Steps to Fix Credit Report Errors and Improve Your Score

How to Fix Mistakes and Boost Your Credit Score: A Guide for the Financially Confident Christian

A credit score, typically a three-digit number ranging from 300 to 850, serves as a concise summary of an individual's financial reliability.¹ It encapsulates a person's financial narrative, providing an indication of their credit risk to prospective lenders.¹ This numerical representation is derived from information contained within one's credit report, a comprehensive historical record of loan and bill payments meticulously maintained by credit bureaus. If that record includes errors—or your score needs a boost—start with these steps to fix credit report errors and improve your score.

The concept of a credit score as a "financial story" ¹ or a "snapshot of how funds are handled" ¹⁰ extends beyond a mere statistical measurement. It implies a narrative of past financial behavior that serves as a predictor for future actions. For individuals committed to principles of financial stewardship, this metaphor carries profound significance. A credit score becomes more than just a number; it serves as a tangible demonstration of faithfulness and responsibility in managing resources. A robust credit score reflects consistent, disciplined financial habits, thereby affirming a commitment to honoring financial obligations. This perspective elevates the discussion of credit management from a transactional exercise to a purposeful approach to financial well-being.

The importance of a strong credit score is underscored by its tangible benefits. A higher score facilitates easier qualification for loans, enables access to more favorable interest rates, and generally leads to superior financial terms.⁴ These advantages can translate into substantial monetary savings over time ¹, aligning directly with the principles of wise resource management and enhancing overall financial confidence.

Understanding Your Credit Score: The Pillars of Creditworthiness

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score functions as a predictive instrument utilized by lenders to gauge the probability of an applicant repaying borrowed funds punctually.² It distills an individual's extensive credit history into a single, easily interpretable numerical value. While various scoring models exist, FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) stands as the prevailing industry benchmark, employed by over 90% of leading lenders.¹⁷ Other notable models, such as VantageScore, are also in use.⁷ FICO scores typically fall within a range of 300 to 850.³

It is important to recognize that an individual may possess multiple credit scores.³ This phenomenon arises because different lenders may employ distinct scoring models, and these models can draw information from various credit reporting agencies, namely Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.³ Consequently, a singular, universally applicable "magic number" does not exist. This reality emphasizes that consumers should direct their attention toward cultivating underlying financial behaviors that consistently improve scores across all models. Furthermore, this variation implies that a denial from one lender does not preclude approval from another, as they might utilize a different scoring model or credit bureau for their assessment.¹¹ This encourages individuals to explore multiple lending options, not solely for competitive rates, but also for potential approval. It also suggests that excessive focus on minor fluctuations in a single score from one source may be less productive than a holistic approach to fundamental credit health.

Why Your Credit Score Matters

The influence of a credit score extends far beyond simple loan applications, impacting numerous facets of financial life.

• Impact on Loans and Interest Rates: A higher credit score directly correlates with easier loan approvals and significantly reduced interest rates across various credit products, including mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans.¹ This can result in tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the lifespan of a loan.¹
• Housing Opportunities: For renters, landlords frequently review credit scores, with many seeking scores of 620-650 or higher for apartment approvals.²¹ A stronger score can lead to more favorable rental terms, such as reduced security deposits.²² In the realm of homeownership, a robust credit score is indispensable for mortgage approval and securing advantageous loan terms.⁴
• Insurance Premiums: Insurance providers utilize "credit-based insurance scores," which are derived from credit reports but distinct from standard FICO or VantageScore models, to determine premiums for automobile and homeowner's insurance.²³ Higher credit-based insurance scores can lead to lower premiums.¹⁶
• Employment and Utilities: In some instances, prospective employers may review credit reports as part of their hiring process, provided the applicant grants permission.⁵ Utility companies may also waive security deposits for individuals demonstrating strong credit.¹⁶

The pervasive influence of a credit score, often subtly, creates a ripple effect throughout an individual's financial landscape. While the immediate association might be with loans, the impact extends to housing (both renting and purchasing), insurance costs, employment prospects, and even utility services. The financial benefits are not confined to lower interest rates but encompass reductions in insurance premiums and the waiver of security deposits. This broader understanding highlights that a credit score is not merely a borrowing tool but a foundational indicator of overall financial health that permeates many aspects of daily living. It underscores the compounding financial advantages of maintaining good credit, where seemingly minor savings across diverse areas accumulate into substantial long-term wealth preservation. This comprehensive perspective emphasizes proactive credit management as an integral component of holistic financial well-being, rather than solely a matter of debt management.

