TransUnion Credit Scoring 101

TransUnion is an international credit-scoring agencyscore can, and will, influence many aspects of
which helps lenders make decisions on your credityour life and can make a credible difference in
application. Credit comes in many shapes andyour quality of life. If you have a poor credit
sizes-from car loans to credit cards, personalscore with TransUnion and other credit scoring
loans to mortgages. Every time you apply foragencies, you may not be able to purchase a
credit from a lender, they check your credithouse or a car.
score with a company like TransUnion.In today's society, it is nearly impossible to get by
Different lenders use different methods of creditwithout a credit card. Many companies require you
scoring-which makes your credit score a fluid andto give them your social security number and a
changing number. From one week to the next,credit card number as security and identification
your credit score can change either positively oras to who you are. Lenders rely heavily on your
negatively. Many things affect your credit score,credit score to either advance or deny you credit
including how and when you pay your bills, yourwith them.
outstanding debt balances and how much creditIt is important to keep an eye on your credit
you have.score-this way you can know whether you are
Too much credit is not a good thing-a high balancepositively or negatively affecting your chances at
of debt or high limits on too many credit cardscredit.
can affect your credit score negatively. By payingCredit scores are affected by the severity and
your bills on time and only applying for credit asnumber of late payments, the age, type and
you need it, your credit score is impactednumber of credit accounts you have, your total
positively.debt and recent inquiries for your credit score.
Your credit score should remain as guarded aHowever, credit scores are not affected by your
possession as your social security number andpersonal data, such as race, age or marital status.
your credit card numbers themselves. Your credit