FAQs
A FICO® score is a particular brand of credit score. A credit score is a number that is used to predict how likely you are to pay back a loan on time. Credit scores are used by companies to make decisions such as whether to offer you a mortgage or a credit card.
What is a FICO Score? ›
What is a FICO® Score? A FICO Score is a three-digit number based on the information in your credit reports. It helps lenders determine how likely you are to repay a loan. This, in turn, affects how much you can borrow, how many months you have to repay, and how much it will cost (the interest rate).
What is a credit score CFPB? ›
A credit score is a prediction of your credit behavior, such as how likely you are to pay a loan back on time, based on information from your credit reports.
What is the difference between a FICO Score and a credit bureau score? ›
Is "credit score" the same as "FICO® score"? Basically, "credit score" and "FICO® score" are all referring to the same thing. A FICO® score is a type of credit scoring model. While different reporting agencies may weigh factors slightly differently, they are all essentially measuring the same thing.
What does a consumer need to have a FICO Score? ›
What are the minimum requirements for a FICO® Score? In order to receive a valid FICO Score, the credit report must have: At least one account opened for six months or more, and. At least one account that has been reported to the credit bureau within the past six months, and.
What is a healthy FICO score? ›
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
Who falls under CFPB? ›
The CFPB supervises a range of companies to assess their compliance with federal consumer financial laws. We have supervisory authority over banks, thrifts, and credit unions with assets over $10 billion, as well as their affiliates.
How do I check my FICO score? ›
Step 1 – Check with your bank or credit union
If your bank or credit union partners with FICO, log in to your account online. You will likely be provided with a free FICO Score.
Does the CFPB really help consumers? ›
We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law. We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions.
What credit score is needed to buy a house? ›
The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score. There are also industry-specific versions of credit scores that businesses use. For example, the FICO Bankcard Score 8 is the most widely used score when you apply for a new credit card or a credit-limit increase.
Which credit bureau is the toughest? ›
Of the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), none is considered better than the others. A lender may rely on a report from one bureau or all three bureaus to make its decisions about approving a loan.
What are the three things not included in a FICO Score? ›
FICO scores consider a wide range of information on your credit report. However, they do not consider: Your race, color, religion, national origin, sex and marital status.
What 3 companies give you a FICO Score? ›
The national credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax—each have their own processes and procedures, so the best way to contact them can differ.
What is a good credit score for my age? ›
Average Credit Scores FAQs
Consider yourself in “good” shape if your credit score is above the average for people in your age group. Given that the average credit score for people aged 18 to 25 is 679, a score between 679 and 687 (the average for people aged 26 to 41) could be considered “good”.
How is your FICO Score calculated? ›
The main categories considered are a person's payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit accounts (10%), and types of credit used (10%). FICO scores are available from each of the three major credit bureaus, based on information contained in consumers' credit reports.
Does checking my FICO score hurt my credit? ›
Good news: Credit scores aren't impacted by checking your own credit reports or credit scores. In fact, regularly checking your credit reports and credit scores is an important way to ensure your personal and account information is correct, and may help detect signs of potential identity theft.
Is a FICO Score of 8 good or bad? ›
FICO 8 scores range between 300 and 850. A FICO score of at least 700 is considered a good score. There are also industry-specific versions of credit scores that businesses use. For example, the FICO Bankcard Score 8 is the most widely used score when you apply for a new credit card or a credit-limit increase.
