What is a credit score?

Your credit score is a three-digit number meant to reflect the risk you could pose to a lender when you borrow money. It offers a quick glance at your credit health and history of paying back your debts. You can think of it as a snapshot of your risk level based on your credit history at a specific moment in time.

How is a credit score calculated?

There are many different credit scoring models. Two popular credit scoring models you may have come across are from the companies FICO and VantageScore. The score you see provided by TransUnion is based on the VantageScore® 3.0 model. FICO and VantageScore credit scores range from 300 – 850. The scores are calculated using information in your credit report. Much, but not all, of your credit report information is considered by scoring models. Here are credit score factors used by popular scoring models:

• Payment history
• Your balances or how much you owe

 

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