 TITLE: Understanding Credit Score Risk Factors CONTENT: Why Does My Credit Score Show Risk Factors?\n-------------------------------------------\nWhenever your credit score affects a lender's decision to deny your credit application, or causes you to receive a credit offer or a loan at an interest rate higher than the best one available, the lender must provide an explanation in writing that includes the following:\n*   The credit score the lender used to make its decision\n*   An explanation of the credit scoring model used to calculate that score\n*   A list of at least the top three factors that kept you from getting a higher credit score, ranked from most to least influential\nMost outlets that let you check your own credit score also provide a list of risk factors, and many also list one or more positive factors. If you check your free FICO® Score☉ at Experian.com, you'll find risk factors and positive factors listed right below your numerical score. END