Last Updated On : 09/06/2010

FICO Highest Credit Score Ratings

The credit score of borrowers facilitates creditors and other organizations to determine their financial credit worthiness. It helps the creditors to evaluate the potential risk associated with lending money to their customers. On the basis of the borrower’s credit score, the creditors and financial institutions chalk out the credit terms such as monthly payments and rate of interest. The most commonly referred score is the FICO score calculated by Fair Isaac Corporation. Typically, the FICO scores varies from 300 to 850, 850 being the highest credit score rating. Borrowers with a higher range of credit score between 720 and 850 are eligible for better credit terms, flexible repayment options and lower interest rates.

As per federal credit reporting guidelines, credit report agencies calculate credit scores after considering various factors such as the length of credit history, regularity in making payments and the frequency of applying for credits. A credit score throws light on the manner in which borrowers handle their finances and their individual life style. The credit scores are not affected by other details such as age, range and sex of an individual, which are included in the credit report. However, irregular payments and missed payments can drastically damage the credit scores. 35 percent for regular bill payments, 30 percent for total balance on credit cards and other loans compared to total credit limit, 10% for new accounts, 10% for types of credit used, 15% for length of history together sum up to form the highest FICO score rating.

Borrowers who have the highest credit score can apply for a loan in any reputed financial establishment and in most cases even choose a convenient repayment plan. Based on federal credit reporting guidelines, the three main credit report agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, compile financial data of individuals and create a credit report. It is important to know that the credit scores may sometimes differ from one agency to the other. While extending credit, most creditors usually consider the average of the highest scores obtained from your credit report provided by each agency. It is advisable to obtain a copy of your credit report to ensure that there are no discrepancies. As per federal credit reporting guidelines, you can also obtain a 3 in 1 credit report that includes credit reports of all 3 major credit reporting agencies.

Borrowers can adopt simple techniques to gradually improve their credit scores. It is advisable to restrict applying for loans frequently as recurrent inquiries reflect in the credit report and can greatly affect the credit score. Another method of improving credit score is to avoid late payments as irregular or missed payments can wreck your credit score. The financial market is flooded with various credit repair services that and provide suitable financial solutions to improve your credit score and subsequently clean your credit report.

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