 TITLE: Credit Score Basics CONTENT: How Are Credit Scores Calculated?\n---------------------------------\nThe different brands of credit scores actually have many things in common. Both your FICO® and VantageScore credit scores consider information from your credit reports that reflect your payment history, your debt, the age and diversity of your credit reports, and credit inquiries. While the FICO® and VantageScore scoring models weigh the information slightly differently, your scores should never be wildly different if they are calculated from the same credit report at the same or similar points in time.\nThe most effective way to ensure that you'll have good credit scores is by paying your bills on time and maintaining low amounts of debt, specifically credit card debt. And, if you only apply for credit when you truly need it, then you won't fill up your credit reports with an excessive number of credit inquiries. Finally, scores tend to climb as the length of your credit history grows. If you perform well in all of these credit scoring categories, then you will likely have high FICO® and VantageScore credit scores. END