The following table illustrates typical FICO score ranges and their general implications for creditworthiness:

The Five Key Factors That Shape Your Score

FICO scores are calculated based on five primary categories of information, each assigned a specific weighting to determine its influence on the overall score.¹

• Payment History (35%): This is the most significant factor influencing a credit score.³ Lenders prioritize a consistent record of on-time payments as it is a strong predictor of future repayment behavior.¹² Conversely, late payments, defaults, accounts sent to collections, and bankruptcy filings can severely damage a score.⁶ Even a single payment reported 30 days late can lead to a substantial score drop ¹⁰, and such negative entries typically remain on a credit report for up to seven years.¹
• Credit Utilization (30%): This factor represents the percentage of available credit currently being used.³ A lower utilization ratio is viewed favorably by lenders, indicating responsible credit management without overextension.¹⁷ Financial experts generally recommend keeping credit utilization below 30% of total available credit ³, with the highest scores often associated with single-digit utilization rates.¹⁶ Maxing out credit cards, even if overall debt is low, is considered a negative indicator.¹
• Length of Credit History (15%): This category assesses the duration for which credit accounts have been open, encompassing the age of the oldest account, the newest account, and the average age of all accounts.³ A longer history of responsibly managed credit accounts generally contributes positively to a credit score.⁴
• New Credit (10%): The act of opening numerous new accounts or applying for multiple lines of credit within a brief timeframe can temporarily reduce a credit score due to "hard inquiries".³ A high volume of recent inquiries may suggest increased financial risk to lenders.¹¹
• Credit Mix (10%): A diverse portfolio of credit types, such as a combination of credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, demonstrates an individual's capacity to responsibly manage different forms of debt.¹ This includes both revolving credit (e.g., credit cards) and installment credit (e.g., loans with fixed monthly payments).³

The combined weight of Payment History (35%) and Credit Utilization (30%) accounts for a substantial 65% of an individual's FICO score.¹ This disproportionate weighting highlights a critical strategic priority: efforts to improve credit should primarily concentrate on these two areas. While other factors contribute, neglecting consistent on-time payments or allowing high credit utilization will significantly impede overall score improvement. For individuals with lower scores, addressing these two factors first is likely to yield the most substantial and rapid positive changes. The contribution of factors like Credit Mix, while important, is often best achieved naturally rather than by taking on unnecessary debt ¹⁷, indicating that some aspects of credit building are more about demonstrating long-term, diverse responsibility than active manipulation.

The table below summarizes the FICO credit score factors and their approximate weights:

Step 1: Uncovering and Correcting Credit Report Mistakes

The Critical Importance of Reviewing Your Credit Reports Regularly

Because an individual's credit score is directly derived from the information contained within their credit report, any inaccuracies can detrimentally affect their score and, consequently, their ability to obtain credit or secure favorable terms.⁵ Studies indicate that approximately one in five individuals has an error on at least one of their credit reports.³¹ Regular review of these reports is therefore crucial for identifying not only errors but also potential instances of identity theft.⁸

The emphasis on consistently reviewing credit reports ⁵ signifies a shift from merely fixing problems to actively safeguarding one's financial standing. Errors are common ³¹ and can stem from various sources, including human error, issues during data transfer between institutions, or even malicious activity like identity theft.²³ This necessitates a mindset of proactive financial defense, where individuals take personal responsibility to protect their financial identity and ensure the accuracy of their financial narrative. For those who approach finance with a sense of stewardship, this aligns with the principle of diligently managing resources and guarding against both external threats and internal oversights.

