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Introduction to Credit Scoring
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When you apply for a credit card or auto loan, the company from which you are seeking credit checks your credit report. They get a copy of it from one or more of the three major consumer reporting agencies.

In addition to your credit report(s), the lender will most likely use a credit score in their evaluation of your application. There is more than one type of credit score, but FICO® Scores are used in 90% of lending decisions.

Most lenders also consider supplemental information from your application, such as your income. This is in addition to your FICO® Score.

Each lender has their own process when reviewing credit applications. Some only want to lend to the least-risky consumers, and others will work with consumers who have less-than-ideal credit histories.

When reviewing your credit application, the items lenders generally pay the most attention to are:

Your FICO® Score
Your Payment History

To see if you have paid your bills on time

Your Current Debt

To see if you are able to reasonably take on more debt

Whether You Have Had Any Collection Accounts
Any Public Records

Such as bankruptcies, judgments and liens

The Types of Financing You Have Successfully Managed
The Length of Your Credit History
Recent Activity

Including new accounts and credit inquiries by other lenders

Your Income

To determine your ability to make required payments

If your application is approved, the lender sets your credit terms. Terms include: interest rate, credit limit and down-payment requirements.

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FICO® is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries. Fingerhut and Fair Isaac are not credit repair organizations as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Fingerhut and Fair Isaac do not provide "credit repair" services or advice or assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit record, credit history or credit rating.