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Credit History Essay

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Credit history is a record of a borrower 's responsible repayment of debts. When an American customer fills

out an application for credit from a bank, credit card company, or a store, there information is forwarded to a credit bureau. These organizations match the name, address, and other identifying information on the credit applicant with

information found in the files of the credit bureaus. The gathered records are then used by lenders to determine an individual 's credit worthiness—that is—determining an individual 's ability and track record of repaying a debt. Lenders will extend credit to individuals who have paid consumer debt obligations regularly and on time, while those

who missed payments are more likely to be declined.

How are credit scores, also known as FICO scores, calculated?

Payment history makes up 35% of the credit score/FICO score. A record of negative information can lower a

consumer 's credit rating or score—negative events such as charge offs, collections, late payments, repossessions, foreclosures, settlements, bankruptcies and judgments can affect the FICO score greatly. Newer offenses have a greater affect than older offenses, and many is worse than a few. Debt and debt history makes up 30% of the FICO score.

Three types of debt, revolving debt, installment debt, and open debt all contribute to an individual 's credit score. Revolving debt is credit card debt, and while home equity lines of credit have revolving terms, the bulk of debt

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