Bills Logo

Information on Credit Score Update

Mark Cappel
UpdatedJun 25, 2008

Why has my credit score been updated over the last 2 months?

Why has my credit score been updated over the last 2 months?

A consumer's credit score can be updated for several reasons including:

  1. Late payments being reported on some accounts.
  2. Number of inquiries for new lines of credit.
  3. Changes in the consumer's credit utilization ratio.

The best way to find out is to order a credit report. Most credit bureaus update their files every 90 days, or approximately quarterly. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all trade lines can be reported on each of the credit bureaus. However, the reporting agencies must update and keep accurate data in their credit files. If there is erroneous information, you must notify them (typically through a certified letter) and then wait one reporting cycle (90 days) for the errors to be removed.

Three major credit reporting agencies offer credit reports. Contact them directly if there is something that you want added or removed. To get a hold of your credit report, contact one of these three bureaus. Each bureau interprets your credit information differently, so you might want to get a report from all three.

It will be important to understand how your credit score is calculated. Your credit rating is calculated based on several variables, including: your payment history (do you have any late payments, charge-offs, etc.), the amount and type of debt that you owe, if you have maxed out any of your trade lines, and then several other secondary factors like the length of your credit history and how many recent inquiries have been made to look at your credit history. Paying off delinquent or maxed out trade-lines will almost always help your credit score.

If you would like more information, please visit our credit resource page.

We hope that this helped you to Find, Learn, & Save!

Best,

Bill

Bills.com

4 Comments

BBill, Dec, 2009
Checking your own credit report has zero impact your credit score. This is known as a "soft pull," and soft pulls do not degrade a credit score like "hard pulls" do.
DDave, Dec, 2009
Can checking your Credit Score every so often actually impact that score negatively ?
BBill, Apr, 2009
John, Bills.com is an "information only" portal. We do not provide a credit reporting service that we charge for, so I am not sure if you have the right place. We do have partners that provide credit reports, so if you have opted for a service, please contact the service provider directly.
jjohn oakley, Apr, 2009
How do I remove my name from your "Free credit report"Program and cancel my credit card from your use?