How to Access Your Free Credit Reports

Federal law grants every individual the right to a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three primary credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.⁸ The sole authorized website for obtaining these legally mandated free reports is AnnualCreditReport.com.⁸ Consumers are advised to exercise caution and avoid unofficial or "look-alike" websites.³⁷ Reports can be accessed online, typically providing immediate access, or requested by phone or mail, with delivery usually within 15 days.³⁵

A significant development is the permanent extension of a program by the three bureaus, allowing consumers to access their credit reports weekly and for free from each bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com.⁸ This policy change offers an unprecedented opportunity for dynamic credit management. Instead of waiting for an adverse action notice, individuals can detect new inquiries, balance changes, or potential identity theft much more rapidly. This enhanced capability for swift detection can considerably mitigate the damage caused by errors or fraud, streamlining the dispute resolution process and reducing associated stress. It transforms credit monitoring from a periodic chore into a continuous, empowering practice for maintaining financial vigilance. Consumers have the flexibility to order all three reports simultaneously or to stagger their requests throughout the year for more frequent monitoring of changes.⁹

Common Errors to Look For

When reviewing credit reports, individuals should be vigilant for several common types of inaccuracies:

• Personal Information Errors: These include misspelled names, incorrect Social Security numbers or birth dates, outdated addresses, or instances where accounts belonging to another person with a similar name have been mixed into one's file.²³
• Account Status Errors: This category encompasses closed accounts that are still reported as open, accounts incorrectly marked as late or delinquent, inaccurate dates (such as the date of last payment, account opening, or first delinquency), or being listed as the primary account owner when one is merely an authorized user.²³
• Balance Errors: Discrepancies in reported current balances or credit limits should be noted.³¹
• Duplicate/Fraudulent Accounts: The presence of the same mortgage or loan listed multiple times, or accounts that were never opened by the individual, which can be a strong indicator of identity theft.⁸
• Missing Information: The absence of major credit, loan, mortgage, or other accounts that should be demonstrating creditworthiness can also be a significant error.²³

A Step-by-Step Guide to Disputing Errors

Correcting inaccuracies on a credit report is a crucial step in improving one's credit score. The process involves several key stages:

1. Identify the Error and Gather Documentation: Begin by meticulously reviewing all credit reports and clearly marking any identified inaccuracies.³⁸ Subsequently, compile all relevant supporting documents. This may include bank statements, utility bills, letters from creditors confirming corrections, police reports if fraud is suspected, government-issued identification, Social Security card, and proof of date of birth or address.³⁸
2. Decide Where to Dispute: Individuals have two primary avenues for disputing errors. They can file a dispute directly with the credit reporting company (CRA) – Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.³¹ This approach is often recommended as it triggers specific obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).⁴³ Alternatively, or in addition, disputes can be made directly with the "information furnisher," which is the creditor or lender that initially reported the information.³¹ In some cases, contacting the furnisher directly may lead to a quicker resolution if they promptly correct the mistake.⁴²
3. Submit Your Dispute in Writing: While online and phone dispute options are available ³⁸, submitting a dispute in writing, particularly via certified mail with a return receipt, is highly recommended as it establishes a clear and undeniable paper trail.³⁹ The written dispute should clearly articulate the perceived error, providing specific account numbers and detailed explanations.⁴¹ Copies of all supporting documents should be included.⁴⁰ Utilizing sample letters provided by official sources, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), can ensure completeness and adherence to proper procedures.³¹ It is imperative to retain copies of all correspondence and documentation sent.⁴¹
4. Understand the Dispute Resolution Timeline: Under the FCRA, the credit bureau is generally required to investigate a dispute within 30 days of receipt, though this period can extend to 45 days if the consumer provides new information during the investigation.³³ The CRA is obligated to inform the information furnisher of the dispute, and the furnisher is also mandated to conduct its own investigation.³⁹ Upon completion of their investigation, the CRA must report the results to the consumer within five days.⁴² If the disputed information is found to be inaccurate or cannot be verified, it must be updated or removed from the credit report.³³ It is important to note that disputes may be dismissed as "frivolous" if the submitted information is incomplete or if the same item is repeatedly contested without new supporting evidence.³⁹
5. Review Results and Follow Up: After the investigation, it is advisable to order a fresh credit report to confirm that the corrections have been made.³⁹ If an error persists despite the dispute, individuals have the right to add a concise, 100-word statement of dispute to their credit report, which will be included whenever the report is accessed.³³ Furthermore, if the investigation fails to resolve the concern and the information remains demonstrably inaccurate, individuals may have legal recourse under the FCRA to initiate a lawsuit against both the credit reporting agency and the information furnisher.³⁹

The distinction between "direct disputes" (to the furnisher) and "indirect disputes" (to the CRA) is a critical strategic consideration.⁴³ While directly contacting the furnisher might offer a quicker resolution for straightforward errors, formally disputing with the credit bureau first, an indirect dispute, is paramount for safeguarding one's legal rights.⁴³ This initial step triggers a dual investigation obligation under the FCRA, involving both the CRA and the furnisher, and establishes the necessary legal foundation for potential litigation if the error remains uncorrected.⁴³ This highlights the importance of understanding the legal framework underpinning credit reporting, not just the practical steps, to ensure comprehensive consumer protection.

