stay




will improve with time as your derogatory
current on all




public record or collection item becomes
of your credit




older. There is no “quick” fix to raise your
obligations. The




score if the derogatory item on your credit
longer you pay your




bureau report is valid. Your best course of
bills on time, the




action to improve your credit rating is to get
better your score.




caught up on back payments and stay current




on all of your credit obligations. The longer




you pay your bills on time, the better your




score. Federal law requires that derogatory




public records and collection items remain on




your credit bureau report for no more than




seven years (there are items which could




remain longer). Note that satisfying or paying




off a collection item or derogatory public




record does not make it disappear from your




credit report. Research shows that the fact




that it occurred is still predictive of future




repayment risk, and thus it will still be




considered by the score.


K2
Time since
Research shows that consumers who have
To improve your
n
n



most recent
recently opened new credit accounts are
score, open new



account opening
slightly more likely to miss payments than
credit accounts



is too short
those who have not. This is not an especially
only when necessary.




strong risk factor, and therefore usually means




the difference of no more than a few points in




a consumer's FICO score. As with many




other elements of the FICO score, this




component of the score will improve with




time. To improve your score, avoid opening




new credit accounts unless necessary. It is




possible that opening additional new accounts




may lower your score.


M1
Number of
The appearance of this reason indicates that
It is important to
n
n



accounts with
there is past or present evidence of late
pay all your credit



delinquency
payments on one or more of your credit
obligations on




obligations. Late payments are a very
time. Additional




powerful predictor of future repayment risk.
missed payments




There is no “quick” fix to improve the score if
may lower your score.




these reported late payments are valid.




However, as these missed payments age and




fall off the credit bureau report (late payments




stay on your report for up to seven years),




their impact on the score will gradually




decrease. In the meantime, it is important to




pay all your credit obligations on time.




Additional missed payments may lower your




score.


M6
Number of
A bank or national revolving account includes
In order to
n
y



bank/national
Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
improve your



revolving
Discover, Diner's Club, and similar accounts.
credit score, pay



accounts
Research shows that carrying balances on too
down your credit



with balances
many bankcards at once is a predictor of
card balances. In




future repayment risk. (Note that even if you
the future, keep




pay off your balance in full every month, your
your balances




credit bureau report may show a balance on
lower on credit




those cards. The total balance on your last
cards and other




statement is generally the amount that will
“revolving” debt.




show in your credit bureau report.) In order




to improve your credit rating, pay down those




credit card balances. And once they are paid




down, keep your balances lower on credit




cards and other “revolving” debt. Note that




consolidating your debt by transferring




balances from many cards onto fewer cards




will not necessarily raise your score, because




the same total amount is still owed. Paying




off your debt is the best way to raise your




score.


M8
Number of
If this reason is appearing, most likely your
Continue to
n
n



bank/national
score is fairly high, in which case you should
manage your



revolving or
have an excellent chance of being approved
revolving credit



other revolving
for credit, and receiving favorable terms. You
accounts responsibly.



accounts
have slightly fewer bank or national credit




card accounts (e.g. Visa, MasterCard,




Discover, American Express, Diner's Club,




etc.) appearing on your credit bureau report




than other consumers with relatively high




scores.


N0
Number of
This reason is based on a measurement of the
Over time your
n
n



consumer finance
frequency at which you have opened new
score should



company accounts
finance company loan accounts since your
improve if you



established
first finance company account was opened.
apply for new



relative to
(If only one finance company loan appears on
credit only when



length of
your credit bureau report, then this reason is
you need it.



consumer finance
based on how recently that account was



history
opened.) Research shows that consumers




who frequently open new accounts have




greater repayment risk than those who do not.




Therefore, only apply for needed credit and




wait before you apply for more.


N2
Number of
This reason may appear with credit bureau
Avoid applying
n
n



established
reports with relatively short credit histories,
credit you don't



accounts
but which have an unusually high number of
need, or don't




credit accounts for such a young file. This
intend to use.




reason may also appear with older credit files
Improve your credit




which have an unusually high number of
score by managing




credit accounts on file. Studies demonstrate
your accounts




that consumers with a relatively large number
responsibly, and




of credit accounts appearing on their credit
make your payments




bureau report represent higher risk than
on time.




consumers with fewer credit accounts.




