Learn the ABCs of credit scores, credit scoring

By Ben Woolsey

If you are completely confused by the concept of credit scores, you are not alone. In fact, you are probably part of the majority that finds themselves befuddled by how credit bureaus compile, calculate and use these scores to determine your creditworthiness, often with the input of credit card companies and other creditors.

Your keys to getting into the 700-plus credit score club
Having a solid credit history with a credit score over 700 will open doors to money-saving opportunities -- from low-interest mortgages and loans to lower APR credit cards, better insurance rates and even jobs. Here are a slew of tips that can help get you and keep you in the 700-plus credit score club.

A credit score is simply a numeric value that has been assigned to your historical credit habits. The original company that pioneered the creation of this score is called Fair Isaac Corp., which forms the acronym "FICO."

The combination of credit bureaus, credit card issuers and massive databases that warehouse consumer data means that virtually every American now has a credit score. This score is vital to determining whether a person can access low-cost credit, something more expensive or is even eligible to get new credit at all.

In general, the higher the score, the lower the interest rate a person will have to pay on a new credit card or consumer loan. Conversely, a lower score will translate to higher interest and less desirable terms.

FICO-based credit scores can range from a low of 300 all the way up to 850. Lenders generally segment scores into six ranges for the purpose of determining to whom they will make credit offers and at what terms. Anyone below the sixth tier can usually only obtain credit from a subprime credit card lender at very high interest rates. Listed below are the six average credit score ranges used by many of the nation's largest credit card, mortgage and auto lenders:

• 720 – 850
• 700 – 719
• 675 – 699
• 620 – 674
• 560 – 619
• 500 - 559

Individual banks solely determine the credit terms that they offer to each FICO score tier, but in general the best offers go to the top tier. Many of the top credit card issuers specialize in super-prime lending, meaning they target consumers with these tier 1 credit scores. However, competition among the largest issuers could allow those in lower tiers to be considered for leading offers, such as those that feature 0 percent APR introductory rates.

Published: October 27, 2008

	Three most recent Credit scores, credit reports stories: Low credit score? Good luck getting a new credit card, study says – Consumers receive far fewer credit cards than a year ago; those approved for cards have better credit scores, says a study by credit bureau Equifax ... Getting a cell phone? Mind that other number: your credit score – If you want to get the latest iPhone or other fancy cell phone, you may find your credit score is a key number. A bad one turns your phone into an expensive connection ... Card issuers sweeten deals for those with great credit – While shedding people with credit problems, card issuers are sweetening the deals for those with excellent credit, putting them in good bargaining position ...

	CreditCards.com's newsletter Did you like this story? Then sign up for CreditCards.com’s weekly e-newsletter for the latest news, advice, articles and tips. It's FREE. Once a week you will receive the top credit card industry news in your inbox. Sign up now!