How to Learn My Credit Score: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the secrets to your credit score is easier than you think. You can discover your credit score through various methods, including checking your credit card statements or consulting with a nonprofit counselor. At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we’re dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources to master your finances. Dive in to learn all about credit scores, credit reports, and credit monitoring.

1. What is a Credit Score and Why Should I Learn About It?

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness. It’s a snapshot of how likely you are to repay debt based on your credit history. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating lower risk to lenders. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, a good credit score is generally considered to be above 700.

1.1 Why Learning About Your Credit Score Matters

Understanding your credit score is crucial for several reasons:

  • Loan Approval: Lenders use your credit score to determine whether to approve your loan applications, such as mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans.
  • Interest Rates: A higher credit score can qualify you for lower interest rates, saving you money over the life of the loan.
  • Credit Card Approval: Credit card companies use your credit score to decide whether to approve your application and what your credit limit and interest rate will be.
  • Rental Applications: Landlords often check credit scores to assess your ability to pay rent on time.
  • Insurance Premiums: In some states, insurance companies use credit scores to determine insurance premiums.
  • Employment: Some employers may check your credit report as part of the hiring process, particularly for positions that involve financial responsibility.

1.2 The Impact of Credit Scores on Financial Opportunities

Your credit score isn’t just a number; it’s a key that unlocks various financial opportunities. A good credit score can lead to:

  • Better Loan Terms: Access to loans with lower interest rates and more favorable terms.
  • Higher Credit Limits: Increased borrowing power with credit cards.
  • Easier Approval for Financial Products: Streamlined approval processes for mortgages, auto loans, and other financial products.
  • Financial Flexibility: The ability to take advantage of opportunities that require credit, such as starting a business or investing in real estate.

2. Where Can I Find My Credit Score?

There are several avenues to explore when seeking your credit score, each offering unique benefits and considerations.

2.1 Checking Credit Card and Loan Statements

Many major credit card companies and lenders provide credit scores to their customers as a complimentary service. This information is often included on your monthly statement or accessible through your online account.

  • Pros: Convenient, often free, and provides regular updates.
  • Cons: May not be available from all lenders, and the score provided may be an educational score.

2.2 Utilizing Credit Counseling Services

Nonprofit credit counseling agencies, certified by organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), offer free or low-cost credit counseling services. These counselors can help you understand your credit score, review your credit report, and develop a plan to improve your credit.

  • Pros: Provides personalized guidance, helps you understand your credit report, and offers debt management advice.
  • Cons: Requires scheduling an appointment and may involve sharing personal financial information.

2.3 Exploring Online Credit Score Services

Numerous online platforms offer credit scores, some for free and others for a fee. These services may be offered by credit reporting companies, scoring companies, lenders, or other financial institutions.

  • Free Services: Often supported by advertising or require you to sign up for promotional offers.
  • Paid Services: Typically offer more comprehensive credit monitoring and reporting features.

2.4 Understanding Educational Credit Scores

Some sources provide “educational” credit scores, which may differ from the scores lenders use. While educational scores can be helpful for tracking your progress, it’s important to understand that they may not be an exact reflection of your creditworthiness.

  • Pros: Useful for monitoring your credit health and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Cons: May not be the same score used by lenders, potentially leading to discrepancies.

3. How to Obtain Your Free Credit Report

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—once every 12 months. You can request your free credit report through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for this purpose.

3.1 Requesting Your Credit Report from AnnualCreditReport.com

AnnualCreditReport.com is a centralized service that allows you to access your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus.

  • How to Request: Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, complete the online form, and verify your identity.
  • Frequency: You can request a free credit report from each bureau every 12 months.
  • Benefits: Provides a comprehensive overview of your credit history, allowing you to identify errors and potential fraud.

3.2 Understanding the Information in Your Credit Report

Your credit report contains detailed information about your credit history, including:

  • Personal Information: Your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • Credit Accounts: A list of your credit cards, loans, and other credit accounts, including account balances, credit limits, and payment history.
  • Public Records: Information from public records, such as bankruptcies, tax liens, and judgments.
  • Inquiries: A list of companies that have accessed your credit report.

