Do you know your credit score?

How do I find my credit score

If you’re a member of LGFCU and currently have a loan or an active credit card with us, you can check your credit score for free within Member Connect! Your credit score is automatically updated within Member Connect each quarter.

Another convenient way to get your credit score may be through additional financial institutions where you have free credit score option is available.

There are also safe ways to pay to see your credit score. With Equifax or myFico, you can choose from a number of plan options that show you your credit score.

Credit bureaus vs. credit scoring models

A credit bureau, also known as a credit reporting agency, collects credit information, turns it into a credit report and keeps track of your credit history.

There are three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A credit scoring model assigns a number to your financial outlook. There are many models; the two best known are FICO Score® and VantageScore®.

Lenders use credit reports and credit scores to help them determine your creditworthiness, so you can better understand your own credit situation.

FICO
Released in 1989 by the Fair Isaac Corporation
300 – 850
Uses statistical scoring analysis that tries to predict your creditworthiness based on your your past credit behavior. Builds your score using three sub-models – one for each credit bureau.
Drills deeper into financial data and helps lenders predict how you will do with specific types of loans, such as a mortgage or auto loan or credit cards.
VantageScore
Created in 2006 by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
300 – 850 Includes letter grades A – F for easier interpretation
Applies a statistical scoring analysis that tries to predict the likelihood you’ll pay back a loan. Also considers consumers with a credit history shorter than 6 months. Creates a single tri-bureau model using details from all bureaus.
Overlooks collection activity of less than $250 and takes into consideration accounts negatively affected by natural disasters.

Even though both credit models use the same information, they weigh each factor differently, resulting in your credit score varying somewhat from one to the other.

At LGFCU, we use credit scores to determine the documentation needed during the loan application process.

That means all approved applicants get the same great rate! When members apply for a mortgage or other loan, LGFCU uses FICO® 8 to determine eligibility.

What’s in a credit score?

Five key factors are used to determine a credit score. It’s important to know what those factors are and what activities impact each. This way you’ll know what steps you may need to take to improve or maintain your credit score. That means it will take time to improve a credit score, and consistent monitoring to maintain a good score. The good news is — you can do it!

Credit score pie chart Credit score pie chart
35%

Payment history on current and past accounts, and any public record or collection items.

With payment history being the most important factor in determining your credit score, it is important to ensure you make all payments on time, every time.

30%

Ratio of overall credit use — balance — compared to credit limit — amount of credit available.

It’s best to keep your balances consistently below a 30% credit utilization ratio. Example: If your balance is $250 and your limit is $1,000, your ratio is 25%.

15%

Amount of time credit accounts have been open and how long it’s been since those accounts have had activity.

Closing old credit card accounts could hurt your score. It’s better to keep these open to show a longer credit history.

10%

The variety of open credit accounts, like credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans and mortgage loans.

Maintain different types of credit accounts to show diversity within your credit report.

10%

Record of how frequently new credit accounts are opened or applied for.

Be strategic when shopping for a new loan or credit card to avoid opening multiple credit accounts during a short time period. You don’t want your credit report to show you’re constantly applying for credit.

By taking care of your credit, you'll see your credit score improve over time. Remember though, credit score improvements don’t happen overnight and there is no quick fix. By focusing on your credit activities and managing your credit responsibly, you can reach or maintain the credit score you want.

Quick Reads

Man sitting a desk comparing two pieces of papers.

Highlights:

  • FICO and VantageScore are two different companies
  • Both companies create credit scoring models
  • Their models give different levels of importance to different information in your credit reports

 

There are many different ways of calculating credit scores. What are the differences between FICO and VantageScore credit scores?

Read more about FICO and Vantage scores.
Couple kneeling next to a home sold sign.

Highlights:

  • When it comes to buying a home, your credit scores can play a big role
  • There are four areas credit scores may affect the home-buying process 
  • Lower credit scores may mean you are offered higher mortgage interest rates
  • You may also have to pay higher premiums for private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Thinking about purchasing a home? It’s important to know the role your credit scores can play in the home buying process.

 

Read more about credit scores and buying a home.

FAQs about credit scores

The number that represents your credit score is calculated by a statistical model that compares your credit information to others with similar credit reports.

Five key factors are used to determine a credit score:

  • Payment history
  • Amounts owed
  • Length of credit history
  • New credit
  • Credit mix

Learn more by viewing What’s in a credit score?

For lenders, your credit score indicates how good you are at repaying your debts and may be used to determine also used to determine the interest rate you receive on certain types of loans.

Yes. Usually, your credit score is not impacted when you check your own credit reports or credit scores. It’s good to check your credit reports and credit scores regularly to make sure your records are accurate and complete.

Yes. The credit score you see can depend on the credit scoring model and credit bureau that the credit scoring company uses to calculate it. There are many different credit scoring companies and models, as well as several credit bureaus, which means you could receive different credit scores from different companies.

There is no minimum credit score required for a loan at LGFCU. Credit scores may determine the documentation needed during the loan application process, but are not a factor in loan pricing.

According to the FICO® scoring system, a credit score of 819 is considered "excellent."

Credit unions are a great option to consider if you're trying to improve your credit score. Your Credit Union provides support for credit score management, including complimentary in-branch financial counseling services and affordable financial products. Both of these can help you get on track with your finances, which in turn, affects your credit score.

While different financial institutions use varied credit score models, LGFCU uses the FICO® Score 8 model, provided by Equifax.

Email us your questions about credit scores. We may feature them here!

COVID-19's impact on credit scores

Soon after the pandemic began, many lenders allowed consumers to defer payments on certain credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and student loans. Lenders reported consumers who opted for the break in payments as “current” on their loans to credit bureaus. However, some creditors incorrectly reported them as “late” which caused a drop in many credit scores.

If you’ve been affected, here’s what you can do:

  • Make sure the information in your credit report is correct. Now through April 2022, you can get a free copy of your credit report online, once a week from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. View and download your credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies.
  • Dispute any discrepancy you find on your credit report with the credit bureau as soon as possible to have it corrected. If you need additional help, you can contact the CFPB.
  • If one or more of your payment schedules are currently on hold, use this time to request Financial Counseling, available at no charge, through your Credit Union. Ask for help with a plan to pay off these payments and more once the extension period ends.
  • Ask about our Mortgage Assistance Program to help keep you in your home if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage.
  • Use the Financial Hardship section to help you navigate your financial challenges.

Continue on your credit score journey

  • If you have a loan or a credit card with us, sign into Member Connect to view your credit score.
  • Review complimentary Personal Finance articles that can help guide you toward an improved financial future and great credit score.
  • Email us with your credit score questions, tips and tricks!

Stay tuned for more credit score tips and advice from the Credit Score Mentor!