Posts Tagged ‘ credit score ’

Alarm company can turn past due account over to collections

Dear Experian, I have a dispute with a security alarm company. They have implied a contract extension on a policy that I did not approve. I have not made a payment on the policy since November 2012 and am concerned that they may eventually turn the balance over to collections, thus negatively affecting my credit, though they have not threatened such action yet. Is there an arrangement I can make with the credit reporting companies that can prevent harm to my credit in the event that issues with this company escalate? That is, can I prevent them from damaging my credit history by reporting this unpaid balance? Or is my only option to pay them? - JSS[ READ MORE ]

Intentional late payments for debt settlement will damage credit scores

Dear Experian, I am considering signing up with a debt settlement company. They told me that in order for them to negotiate the best deal with my creditors I must refrain from paying my bills for more than 90 days. Won’t this negatively affect my scores? - TND[ READ MORE ]

Why there isn’t just one credit score

Dear Experian, Why isn't there one credit score across the board? Could you please explain why lenders receive different credit scores than what I receive? Why are the credit scores different from each lender, such as for car loans, mortgages and other loan companies? - ICH[ READ MORE ]

Multiple auto loan inquiries count as only one

Dear Experian, I was shopping for a car recently and multiple lenders checked my credit. I have checked my credit report and all inquiries are showing up. I thought when shopping for a car the inquiries count as one? - SLA[ READ MORE ]

Settled or charged off accounts in your credit report are “potentially negative”

Dear Experian, If an account is paid off/closed, settled, or charged off, why would it still be showing as potentially negative? Is there any way to get these removed so they no longer affect me negatively? - JNG[ READ MORE ]

On-time cell phone payments are not currently reported

Dear Experian, If I have a two year contract with a cell phone company, and if I pay my cell phone bill on time in full every month until the contract is up, does that build my credit score? - CMR[ READ MORE ]

Settling a debt will hurt credit scores

Dear Experian, Does it hurt my credit score if I settle my account? - EWH[ READ MORE ]

Improving credit score without credit card

Dear Experian, How can you improve your credit score if you don't have any credit cards? - HQB [ READ MORE ]

Inquiry for employment will not affect credit scores

Dear Experian, I have been applying for work at employment agencies. They want my permission to conduct a credit check. My concern is that I was told in the past that if too many people are doing credit checks on me, it signifies a problem and can reduce my credit scores. Is that true? - CICc[ READ MORE ]

Declination for young adult may be result of federal law but won’t hurt scores

Dear Experian, My daughter applied for a student credit card but was turned down due to insufficient income and excessive obligation. She had no previous credit history. Does this create a credit history, and is it now adversely affected? - JTL[ READ MORE ]

A joint checking account will not influence credit history or scores

Dear Experian, Does having a joint checking account bring down a person’s credit score? - WAG[ READ MORE ]

Being turned down for credit does not hurt credit scores

Dear Experian, I was told that every time you get turned down for credit that your score goes down. Is this true? - STI[ READ MORE ]

Use cards a little and pay balances in full to build credit

Dear Experian, I am trying to rebuild my credit. Is it better to keep a zero balance on the credit cards that I have recently paid off or keep a small amount and pay them off each month? I still have some credit cards that have a balance on, which I plan on paying off completely. I would just like to know the best way to raise my credit score. - LLO[ READ MORE ]

Effect of multiple mortgage applications

Dear Experian, Will it affect my credit score if get I get a mortgage pre-approval letter from more than one bank? If it does how much would it affect my score? Also, will it affect my score, if I check my credit score with you guys? - UYI[ READ MORE ]

“Potentially negative” items listed on credit report

Dear Experian, How can I get my credit score up? It seems to keep going down, and I have paid almost everything off. Also, if an account is paid in full, why is it considered potentially negative on my report? Can I remove it? - EIG[ READ MORE ]