3.3 Identifying and Correcting Errors in Your Credit Report

It’s crucial to review your credit report for errors and inaccuracies. Common errors include:

  • Incorrect Personal Information: Misspelled name, incorrect address, or wrong Social Security number.
  • Inaccurate Account Information: Incorrect balances, payment history, or credit limits.
  • Fraudulent Accounts: Accounts opened without your permission.

If you find any errors, dispute them with the credit bureau that issued the report.

  • How to Dispute: Submit a written dispute to the credit bureau, providing documentation to support your claim.
  • Timeline: The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute.
  • Benefits: Correcting errors can improve your credit score and prevent potential fraud.

4. Factors That Influence Your Credit Score

Several factors influence your credit score, and understanding these factors can help you manage your credit more effectively. According to FICO, the most widely used credit scoring model, the key factors are:

4.1 Payment History (35%)

Your payment history is the most significant factor in determining your credit score. Lenders want to see that you consistently pay your bills on time.

  • Impact: Late payments, missed payments, and defaults can significantly lower your credit score.
  • Strategies: Set up automatic payments, create reminders, and prioritize paying bills on time.

4.2 Amounts Owed (30%)

The amount of debt you owe, relative to your credit limits, is another important factor. This is known as your credit utilization ratio.

  • Impact: High credit utilization can negatively affect your credit score.
  • Strategies: Keep your credit utilization below 30%, pay down debt, and avoid maxing out credit cards.

4.3 Length of Credit History (15%)

The length of time you’ve had credit accounts open also plays a role. A longer credit history generally indicates a more stable credit profile.

  • Impact: A longer credit history can positively influence your credit score.
  • Strategies: Keep old credit accounts open, even if you don’t use them, as long as they don’t have annual fees.

4.4 Credit Mix (10%)

Having a mix of different types of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages, can demonstrate your ability to manage various types of debt.

  • Impact: A diverse credit mix can slightly improve your credit score.
  • Strategies: Consider diversifying your credit portfolio with different types of credit accounts.

4.5 New Credit (10%)

Opening multiple new credit accounts in a short period can lower your credit score. Lenders may view this as a sign of financial instability.

  • Impact: Opening too many new accounts can negatively affect your credit score.
  • Strategies: Avoid opening multiple credit accounts at once and space out your credit applications.

5. How to Improve Your Credit Score

Improving your credit score takes time and effort, but it’s achievable with the right strategies and consistent effort.

5.1 Paying Bills on Time

Make on-time payments a priority. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.

  • Strategies: Automate payments, create reminders, and prioritize paying bills on time.
  • Benefits: Consistent on-time payments can significantly boost your credit score.

5.2 Reducing Credit Card Debt

Pay down your credit card balances to lower your credit utilization ratio. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%.

  • Strategies: Pay down debt, transfer balances, and negotiate lower interest rates.
  • Benefits: Reducing credit card debt can improve your credit score and lower your interest payments.

5.3 Avoiding New Credit Applications

Limit the number of new credit accounts you open. Each credit application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score.

  • Strategies: Space out credit applications and avoid opening multiple accounts at once.
  • Benefits: Limiting new credit applications can prevent unnecessary dips in your credit score.

5.4 Checking Your Credit Report Regularly

Review your credit report regularly for errors and inaccuracies. Dispute any errors you find to ensure your credit information is accurate.

  • Strategies: Request free credit reports, review for errors, and dispute inaccuracies.
  • Benefits: Regular credit report checks can help you identify and correct errors, preventing potential damage to your credit score.

5.5 Becoming an Authorized User

Ask a trusted friend or family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. This can help you build credit, especially if you have a limited credit history.

  • Strategies: Ask to be added as an authorized user and ensure the account has a positive payment history.
  • Benefits: Becoming an authorized user can help you build credit and improve your credit score.

