FICO Scores FAQ

FICO Scores FAQ

• How do I check my credit report?

  Because your FICO® Score is based on the information in your credit report, it is important to make sure that 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.

• Why do my FICO® Scores fluctuate/change?

  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, FICO® 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 a FICO® Score. Keep in mind that certain events such as late payments or bankruptcy can lower FICO® Scores quickly.

• Why is my FICO® Score different than other scores I've seen?

  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 FICO® 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.

• What are Key FICO® Score Factors?

  When a lender receives a FICO® Score, "key 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 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 as they represent very marginal areas where your score was affected.

• Information for FICO® Score Source

  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 that we provide to you is based on data from your Experian report ‘as of’ the date shown with your score.

• Why is my FICO® Score not available?

  There are a few reasons for this message:

  • You are a new member and your FICO® Score is not yet available
  • Your credit history is too new
  • You've chosen to have a credit freeze on your file
  • The information we have on file for you at Visions may need to be updated
• Will receiving my FICO® Score impact my credit?

  No, the FICO® Score we provide to you is performed using a soft pull and will not impact your credit.

• How often will I receive my FICO® Score?

  Program participants will receive their Experian score updated monthly, when available.

• How are FICO® Scores calculated?

  FICO® Scores are calculated from many different pieces of data in your credit report. This data is grouped into five categories:

  • 35% = Payment history
  • 30% = Amounts owed
  • 15% = Length of credit history
  • 10% = New credit
  • 10% = Credit mix
• Why are you providing FICO® Scores?

  Nearly all lenders in the U.S., including Visions Federal Credit Union, use FICO® Scores, as the industry standard for determining credit worthiness. Reviewing your FICO® Scores can help you learn how lenders view your credit risk and allow you to better understand your financial health.

• What Are FICO® Scores?

  FICO® Scores are numbers that summarize your credit risk. Scores are based on a snapshot of your credit file at particular consumer reporting agencies 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.