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Credit Facts

Everything you need to understand your credit score, what drives it, how long negative items linger, and the proven habits that build a healthier financial future.

Section 01

What Is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a number generated by a mathematical formula that predicts credit worthiness. Credit scores range from 300-850. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get a loan.

If you have a low credit score and still get approved, your interest rate is usually much higher. A strong score can save thousands of dollars over time.

Score Range Guide
300
850
300-579
Poor
580-669
Fair
670-739
Good
740-799
Very Good
800-850
Exceptional
Section 02

What Affects Your Credit Score?

Your score uses five major factors. Improving each one increases your score and long-term approval odds.

Payment History
35%

Pay every bill on time. This is the highest-impact factor.

Credit Utilization
30%

Keep balances low relative to limits. Aim under 30%, ideally under 10%.

Length of History
15%

Older average account age helps scores.

Credit Mix
10%

A balanced mix of account types helps.

New Credit / Inquiries
10%

Too many recent hard pulls can lower your score temporarily.

Section 03

We Help You Dispute Negative Items

We help challenge negative payment history, optimize utilization strategy, and remove improper inquiries from your report.

Across Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, score differences are common because data varies by bureau and accuracy is not always consistent.

80%
of all credit reports

Nearly 80% of reports contain serious errors according to recent studies, not including smaller technical errors specialists often catch.

Section 04

How to Raise Your Score

These practical habits consistently improve scores when done consistently over time.

Pay All Bills On Time

Late payments hurt scores more than almost anything else.

Check Your Report Annually

Find and dispute errors before they create bigger issues.

Stay Below 30% Utilization

Lower revolving balances signals lower risk to lenders.

Keep Accounts Open

Older accounts improve average account age and score stability.

Use Cards Strategically

Use small predictable charges and pay in full by due date.

Be Patient

Score improvement is a process. Consistency wins.

Section 05

How Long Items Remain on Your File

Negative items expire on defined timelines. Knowing them helps you plan smarter.

7 yrs
Delinquencies (30-180 days)

Usually seven years from first delinquency date.

7 yrs
Collections / Charge-offs

Generally seven years from original delinquency date.

7-10 yrs
Closed Accounts / Bankruptcy

Time varies by status and chapter.

7 yrs
Judgments

Typically seven years from filing date.

10-15 yrs
Tax Liens

Unpaid can last longer; paid liens have shorter windows.

1-2 yrs
Inquiries

Most hard inquiries are visible for about two years.

Section 06

Information That Cannot Appear

Federal law blocks certain outdated or prohibited entries from appearing in your file.

Medical Information

Cannot appear without explicit consent.

Very Old Bankruptcy Notices

Older chapter notices beyond legal limits should not remain listed.

Debts Beyond Legal Reporting Window

Outdated debts are not legally reportable.

You have legal rights under FCRA. If prohibited data appears, you can have it corrected. We can help you assert those rights.

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