6. Common Myths About Credit Scores

There are many misconceptions about credit scores, and debunking these myths can help you make informed decisions about your credit.

6.1 Checking Your Credit Score Will Lower It

Checking your own credit score does not lower it. These are considered “soft inquiries” and do not affect your credit score.

  • Fact: Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score.
  • Myth: Checking your credit score will lower it.

6.2 Closing Credit Cards Improves Your Credit Score

Closing credit cards can actually lower your credit score, especially if it reduces your overall credit availability.

  • Fact: Closing credit cards can lower your credit score.
  • Myth: Closing credit cards improves your credit score.

6.3 Credit Scores Only Matter for Loans

Credit scores are used for more than just loans. They can also affect your ability to rent an apartment, get a job, or obtain insurance.

  • Fact: Credit scores impact various aspects of your life.
  • Myth: Credit scores only matter for loans.

6.4 Paying Off Debt Erases Negative Information

Paying off debt does not erase negative information from your credit report. Negative information can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

  • Fact: Negative information can remain on your credit report for years.
  • Myth: Paying off debt erases negative information.

7. Understanding Credit Scoring Models: FICO vs. VantageScore

While the FICO score is the most widely used, VantageScore is another popular credit scoring model. Understanding the differences between these models can help you interpret your credit score more accurately.

7.1 FICO Score

The FICO score is used by the majority of lenders and is based on five main factors: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit.

  • Range: 300-850
  • Key Factors: Payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit.
  • Usage: Widely used by lenders.

7.2 VantageScore

VantageScore is developed by the three major credit bureaus and uses a slightly different weighting of factors. It also has a similar range to the FICO score.

  • Range: 300-850
  • Key Factors: Payment history, age and type of credit, percentage of credit limit used, total balances, recent credit behavior and inquiries, and available credit.
  • Usage: Used by some lenders, but not as widely as FICO.

7.3 Key Differences

The main differences between FICO and VantageScore lie in the weighting of factors and how they treat new credit accounts. VantageScore tends to be more lenient with new credit accounts and may score individuals with limited credit histories more favorably.

  • Weighting of Factors: Different weighting of factors.
  • Treatment of New Credit: VantageScore is more lenient with new credit accounts.
  • Scoring of Limited Credit Histories: VantageScore may score individuals with limited credit histories more favorably.

8. The Role of Credit Bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

The three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—collect and maintain credit information on consumers. Understanding their role can help you manage your credit more effectively.

8.1 Equifax

Equifax is one of the largest credit bureaus and provides credit reports and scores to lenders and consumers.

  • Services: Credit reports, credit scores, credit monitoring, and identity theft protection.
  • Contact: Visit Equifax.com or call their customer service line.

8.2 Experian

Experian is another major credit bureau that offers a range of credit-related services.

  • Services: Credit reports, credit scores, credit monitoring, and identity theft protection.
  • Contact: Visit Experian.com or call their customer service line.

8.3 TransUnion

TransUnion completes the trio of major credit bureaus, providing credit reports and scores to lenders and consumers.

  • Services: Credit reports, credit scores, credit monitoring, and identity theft protection.
  • Contact: Visit TransUnion.com or call their customer service line.

8.4 Ensuring Accuracy

It’s important to ensure that the information in your credit reports is accurate. Regularly review your credit reports from each bureau and dispute any errors you find.

  • Strategies: Request free credit reports, review for errors, and dispute inaccuracies.
  • Benefits: Accurate credit information can help you maintain a good credit score.

9. Credit Monitoring Services: What to Look For

Credit monitoring services can help you stay on top of your credit and protect against identity theft. These services typically provide alerts when there are changes to your credit report.

9.1 Features to Consider

When choosing a credit monitoring service, consider the following features:

  • Credit Report Monitoring: Real-time alerts when there are changes to your credit report.
  • Credit Score Tracking: Regular updates to your credit score.
  • Identity Theft Protection: Features to protect against identity theft, such as fraud alerts and identity restoration services.
  • Dark Web Monitoring: Monitoring of the dark web for your personal information.