Step 2: Building and Improving Your Credit Score Through Responsible Habits

Beyond correcting errors, actively cultivating responsible financial habits is fundamental to building and improving one's credit score over time.

Prioritize On-Time Payments: The Most Impactful Action

Paying bills on time, consistently, is the single most influential action an individual can take to improve their credit score.⁴ This factor alone accounts for 35% of the FICO score.⁶ The severity of late payments is significant; even a single payment reported 30 days past its due date can cause a substantial drop in score ¹⁰ and remain on the credit report for up to seven years.¹ The longer a payment remains unpaid, the greater the damage inflicted on the score.⁶

The consistent emphasis on on-time payments across various sources underscores the profound impact of disciplined financial behavior. While a single late payment can cause immediate damage ¹⁰, the long-term benefit of consistent on-time payments is repeatedly highlighted.¹ Newer FICO models, such as FICO Score 10 T, even consider "trended data" over a 24-month period, actively rewarding individuals who consistently pay down their balances.¹ This demonstrates that credit building is less about seeking quick fixes and more about sustained, disciplined financial conduct. The positive aspect is that negative entries diminish in impact over time ¹, and a continuous pattern of positive actions builds trust and demonstrates reliability, which is increasingly recognized by advanced scoring models. This reinforces the principles of perseverance and patience in financial stewardship.

To ensure consistent on-time payments, several strategies can be employed: setting up automatic payments or electronic reminders ¹⁰, always paying at least the minimum amount due even if the full balance cannot be cleared ¹⁷, and promptly bringing any missed payments current.¹⁰ Older negative entries tend to impact the score less over time, providing an incentive to establish a new pattern of timely payments.¹ Prioritizing the most overdue accounts is also advisable.¹⁰ Effective budgeting is crucial to ensure that funds are consistently available for bill payments.²⁶

Keep Credit Utilization Low: Aim for Under 30%

Credit utilization, which accounts for 30% of the FICO score ⁶, is a critical factor. A high utilization ratio signals financial strain to lenders and can significantly lower a credit score.¹³ The objective is to maintain a credit utilization ratio (also known as debt-to-credit ratio) below 30% of the total available credit.³ Individuals with the highest credit scores frequently exhibit single-digit utilization rates.¹⁶ Maxing out credit cards, even if other accounts have low balances, can negatively impact a score.¹

The illustration that even if overall credit utilization is low, maxing out a single credit card can be detrimental ¹ indicates that lenders scrutinize how individual accounts are managed, not just the aggregate. Moreover, credit utilization is a highly dynamic factor, meaning that changes in reported balances can quickly affect the score.¹² This reveals a direct and responsive area where consistent effort can yield relatively swift positive results, offering encouragement for those actively working to improve their credit.

Practical steps to manage credit utilization include paying down existing credit card debt ¹², making payments more frequently throughout the month rather than waiting for the single monthly due date ¹⁷, and avoiding the practice of maxing out credit cards.¹ Additionally, exercising caution when considering closing old accounts is important, as this action can reduce the total available credit and, consequently, increase the utilization ratio.¹¹

Cultivate a Long Credit History: Patience and Consistency

The length of an individual's credit history contributes 15% to their FICO score.⁶ Generally, the longer accounts have been open and managed responsibly, the more beneficial it is for the credit score.⁴

A common misconception is that closing unused accounts is beneficial. However, multiple sources explicitly caution against this practice.¹¹ Closing old accounts can reduce the average age of an individual's credit history, and potentially increase their credit utilization ratio if the available credit from that account is removed from the total. This highlights a subtle yet significant pitfall for consumers. It underscores that credit building is not merely about having accounts open, but about demonstrating a long-standing, consistent relationship with credit. This factor rewards patience and sustained, long-term financial behavior, emphasizing that some aspects of credit improvement simply require the passage of time and adherence to good habits.