Therefore, avoid applying for credit you don't




need, or don't intend to use. (Note that




closing your existing accounts will not make




them disappear from your credit bureau report




immediately.) The best way to improve your




credit rating is by managing <i>all</i> of




your accounts responsibly, and not missing




any payments.


P5
Proportion of
Analysis of consumer credit behavior
Paying down your
n
y



balances to
repeatedly finds that owing a substantial
revolving account



credit limits
balance on revolving accounts relative to the
balances may



on
amount of revolving credit available to you
increase your score.



bank/national
represents increased risk. In fact, the level of



revolving or
revolving debt is one of the most important



other revolving
factors in the FICO score. The score



accounts is
evaluates your total balances in relation to



too high
your total available credit on revolving




accounts, as well as on individual revolving




accounts. For a given amount of revolving




credit available, a greater amount owed




indicates a greater risk, and lowers the score.




(For credit cards, the total outstanding balance




on your last statement is generally the amount




that will show in your credit bureau report.




Note that even if you pay off your credit cards




in full each and every month, your credit




bureau report may show the last billing




statement balance on those




accounts.)<br><br>Paying down your




revolving account balances is a good sign that




you are able and willing to manage and repay




your debt, and this will increase your score.




On the other hand, shifting balances among




revolving accounts, opening up new revolving




accounts, and closing down other revolving




accounts will not necessarily improve your




score, and could possibly decrease your score.


P9
Proportion of
Simply having installment loans and owing
Paying down your
n
y



loan balances
money on them does not mean you are a high-
installment loan



to loan amounts
risk borrower. To the contrary, paying down
or loans as quickly



is too high
installment loans is a good sign that you are
as possible may




able and willing to manage and repay debt,
help improve your




and evidence of successful repayment weighs
score.




favorably on your credit rating. The FICO




score examines many aspects of your current




installment loan and revolving balances. One




measurement is to compare the total




outstanding installment balances against the




total original loan amounts. Generally, the




closer the loans are to being fully paid off, the




better the score. Compared to other




measurements of indebtedness, however, this




has limited influence on the FICO score.




Your best strategy to improve your score is to




pay down your installment loan or loans as




quickly as possible.


R0
Too few accounts
There are two possible reasons why this code
Pay your bills on
n
n



currently paid
appears with a score. The <i>first</i>
time. The longer



as agreed
possibility is if one or more of your accounts
you pay your bills




is presently being reported in delinquent
on time, the better




status, or your report shows evidence of
your score.




missed payments in the past. If you have




missed payments, get caught up on back




payments and stay current. The longer you




pay your bills on time, the better your score.




<i>Second</i>, if no missed payments appear




on your credit bureau report, and this reason




appears with your score, then your score




would be improved by adding more




successful repayment history to your record.




Research shows that consumers with a




moderate number of successfully paid




accounts appearing on their credit bureau




report have better future repayment risk than




consumers with just a few credit accounts on




file.


R2
Too few accounts
This reason may appear when the credit
To improve your
n
n



with recent
bureau report shows a relative lack of credit
credit score over



payment
repayment experience (i.e., credit history is
time you need to



information
short, or the number of successfully paid
demonstrate that




credit accounts is low). Research shows that
you pay your bills




consumers with more credit experience have
on time. If you




better repayment risk than those with less
have missed payments,




experience. This reason may also appear
get caught up on




when there is a derogatory public record,
these and make




collection agency reference, or serious credit
future payments




account delinquency on your report, and the
before the due date.




number of credit accounts with recent activity




being reported is low. In this case, in order to




improve your credit rating you need to pay




your bills on time. If you have missed




payments, get caught up on back payments




and stay current. The longer you pay your




bills on time, the better your score.


R4
Too few
You have slightly fewer bankcard accounts
To improve your
n
n



bank/national
(such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover,
score it will take



revolving
American Express, Diners Club, etc.)
time to establish a



accounts
appearing on your credit bureau report than
credit history with




other consumers with credit histories of
several types of




similar length. Opening a bankcard account
loan or account




might be a long-term strategy to improve your
relationships and




score and demonstrate that you can manage
demonstrate that




credit responsibly. However new account
you can manage




openings and the associated inquiries may
credit responsibly.




lower your score in the short-term. Over time




you will build a history which demonstrates




your ability to manage different types of




credit.