9.2 Popular Services

Some popular credit monitoring services include:

  • Experian CreditWorks: Offers credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
  • Equifax Complete Premier: Provides credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
  • TransUnion Credit Monitoring: Offers credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

9.3 Cost vs. Benefit

Consider the cost of credit monitoring services and weigh it against the benefits. If you’re concerned about identity theft or have a history of credit issues, a credit monitoring service may be worth the investment.

  • Factors: Cost, features, and level of protection.
  • Considerations: Identity theft risk and credit history.

10. Seeking Professional Help: When to Consult a Credit Counselor

If you’re struggling to manage your credit or improve your credit score, consider consulting a credit counselor. A credit counselor can provide personalized guidance and help you develop a plan to achieve your financial goals.

10.1 Benefits of Credit Counseling

Credit counseling can provide several benefits, including:

  • Personalized Guidance: Tailored advice based on your individual financial situation.
  • Debt Management: Help with managing debt and developing a repayment plan.
  • Budgeting Assistance: Assistance with creating a budget and managing your finances.
  • Credit Education: Education about credit and how to improve your credit score.

10.2 Finding a Reputable Counselor

When seeking a credit counselor, ensure they are certified and reputable. Look for counselors who are accredited by organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

  • Accreditation: Look for accreditation from reputable organizations.
  • Reputation: Check reviews and references.

10.3 What to Expect

During a credit counseling session, you can expect to discuss your financial situation, including your income, expenses, debts, and credit history. The counselor will then help you develop a plan to achieve your financial goals.

  • Discussion: Financial situation, income, expenses, debts, and credit history.
  • Planning: Development of a plan to achieve financial goals.

11. Resources Available at LEARNS.EDU.VN to Master Your Credit Score

At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources to master your credit score and achieve financial success. Here’s how we can help:

11.1 Comprehensive Articles and Guides

We offer a wide range of articles and guides that cover every aspect of credit scores, from understanding the basics to advanced strategies for improvement.

  • Topics Covered: Credit score basics, factors influencing credit scores, improving credit scores, and common credit myths.
  • Benefits: Access to in-depth knowledge and actionable advice.

11.2 Interactive Tools and Calculators

Our interactive tools and calculators can help you assess your current credit situation and plan for the future.

  • Tools Available: Credit score calculator, debt repayment calculator, and budget planner.
  • Benefits: Ability to assess your financial health and plan for the future.

11.3 Expert Insights and Advice

Our team of financial experts provides insights and advice to help you make informed decisions about your credit.

  • Expertise: Financial planning, credit management, and debt reduction.
  • Benefits: Access to professional guidance and support.

11.4 Personalized Learning Paths

We offer personalized learning paths tailored to your individual needs and goals.

  • Customization: Learning paths based on your financial situation and goals.
  • Benefits: Targeted education and support.

11.5 Community Support

Join our community forum to connect with other learners, share your experiences, and get support from our experts.

  • Features: Discussion forums, Q&A sessions, and peer support.
  • Benefits: Connection with a supportive community and access to valuable insights.

12. Staying Informed: Recent Updates and Trends in Credit Scoring

The world of credit scoring is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay informed about recent updates and trends.

12.1 Changes to Credit Scoring Models

Credit scoring models are regularly updated to reflect changes in consumer behavior and economic conditions. Stay informed about these changes to ensure you understand how your credit score is calculated.

  • Updates: FICO and VantageScore updates.
  • Impact: Changes to credit scoring models can affect your credit score.

12.2 Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are being used to develop new credit scoring models. These models may consider alternative data sources, such as social media activity and mobile payment history.

  • Innovations: AI and machine learning in credit scoring.
  • Considerations: Alternative data sources and potential biases.

12.3 Regulatory Changes

Regulatory changes can also affect credit scoring. Stay informed about these changes to ensure you comply with the law.

  • Examples: Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Dodd-Frank Act.
  • Importance: Compliance with regulations.

