Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good credit score?

Good credit starts at 670, but the best rates require 740+. See exactly what every tier means for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.

What factors make up my FICO score?

Five factors — payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), and three others — determine your score. Deep dive into each with optimization tips.

Why do I have different scores from different places?

You have dozens of scores. FICO alone has 50+ models. Here is why Credit Karma, your bank, and your mortgage lender all show different numbers.

Does checking my credit score hurt it?

No — checking your own score is a soft inquiry with zero impact. Only hard inquiries from lenders can temporarily lower your score.

How long does it take to build credit from scratch?

You can become scorable in 3–6 months and reach a good score (670+) in 12–18 months. Here is the fastest path from zero.

How often does my credit score update?

Your score can change any time a creditor reports new information — typically monthly. Learn how to time payments for the maximum score boost.

How long do items stay on my credit report?

Most negatives stay 7 years; Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays 10. Includes the complete table and the critical 'date of first delinquency' explanation.

How do I get a free copy of my credit report?

You can now get free weekly reports from all three bureaus. Here is the only official site, plus a checklist of what to look for when you have your reports.

Why do Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion differ?

The three bureaus are independent companies that receive data from different sources. A 20–40 point spread between bureaus is normal — here is why.

Can I dispute accurate but negative information?

No — disputes only work for inaccurate or unverifiable items. But if information is accurate, you still have options: goodwill letters, pay-for-delete, and waiting.

What is a pay-for-delete letter?

A pay-for-delete is an agreement to pay a collection in exchange for the collector removing the tradeline. Includes the letter template and critical rules before you pay.

Should I dispute with the bureau or the creditor?

Start with the bureau — but when a bureau 'verifies' without really investigating, disputing directly with the furnisher under FCRA § 623 is your next move.

What are my FDCPA rights against debt collectors?

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act sets strict rules for third-party collectors. Violations allow you to sue for $1,000 in statutory damages per incident.

What is zombie debt and how do I handle it?

Old, time-barred debt that resurfaces from dead collection files. Never make even a $1 payment — it can restart the statute of limitations in most states.

What should I do immediately if I'm a victim of identity theft?

Every hour matters. Here is the exact sequence — freeze credit, file FTC report, dispute fraudulent accounts — in priority order with step-by-step instructions.

Does a credit freeze affect my existing accounts?

No. A freeze only blocks new lenders from pulling your report. Your existing cards, loans, and score are completely unaffected.

Is credit repair legal? DIY vs. paid services

DIY credit repair is completely legal and free. Paid companies can do nothing you cannot do yourself — here is exactly what the Credit Repair Organizations Act requires.