T0
Too many accounts
Analysis repeatedly finds that opening several
Avoid opening more
n
n



recently opened
credit accounts in a short period of time
accounts at this time.




represents increased risk for future




repayment-- especially for consumers who do




not have a long credit history. Therefore,




only apply for needed credit and wait before




you apply for more. The best way to improve




your credit rating is by responsibly managing




all of your accounts, including newly opened




accounts, and not missing any payments.


T1
Too many accounts
Analysis repeatedly finds that carrying
Paying off your
n
y



with balances
balances on too many credit accounts at once
debt on one or more




is a predictor of future repayment risk. (For
accounts can raise




credit cards, note that even if you pay off your
your score.




balance in full every month, your credit




bureau report may show a balance on those




cards. The total balance on your last




statement is generally the amount that will




show in your credit bureau report.) In order




to improve your credit score, pay down the




balances on your credit obligations. For




revolving accounts, once they are paid down




keep your balances low. Note that




consolidating your debt by transferring




balances from many accounts onto fewer




accounts will not necessarily raise your score,




because the same total amount is still owed.


T2
Too many
Your credit bureau report shows more
Avoid applying
n
n



bank/national
bankcard accounts (Visa, MasterCard,
for credit you



revolving
Discover, American Express, Diners Club,
don't need, or



accounts
etc.) than other consumers with credit
don't intend to use.




histories of similar length. Research has




shown that consumers with a relatively large




number of bankcard accounts appearing on




their credit bureau report represent higher risk




than consumers with fewer bankcard




accounts. Therefore, avoid applying for




credit you don't need, or don't intend to use.




(Note that closing your existing bankcard




accounts will not make them disappear from




your credit bureau report immediately;




therefore, closing many or all of your




bankcard accounts will probably not increase




the score.)


T3
Too many consumer
Research shows that consumers with
Improve your
n
n



finance company
consumer finance company loans appearing
credit score by



accounts
on their credit report represent higher risk
managing all of




than those with no consumer finance loans.
your accounts




The best way to improve your credit rating is
responsibly,




by managing all of your accounts responsibly,
making all payments




not missing any payments, and not opening
on time, and avoid




new credit accounts you don't need. (Note
opening new credit




that after a consumer finance company
accounts you don't




account is closed, it will not disappear from
need.




the credit report immediately. Research




shows that the presence of consumer finance




company accounts on the credit report,




whether open or closed, is still predictive of




future repayment risk; thus they will still be




considered by the score.)


T5
Too many
This reason appears when your credit bureau
To improve your
n
n



inquiries last
report contains a large number of inquiries
score over time,



12 months
posted as a result of your applying for credit.
apply for credit




Research shows that consumers who are
only when you need it.




seeking several new credit accounts are




riskier than consumers who are not seeking




credit. Inquiries are the only information




lenders have that indicates a consumer is




actively seeking credit. There are different




types of inquiries that reside on your credit




bureau report. The score only considers those




inquiries that were posted as a result of you




applying for credit. Other types of inquiries,




such as promotional inquiries (where a lender




has pre-approved you for a credit offer) or




consumer disclosure inquiries (where you




have requested a copy of your own report) are




not considered by the score.<br><br>The




scores can identify “rate shopping” in the




mortgage- and auto-lending environment, so




that one credit search involving multiple




inquiries is usually only counted as a single




inquiry. <br><br>Typically, the presence of




inquiries on your credit file has only a small




impact on FICO scores, carrying much less




importance than late payments, the amount




you owe, and the length of time you have




used credit. This reason rarely appears as a




primary or secondary reason except in high-




scoring files. As time passes the age of your




most recent inquiry will increase, and your




score will rise as a result, provided you do not




apply for additional credit in the meantime.




Typically inquiries are purged from the credit




bureau files after two years.<br><br>A




common misperception is that every single




inquiry will drop your score a certain number




of points. This is not true. The impact of




inquiries on your score will vary - depending




on your overall credit profile. Inquiries will




usually have a larger impact on the score for




consumers with limited credit history and on




consumers with previous late payments. The




most prudent action to raise your score over




time is by applying for credit <i>only</i>




when you need it.


