FICO® Score

FICO® Scores are numbers that summarize your credit risk. Scores are based on a snapshot of your credit file at a particular consumer reporting agency at a particular point in time and help lenders evaluate your credit risk. FICO® Scores influence the credit that’s available to you and the terms, such as interest rate, that lenders offer you.

The FICO® Scores, which are in use today by the vast majority of lenders, fall within the 300-850 score range. This credit score range was introduced to establish an easy-to-understand, common frame of reference for lenders and consumers.

FICO® Scores are calculated from many different pieces of credit data in your credit report. This data is grouped into five categories, as outlined above. The percentages in the chart reflect how important each of the categories is in determining how FICO® Scores are calculated.

Program participants will receive their FICO® Score for free based on Experian data updated on a quarterly basis, when available.

FICO® Scores are based on the credit information in a credit file with a particular consumer reporting agency (CRA) at the time the score is calculated. The information in your credit files is supplied by lenders, collection agencies and court records. Not all lenders report to all three major CRAs. The FICO® Score we provide to you is based on data from your Experian report as of the "pulled on" date shown with your credit score.

When a lender receives a FICO® Score, key credit score factors are also delivered, which explain the top factors from the information in the credit report that affected the score. The order in which FICO® Score factors are listed is important. The first indicates the area that most affected that particular FICO® Score, and the second is the next significant area. Knowing these score factors can help you better understand your financial health over time. However, if you already have a high FICO® Score (usually in the mid-700s or higher), score factors are informative but not as significant, since they represent very marginal areas where your score was affected.

There are many different credit scores available to consumers and lenders. FICO® Scores are the credit scores used by most lenders, and different lenders may use different versions of FICO® Scores. In addition, FICO® Scores are based on credit file data from a particular consumer reporting agency, so differences in your credit files may create differences in your FICO® Scores. The score that is being made available to you through this program is the specific score that we use to manage your account. When reviewing a score, take note of the score date, consumer reporting agency credit file source, score type and range for that particular score.

There are many reasons why a score may change. FICO® Scores are calculated each time they are requested, taking into consideration the information that is in your credit file from a particular consumer reporting agency (CRA) at that time. So, as the information in your credit file at that CRA changes, credit scores can also change. Review your key score factors, which explain what factors from your credit report most affected a score. Comparing key score factors from the two different time periods can help identify causes for a change in your FICO® Score. Keep in mind that certain events, such as late payments or bankruptcy, can lower FICO® Scores quickly.

Because your FICO® Score is based on the information in your credit report, it is important to make sure the credit report information is accurate. You may get a free copy of your credit report annually. To request a copy of your credit report, please visit: www.annualcreditreport.com. Please note that your free credit report will not include your FICO® Score.

Reviewing your FICO® Scores can help you learn how lenders view your credit risk and allow you to better understand your financial health. This can benefit you if you are looking to obtain a loan for a car, a home or other financial needs.