Therefore, individuals should generally avoid opening or closing accounts too frequently.¹¹ Keeping old, established accounts open, even if not frequently used, is advisable, provided they do not incur annual fees or pose other financial risks.¹²

Apply for New Credit Strategically: Mindful Inquiries

New credit applications and the associated "hard inquiries" (when a lender checks a credit report for a lending decision) account for 10% of the FICO score.⁶ A high volume of such inquiries within a short period can signal increased risk to lenders and may temporarily lower a credit score.³ It is important to distinguish between "hard inquiries," which can affect a score, and "soft inquiries," such as checking one's own credit score or receiving pre-qualified offers, which do not impact the score.³

To manage this factor effectively, individuals should only apply for credit they genuinely need ¹¹ and space out their credit applications.¹⁷ A notable exception exists for "rate shopping" for specific loan types: multiple inquiries for student, auto, or mortgage loans within a concentrated period (e.g., 14-45 days) are often treated as a single inquiry by scoring models.¹² This provides a crucial strategic advantage, empowering consumers to actively seek the most favorable interest rates for significant purchases without the concern of multiple credit score reductions. This strategic window allows for diligent financial comparison, which can directly translate into substantial long-term savings. This demonstrates that seeking new credit is not inherently negative if managed intelligently within the parameters understood by the scoring models.

Diversify Your Credit Mix (Naturally): Show Versatility in Managing Different Credit Types

The diversity of an individual's credit portfolio, or "credit mix," contributes 10% to the FICO score.⁶ Lenders generally prefer to see a combination of revolving credit (e.g., credit cards) and installment credit (e.g., auto loans, mortgages, student loans), as this demonstrates an individual's ability to responsibly manage various types of debt.¹

While credit mix is a factor, multiple sources consistently advise against taking out unnecessary loans solely for the purpose of diversification.¹⁷ The emphasis is placed on the responsible management of the credit types an individual naturally acquires as their financial needs evolve.¹⁷ This highlights that simply possessing a variety of accounts is insufficient; the underlying behavior of making timely payments and managing those accounts well is paramount. This reinforces the principle that credit building is about demonstrating financial maturity and trustworthiness, rather than merely accumulating different forms of debt. It also serves as a subtle caution against "credit repair" schemes that might encourage taking on unneeded debt for the sake of an artificial credit mix.

Therefore, the most effective approach is to allow one's credit mix to develop organically in response to genuine financial needs.¹⁷ The focus should remain on responsible management of all existing credit, as a diverse mix will not improve a score if not handled prudently.³⁰

Tools for Building Credit

For individuals with limited or no credit history, or those seeking to rebuild credit after past challenges, several structured tools can facilitate the process:

• Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a cash deposit, typically equivalent to the credit limit, which serves as collateral.¹⁷ The payment history on secured cards is reported to credit bureaus, providing a mechanism to establish or improve credit.¹⁷
• Credit-Builder Loans: These are small loans, often ranging from $300 to $1,000, where the loan amount is held in a savings account or certificate of deposit (CD) as collateral.²⁷ The borrower makes payments over time, and these payments are reported to credit bureaus. Upon full repayment, the borrower receives the original loan amount back, effectively functioning as a "costly savings device" that builds credit.⁴⁶
• Becoming an Authorized User: An individual can be added as an authorized user to another person's credit card account.¹⁶ If the primary cardholder uses the card responsibly and makes all payments on time, this can positively influence the authorized user's credit history.¹⁶ It is crucial to choose someone implicitly trustworthy, as their missed payments or high credit utilization could negatively affect the authorized user's score.³²

These tools offer practical and accessible pathways for individuals to establish or improve their credit.²⁷ They provide a controlled environment to demonstrate responsible payment behavior when traditional credit products might be out of reach. By utilizing these stepping stones, individuals can build a positive payment track record that subsequently opens doors to a wider range of credit opportunities, empowering them to take concrete steps toward greater financial confidence.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

For complex financial situations or when individuals require structured support, professional guidance can be invaluable.