X0
Payments due
The score measures the payments due on the
The best advice is
n
y



on accounts
accounts (revolving and installment) that are
to pay off your




listed on your credit bureau report. (For
debts as quickly




credit cards, the minimum payment due on
as you can.




your last statement is generally the amount
Consolidating or




that will show in your credit bureau report.
moving your debt




Note that even if you pay off your credit cards
around from one




in full each and every month, your credit
account to another




bureau report may show the last billing
will not, however,




statement's minimum payment due on those
raise your score,




accounts.) Analytic studies have shown that
since the same




consumers with larger payments due on their
amount is still owed.




credit accounts have greater future repayment




risk than those with lower payments due.




You can improve your credit score by paying




off your debts. Consolidating or moving your




debt around from one account to another will




not, however, raise your score, since the same




amount is still owed.










[0644] Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the claims included below.


Claims
  • 1. A method for explaining credit scores, comprising the steps of: providing a Web site that contains informative resources, said Web site comprising any of for-pay services and extranet/Internet functions; offering consumers access to information contained in said informative resources, both general and personal, about practices of collection, storing, reporting, and evaluating consumer credit data; accepting consumer credit scores and reason codes from individual consumers or third parties, in interactive or batch modes; and providing an explanation report to said individual consumers based upon the individual consumers' credit scores and reason codes.
  • 2. A credit score explanation service, comprising: a Web site that contains informative resources, said Web site comprising any of for-pay services and extranet/Internet functions; said Web site offering any of consumers and said third parties access to information contained in said informative resources, both general and personal, about practices of collection, storing, reporting, and evaluating consumer credit data; a display screen for accepting consumer credit scores and reason codes from any of individual consumers and said third parties; and a report form generator for providing an explanation report to any of said individual consumers and said third parties based upon the individual consumers' credit score and reason codes.
  • 3. The service of claim 2, wherein said service provides said individual consumers with on-demand receipt of credit scores.
  • 4. The service of claim 2, wherein said service provides said individual consumers with any of registration in an opt-in/opt-out database, ability to initiate requests for credit investigations, ability to link to consumer credit counseling services should scores be low and represent high risk, and ability to access multiple reports from different repositories upon request.
  • 5. The service of claim 2, wherein said service provides said individual consumers with their credit score and, if that score is sufficient to pass cutoff scores of specific brokers or lenders, a credit scoring developer passes said individual consumers' name, application, and credit score on to a lender for consideration.
  • 6. The service of claim 2, wherein said service allows a credit scoring developer to build broker networks to refer credit applicants to lenders who would approve them.
  • 7. The service of claim 2, wherein said service links credit applicants' email addresses to credit companies who wish to pre-approve and solicit said individual consumers based on their credit score.
  • 8. The service of claim 2, wherein said service requires said credit score and a plurality of reason codes as input from said individual consumers.
  • 9. The service of claim 2, wherein said service furnishes suggestions about how an individual consumer's credit standing can be improved over time.
  • 10. The service of claim 2, further comprising: a credit bureau risk score development database for developing benchmark characteristics, which may include any of score and other credit report attributes, to provide a national/regional basis upon which to compare individual score and attribute information.
  • 11. The service of claim 2, further comprising: a score, report, and explanation delivery service which comprises a bundled service offering providing a credit score, a credit report from which said score was calculated, and a score explanation service which identifies specific information on a consumer credit profile that gave rise to said score and that provides more precise actions for improving a credit risk profile and said credit score over time.
  • 12. The service of claim 2, further comprising: a score, report, and explanation delivery service from multiple credit reports which comprises a bundled service offering providing a credit score from all credit repositories, credit reports from all credit repositories, score explanations for all scores, and a discussion about why said scores are different across credit repositories and optionally sources of those differences.
  • 13. The service of claim 2, wherein said service processes on-line requests to initiate investigations of credit report data elements.
  • 14. The service of claim 2, wherein said service provides links to consumer credit counseling and/or to lenders.
  • 15. The service of claim 2, wherein said service provides explanations and delivery of any of insurance bureau scores and other developer scores.
  • 16. The service of claim 2, further comprising: means for verifying an individual's identity prior to their request for a credit report and credit score to prevent fraudulent use of said service.
  • 17. The service of claim 2, further comprising: means for providing fast access to an individual consumer's credit file and score.