13. Building Credit as a Student: Tips for Young Adults

Building credit early in life can set you up for financial success. Here are some tips for students and young adults:

13.1 Opening a Student Credit Card

A student credit card can be a great way to start building credit. Look for cards with low interest rates and no annual fees.

  • Benefits: Building credit and earning rewards.
  • Considerations: Low interest rates and no annual fees.

13.2 Becoming an Authorized User

Ask a trusted friend or family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit card. This can help you build credit, especially if you have a limited credit history.

  • Strategies: Ask to be added as an authorized user and ensure the account has a positive payment history.
  • Benefits: Building credit and improving your credit score.

13.3 Paying Bills on Time

Make on-time payments a priority. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.

  • Strategies: Automate payments, create reminders, and prioritize paying bills on time.
  • Benefits: Consistent on-time payments can significantly boost your credit score.

13.4 Avoiding Debt

Avoid taking on too much debt, especially if you’re still in school. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

  • Strategies: Budgeting and responsible borrowing.
  • Benefits: Avoiding debt and maintaining a healthy credit profile.

14. Protecting Yourself from Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft

Credit card fraud and identity theft can have a devastating impact on your credit score and financial well-being. Here are some tips for protecting yourself:

14.1 Monitoring Your Credit Report

Regularly monitor your credit report for unauthorized activity. Dispute any errors you find immediately.

  • Strategies: Request free credit reports, review for errors, and dispute inaccuracies.
  • Benefits: Early detection of fraud and prevention of potential damage to your credit score.

14.2 Using Strong Passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

  • Strategies: Strong passwords and password managers.
  • Benefits: Protection against unauthorized access to your accounts.

14.3 Being Cautious Online

Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown senders.

  • Strategies: Online safety and awareness.
  • Benefits: Protection against phishing and malware attacks.

14.4 Shredding Documents

Shred documents that contain sensitive information, such as credit card statements and bank statements.

  • Strategies: Shredding and secure disposal.
  • Benefits: Prevention of identity theft.

15. Addressing Negative Items on Your Credit Report

Negative items on your credit report can significantly lower your credit score. Here’s how to address them:

15.1 Understanding Negative Items

Negative items can include late payments, collections, charge-offs, and bankruptcies.

  • Examples: Late payments, collections, charge-offs, and bankruptcies.
  • Impact: Lowering your credit score.

15.2 Disputing Errors

If you find errors on your credit report, dispute them with the credit bureau that issued the report.

  • How to Dispute: Submit a written dispute to the credit bureau, providing documentation to support your claim.
  • Timeline: The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute.
  • Benefits: Correcting errors can improve your credit score and prevent potential fraud.

15.3 Negotiating with Creditors

If you have outstanding debts, negotiate with your creditors to develop a repayment plan.

  • Strategies: Debt negotiation and repayment plans.
  • Benefits: Managing debt and improving your credit score.

15.4 Waiting for Items to Expire

Negative items typically expire after seven years (ten years for bankruptcies). After that, they will no longer appear on your credit report.

  • Timeline: Seven years for most items (ten years for bankruptcies).
  • Considerations: Waiting for items to expire.

16. Credit Score and Financial Planning: Long-Term Strategies

Your credit score plays a critical role in your long-term financial planning. Here are some strategies to consider:

16.1 Setting Financial Goals

Set clear financial goals, such as buying a home, starting a business, or retiring early.

  • Examples: Buying a home, starting a business, or retiring early.
  • Importance: Setting clear goals.

16.2 Budgeting and Saving

Create a budget and save regularly. This will help you manage your finances and achieve your financial goals.

  • Strategies: Budgeting and saving.
  • Benefits: Managing finances and achieving financial goals.

16.3 Investing Wisely

Invest your money wisely to grow your wealth. Consider diversifying your investments and consulting with a financial advisor.

  • Strategies: Diversification and professional advice.
  • Benefits: Growing your wealth.

16.4 Planning for Retirement

Plan for retirement early in life. This will help you ensure you have enough money to live comfortably in your golden years.