• Non-Profit Credit Counseling Services: Organizations such as GreenPath Financial Wellness ⁴⁷ and those certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) ⁴⁸ offer free or low-cost counseling services. These services can assist with budgeting, provide debt management plans (DMPs) to consolidate debts and potentially lower interest rates, and offer trusted support for housing-related financial challenges.²⁶ Importantly, these non-profit organizations do not report to credit bureaus.⁴⁷
• Other Resources: Additional sources for financial guidance include credit unions, universities, military personal financial managers, and Cooperative Extension Service branches.⁴⁵

The emphasis on "non-profit" and "NFCC-certified" counselors ⁴⁷ implicitly highlights the importance of discerning reputable sources of financial advice. This underscores the critical need for careful evaluation when seeking assistance. For individuals who approach financial matters with a sense of stewardship, this aligns with the principle of exercising wisdom and avoiding schemes that promise rapid solutions but may lead to further financial distress or exploitation. It encourages seeking guidance from trusted, ethical sources focused on education and empowerment rather than profit, aligning with values of integrity and community support.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Financial Confidence

Improving and maintaining a healthy credit score is fundamentally a journey characterized by consistent, disciplined financial habits rather than a singular event or a quick fix. The detailed analysis of credit scoring factors reveals that consistent on-time payments and prudent credit utilization are the most impactful behaviors, forming the bedrock of a strong financial profile. While other factors contribute, their influence is amplified by a solid foundation in these core areas.

The ability to identify and rectify errors on credit reports is equally vital, acting as a proactive defense mechanism against inaccuracies that can unfairly depress a score. The recent availability of weekly free credit reports provides an unprecedented opportunity for continuous monitoring, enabling rapid detection and resolution of issues. This proactive vigilance is a cornerstone of effective financial stewardship.

Ultimately, achieving financial confidence in this context means understanding the intricate interplay of credit factors, diligently managing financial obligations, and actively monitoring one's financial narrative. It involves embracing patience for long-term growth, strategic decision-making for new credit, and seeking ethical professional guidance when needed. By consistently applying these principles, individuals can not only repair past mistakes but also build a robust credit foundation that unlocks favorable financial opportunities and supports their broader financial goals.