  • 18. The service of claim 2, further comprising: means for providing access to one or more consumer support representatives, to respond individually to consumer questions about their credit reports and credit scores.
  • 19. The service of claim 2, further comprising: means for delivering an actual credit report used to calculate said credit score for examining and explaining said credit score with greater precision.
  • 20. A method for processing credit score explanation inputs and presentation of output in a credit score presentation service, comprising the steps of: pre-processing user-supplied inputs; verifying input data; providing reason code pop-up menu for reason code search; if there are errors or warnings, returning messages to a user along with a pre-filled form, containing said user's post-pre-processed responses; if no warnings or errors are detected, presenting a checkout screen to said user; if no errors are detected, but one or more warnings are produced, presenting said one or more warning messages on a data entry screen and offering said user a chance to revise entries; and if said user re-submits said form and the same warnings are repeated, allow said user to bypass said warnings presenting a checkout screen to said user.
  • 21. The method of claim 20, wherein said step of presenting a checkout screen to said user reiterates said user's inputs in a canonized, non-editable form, details charges for said service, displaying a name and partial account number of a credit card to be charged, and a submit button.
  • 22. The method of claim 21, wherein when said user hits said submit button, said service passes all verified, canonized user input fields and calculated fields to explanation generation functions, which functions return a report in a browser window.
  • 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of: presenting said user with reasonable next step options which may include any of requesting another report, closing an open display window, going to a score explainer home page, going to a score explainer help/FAQ page, and going to the credit scoring developer's home page.
  • 24. The method of claim 20, wherein said user-supplied inputs comprise any of: score; bureau/score; and one or more reason codes.
  • 25. The method of claim 20, wherein said preprocessing step comprises the steps of: stripping leading zeros and any blanks from said score; stripping leading zeros and any blanks from said reason codes, wherein if arguments consists of digits, then canonizing said arguments to a two-byte, leading zero format; and wherein if said arguments are alphabetic, then stripping leading and trailing blanks to produce a single-byte character converted to uppercase; and migrating, without permuting their order, non-blank responses upward and shifting blank values downward to the end of said array.
  • 26. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of applying the following validation rules: HTTP_REFERRER (IP number or domain name of a page containing a form just submitted) must be a member of list Valid Hosts; login state == verified user, they have logged in with username/password; score [a] is non-blank, numeric, and within range low score to high score; score is within typical range [WARNING]; bureau ID is non-blank, and one of three possible values (1, 2, or 3); number of non-blank Reason Codes is 2, 3, or 4. [WARNING]; reason code 1 is blank, or a member of All Codes in Use; reason code 2 is blank, or a member of possible codes 2-4; reason code 3 is blank, or a member of possible codes 2-4; reason code 4 is blank, or a member of possible codes 2-4; no two non-blank reason codes are allowed to be identical; and all reason codes must be two numeral digits, or be one-byte alphabetic codes.
  • 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising, in event of validation failures, the step of returning the following messages as appropriate: unauthorized access/access denied page; please enter a score between Low Score and High Score; [WARNING] “Most consumers score in the range Typical Range. The score you have entered is possible, but unusually high or low. Please confirm that you have not mistyped the score before requesting an explanation report.”; Please select a bureau from the pull-down menu; [WARNING] “You have entered fewer than two reason codes, which is exceptionally rare for all but the very highest scoring borrowers. Please ensure that you have entered all the reason codes that were returned with the score, in the proper order. The score explanation report will be inaccurate without all of the reason codes. See the FAQ for more information.”; not a valid reason code; reason codes may not be repeated; AND reason codes should be either all numeric or all alphabetic.
  • 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: adding a transaction entry to a transactions table each time a user hits said submit button on said checkout screen.
  • 29. The method of claim 28, wherein each transaction record comprises any of: a transaction ID comprising a unique system-generated key; a user session ID; a date and time of transaction; a user ID which may comprise a login name or unique user ID number; a user's host domain name or IP address; an HTTP_REFERRER which is a URL of a page containing a submitted form; browser identification; an access mode which may be one of {H,S}, where H=entered by hand, S=system-to-system); a transaction status code; a score; a bureau ID; and one or more reason codes.
  • 30. A method for delivering a credit score and its associated explanation to a consumer, comprising the steps of: providing a Web site that contains informative resources, said Web site comprising any of for-pay services and extranet/Internet functions; providing a non-interactive hyperlink encoding of all necessary credit information, responsive to said consumer, for delivering said credit score and its associated explanation, said encoding accessing said Web Site and offering consumers access to information contained in said informative resources; accepting said encoding from said consumer; and delivering a credit score and its associated explanation to said consumer.
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60222205 Aug 2000 US