  • Strategies: Retirement planning and saving.
  • Benefits: Ensuring financial security in retirement.

17. Understanding Credit Utilization Ratio

Credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit. It’s a key factor in determining your credit score.

17.1 Calculating Credit Utilization

To calculate your credit utilization ratio, divide your total credit card balances by your total credit limits.

  • Formula: (Total Credit Card Balances / Total Credit Limits) x 100
  • Example: If you have $3,000 in credit card balances and $10,000 in total credit limits, your credit utilization ratio is 30%.

17.2 Ideal Credit Utilization

Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. A lower credit utilization ratio indicates that you’re managing your credit responsibly.

  • Target: Below 30%.
  • Importance: Managing credit responsibly.

17.3 Strategies to Lower Credit Utilization

Here are some strategies to lower your credit utilization ratio:

  • Pay Down Debt: Pay down your credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization.
  • Increase Credit Limits: Request a credit limit increase from your credit card issuers.
  • Open a New Credit Card: Open a new credit card to increase your total available credit.

18. Co-Signing Loans: Risks and Responsibilities

Co-signing a loan means you’re agreeing to be responsible for the debt if the borrower defaults. It’s important to understand the risks and responsibilities before co-signing a loan.

18.1 Risks of Co-Signing

Co-signing a loan can put your credit score at risk. If the borrower defaults, the debt will appear on your credit report and can lower your score.

  • Potential Impact: Lowering your credit score.
  • Considerations: Borrower default.

18.2 Responsibilities of Co-Signing

As a co-signer, you’re legally responsible for the debt if the borrower doesn’t pay. This means you could be sued or have your wages garnished to repay the debt.

  • Legal Responsibility: Responsibility for the debt if the borrower doesn’t pay.
  • Potential Consequences: Lawsuits and wage garnishment.

18.3 Alternatives to Co-Signing

If you’re considering co-signing a loan, explore alternatives, such as helping the borrower improve their credit score or find a different loan option.

  • Alternatives: Helping the borrower improve their credit score or find a different loan option.
  • Considerations: Exploring alternatives.

19. Navigating Credit Challenges: Divorce, Job Loss, and Medical Debt

Life events such as divorce, job loss, and medical debt can present credit challenges. Here’s how to navigate them:

19.1 Divorce

During a divorce, it’s important to separate your finances and close any joint accounts. This will help you protect your credit score.

  • Strategies: Separating finances and closing joint accounts.
  • Importance: Protecting your credit score.

19.2 Job Loss

If you lose your job, contact your lenders and let them know. They may be willing to work with you to develop a repayment plan.

  • Strategies: Contacting lenders and developing a repayment plan.
  • Importance: Maintaining communication.

19.3 Medical Debt

Medical debt can be a significant burden. Negotiate with your healthcare providers to reduce your bills or set up a payment plan.

  • Strategies: Negotiating with healthcare providers and setting up a payment plan.
  • Importance: Managing medical debt.

20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Credit Scores

20.1 What is a good credit score range?

A good credit score is generally considered to be above 700.

20.2 How often should I check my credit score?

You should check your credit score at least once a year.

20.3 Does checking my credit score hurt my credit?

No, checking your own credit score does not hurt your credit.

20.4 How long does it take to improve my credit score?

It can take several months to a year to improve your credit score, depending on your credit history.

20.5 What is the difference between a credit score and a credit report?

A credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness, while a credit report is a detailed history of your credit activity.

20.6 Can I get a loan with a bad credit score?

Yes, but you may have to pay a higher interest rate.

20.7 What is credit utilization?

Credit utilization is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total available credit.

20.8 How can I lower my credit utilization?

You can lower your credit utilization by paying down your credit card balances.

20.9 What is a hard inquiry?

A hard inquiry is when a lender checks your credit report to make a lending decision.

20.10 How long do negative items stay on my credit report?

Negative items typically stay on your credit report for seven years (ten years for bankruptcies).

Take Action Now with LEARNS.EDU.VN

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