Works cited

1. Understanding How a FICO Credit Score is Determined | Education | St. Louis Fed, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.stlouisfed.org/education/continuing-feducation-video-series/episode-1-understanding-how-a-fico-credit-score-is-determined
2. Understand, get, and improve your credit score | USAGov, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.usa.gov/credit-score
3. What Is a Credit Score & Why Is It Important? - Equifax, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/what-is-a-credit-score/
4. How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Home Buying Journey - NCHFA, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.nchfa.com/news/home-matters-blog/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-home-buying-journey
5. Understanding Credit - Financial Aid & Scholarships - University of California, Berkeley, accessed June 6, 2025, https://financialaid.berkeley.edu/center-for-financial-wellness/financial-literacy-hub/understanding-credit/
6. What Is My Credit Score? - Experian, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/score-basics/my-credit-score/
7. Free Credit Score | TransUnion, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.transunion.com/free-credit-score
8. Understanding Your Credit | Consumer Advice, accessed June 6, 2025, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/understanding-your-credit
9. Credit Reports and Credit Scores - Federal Reserve Board, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports/pdf/credit_reports_scores_2.pdf
10. How Does Payment History Affect Your Credit? - Prosper, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.prosper.com/blog/what-is-payment-history
11. Understand your credit score - files.consumerfinance.gov. - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, accessed June 6, 2025, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_adult-fin-ed_understand-your-credit-score.pdf
12. Credit Score Basics: Everything You Need to Know - Experian, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/score-basics/understanding-credit-scores/
13. How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future | FINRA.org, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.finra.org/investors/personal-finance/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-financial-future
14. nchfa.com, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.nchfa.com/news/home-matters-blog/how-your-credit-score-impacts-your-home-buying-journey#:~:text=Your%20credit%20score%20is%20a,the%20life%20of%20a%20loan.
15. Current Mortgage Rates by Credit Score | 2025, accessed June 6, 2025, https://themortgagereports.com/87625/mortgage-rates-by-credit-score
16. Why Credit Reports and Scores Matter to Your Financial Health | National Urban League, accessed June 6, 2025, https://nul.org/blog/your-credit-why-credit-reports-and-scores-matter-your-financial-health
17. Scoring Models: How to Calculate FICO Score | Blog - Academy Bank, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.academybank.com/article/scoring-models-how-to-calculate-fico-score
18. What is a FICO® Score, How is It Calculated - Equifax, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit/score/articles/-/learn/what-is-a-fico-score/
19. What is a Good Credit Mix? An Easy-to-Understand Guide - Centier Bank, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.centier.com/resources/articles/article-details/what-is-a-good-credit-mix--an-easy-to-understand-guide
20. What Is A Credit Score? | TransUnion, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.transunion.com/article/credit-score
21. sofi.com, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-rent-an-apartment/#:~:text=The%20credit%20score%20needed%20to,on%20the%20landlord%20and%20location.&text=Landlords%20typically%20look%20for%20a%20credit%20score%20of%20620%20or%20higher.&text=A%20higher%20credit%20score%20may,result%20in%20better%20rental%20terms.
22. What Credit Score is Needed to Rent an Apartment? (Minimum Score + Approval Tips), accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.leaserunner.com/blog/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-rent-an-apartment
23. Common Credit Report Mistakes Could Cost You - Greater New Orleans FCU, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.gnofcu.com/common-credit-report-mistakes-could-cost-you/
24. Understanding How Insurance Companies Use Credit Information, accessed June 6, 2025, https://oci.wi.gov/Documents/Consumers/PI-204.pdf
25. Does my credit score impact my insurance options? - TruStage, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.trustage.com/learn/money-management/credit-score-insurance-options
26. How Payment History Impacts Your Credit Score | myFICO, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-scores/payment-history
27. How do I get and keep a good credit score? - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-and-keep-a-good-credit-score-en-318/
28. pvfcu.org, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.pvfcu.org/how-credit-card-utilization-impacts-credit-score/#:~:text=Higher%20credit%20utilization%20ratios%20can,potentially%20lower%20your%20credit%20score.
29. Credit card utilization and your credit scores - Intuit Credit Karma, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.creditkarma.com/credit/i/credit-card-utilization-and-your-credit-score
30. Credit mix: What is it & how does it affect credit scores? - Capital One, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-credit-mix/
31. Common errors people find on their credit report - and how to get them fixed, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/common-errors-credit-report-and-how-get-them-fixed/
32. Money Basics Guide to Building and Maintaining Credit | MyCreditUnion.gov, accessed June 6, 2025, https://mycreditunion.gov/brochure-publications/brochure/money-basics-guide-building-and-maintaining-credit
33. How to dispute an error - CDIA - Consumer Data Industry Association, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.cdiaonline.org/for-consumers/how-to-dispute-an-error/
34. Learn about your credit report and how to get a copy | USAGov, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports
35. Free Credit Reports | Consumer Advice, accessed June 6, 2025, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
36. Getting your credit reports - Annual Credit Report.com, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.annualcreditreport.com/gettingReports.action
37. About this site - Annual Credit Report.com, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.annualcreditreport.com/aboutThisSite.action
38. How to dispute your Information on your Credit Report - CMS, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/files/document/how-resolve-disputes-experian.pdf
39. Disputing Errors in a Credit Report | NCLC, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.nclc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cf_disputing-errors-in-a-credit-report.pdf
40. How to Dispute Credit Report Information - Experian, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/faqs/how-to-dispute-credit-report-information/
41. ftc.gov, accessed June 6, 2025, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-errors-your-credit-reports#:~:text=You%20should%20dispute%20with%20each,records%20of%20everything%20you%20send.
42. How to dispute an error on your credit report - Credit Karma, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.creditkarma.com/credit/i/dispute-error-credit-report
43. Credit Report Errors: Disputes and Lawsuits Under the FCRA - Sherman & Ticchio, accessed June 6, 2025, https://newyorkcreditlawyers.com/credit-report-errors-disputes-and-lawsuits-under-the-fcra/
44. How to Dispute Credit Report Items With the Creditor or Collector - Nolo, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-dispute-credit-report-items-with-the-creditor-collector.html
45. Fixing Your Credit FAQs | Consumer Advice, accessed June 6, 2025, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fixing-your-credit-faqs
46. The Fed - An Overview of Credit-Building Products - Federal Reserve Board, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/an-overview-of-credit-building-products-20241206.html
47. GreenPath Financial Wellness | Financial Counseling Services, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.greenpath.com/
48. NFCC: Non Profit Credit Counseling Services | Get Out of Debt, accessed June 6, 2025, https://www.nfcc.org/