Archive for the ‘check fico score’ Category

Things That You Need to Know About Prime and Sub-prime Lending

By: admin
Published: May 2nd, 2010

By ’sub-prime loan’ we understand a type of loan that has a higher interest rate as compared to a prime loan. This type of loan is generally approved for people with limited or poor credit history. A higher interest rate is attached to sub-prime loans for giving necessary coverage to the risks involved on the part of lenders to the ‘risky’ borrowers with bad credit records.

Because of the associated risks to provide loans to people with poor credit history, not all the lenders offer sub-prime loan programs. The mark of distinction between a prime and sub-prime lender is the higher interest rates charged by the latter. You should always opt for a prime loan instead of a sub-prime as long as your credit report permits. Avoiding sub-prime loans as far as possible is always beneficial for borrowers.

A sub-prime borrower is one who does not qualify for prime loans usually due to a low credit score. This score that we are talking about is normally referred to as the FICO Score. Lenders use this score to determine the eligibility of loans by the borrowers. A mid-range FICO score enables the borrower for applying (and being approved) for a loan with some factors taken into account. Such factors could include your concurrence to the proposed down payment amount, your outstanding debts and your ability to document the income. It is evident that many potential sub-prime borrowers may not be in a position to document their income being self-employed. In such cases, borrowers apply for what is known as ’stated income loan’. A stated income loan is one where the borrower states or declares his income in the loan application form. Due to the inability of assessing or verifying such incomes, a further higher interest rate is charged to these stated income borrowers when sanctioning the loan.

While determining the interest rate of sub-prime loans, the same factors of prime loans are taken into considerations. If your credit score is low and you opt for a lower down payment amount, your interest rates will inevitably be higher. Also keep in mind that sub-prime lenders charge higher rates and higher associated fees due to the risks they undertake and higher costs they incur. It is also a common phenomenon that sub-prime loans end up in default more than prime loans.

Prime Borrowers Switching to Sub-prime – When and How

It is very interesting to note that many potential prime borrowers ultimately end up as a sub-prime borrower. Despite having good credit score, proper documented income and ability to comply with higher down payment amount; these people get entangled with sub-prime payments. This occurs due to those illusive TV or radio commercials which brag about attractive deals in financing or refinancing your mortgage. They offer you cash deals that are supposedly enough to clear your mortgage dues and lower monthly payments by cutting interest rates. But be advised that these so called ‘unbelievable deals’ expire early leaving you paying higher prices for your home.

If you are exploring the market for your options to finance or re-finance your home, you need to double check all the details before making a final decision for a loan. TV and radio are for your information and entertainment; hence you should be very careful with experimenting media deals that may dry-up your wallet. Always check for options with renowned lenders if they can approve a prime loan instead of sub-prime.

Do you know that a report by Wall Street Journal found that 61% of all borrowers ended up with sub-prime loans were eligible for a prime loan? This finding alone explains all about the ignorance of potential prime borrowers.

Sub-prime loans are designed to allow access to credit market by people with poor or no-credit status. You may be surprised by the endless prospects by sub-prime lenders but you should also be prepared to handle surprises of higher payments and bigger losses.

Mohammad Yousuf
http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/things-that-you-need-to-know-about-prime-and-subprime-lending-717938.html

How can I just check my FICO combined credit SCORE without the reports?

By: admin
Published: April 30th, 2010

I get my credit reports from Lifelock every year, but they are just the reports – no score is included. I would love to know the score, but since I’ve already had my "one" per year through lifelock, I don’t know if the credit report web sites will allow that….and if so, there’s still alot of hassle with signing up and cancelling the ongoing monitoring…..any suggestions?

You can access your free annual credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus online thru AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the site mandated by the FTC. The reports are free, scores are not.

You can purchase your FICO score with your Equifax report for $8. You can also get FICO scores for Equifax and TransUnion at MyFico.com. Consumers cannot get FICO scores for Experian any more. Creditors use FICO, so don’t waste money on any other score. The TransUnion and Experian sites use Vantage scores (scale to 990 vs FICO’s 850). Third party monitoring services use FAkko scores.

CreditKarma.com and Quizzle.com offer free score estimators based on different credit reports. They are not FICO, but sorta like FICO, give or take 50 points or so. Good enough if you are just curious about your score.

By the way, Lifelock is a complete waste of money. Instead of paying those monthly fees, just freeze your credit with each of the three credit bureaus. It’s cheaper and more secure. You have to pay to unfreeze and refreeze if you apply for credit, but that’s a lot less than those monthly fees you pay to Lifelock.

Credit Scores and How They are Used

By: admin
Published: April 29th, 2010

A credit score is a number that helps lenders and others predict how likely you are to make your credit payments on time. The higher your credit score, the better deal you’ll get on credit card interest. Your credit score determines how much you pay for life’s needs.

If you have previously applied for any type of loan or credit card or pay regular bills (such as a gas or electric bill), you have a credit history. A credit score is used to numerically describe your credit history. Credit scores can range from 300 (poorest) to 850 (best). A company called Fair Isaac maintains standards for calculating the FICO credit score. 

Consumer credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) maintain a history of your repayments through the “consumer credit report”. Lenders and others can request your credit score when you apply for a loan or financial transaction, and can make a determination of your credit worthiness based on this information.

Your credit score directly or indirectly impacts almost every area of your life. Lenders use your score to determine what rate you will pay on business or personal loans and mortgages. Credit card companies can deny you credit if you have a poor score. Some insurers use your score in determining premium payments. Many landlords will check your score before approving your application for renting an apartment. Some employers can grant or deny you job opportunities based on your score. These are just a few examples of how credit ratings affect your life.

Rrohit Kumar
http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/credit-scores-and-how-they-are-used-695118.html

How to Qualify for an Auto Loan

By: admin
Published: April 5th, 2010

Finding an auto loan can be tough, so there are nation’s best lenders that offer the lowest interest rates available with affordable monthly payments to match. By making auto loan lenders compete for their business, you are guaranteed the lowest market rates. And with the recession going on, you can find the best deal ever.

Some of the features of auto loan like competitive rates and flexible terms, fast easy online application, quick response, multi loan discount etc. Depending upon the different countries different conditions are applied for the auto loan, like how much minimum, maximum amount financed, for dealer purchases, vehicles can’t be more than five years old.

There are some online calculators that help you figure out if you qualify for a loan and how much your payment will be. Leasing vs. buying calculators is included. Use them to determine which route is best for you.

 There are some online specialists like Auto Loan companies, when it comes to helping you with your Bad Credit Auto Loan. They have helped thousands of people with bad credit and are here to help you. When it comes to obtaining an auto loan with bad credit you are going to find plenty of auto loan companies offering you the same services.

Many auto financing and loan companies allow you to apply online or over the phone.
One advantage provided by online lenders is the speed of application approvals. You can apply online and often receive approval in less than a day. Upon approval, lenders will often send you a check that you may use to purchase your auto.

For auto loans for any credit circumstances apply with any loan providing company who could provide bad credit auto loans in all over the country. Their qualified nationwide representatives will help you qualify for bad credit auto loans that are fitting for your requirements. No strict down payment requirements! Qualify for zero down payment bad credit auto loans we can apply for auto loan online no need to visit personally.

Always determine what you can reasonably afford for monthly payments. This should include insurance, maintenance and the actual car payment. Some vehicles that have low monthly payments may have high insurance payments due which can knock them out of your budget. Having a clear indication of what you can afford in total will allow you to effectively shop around for the best car within your budget. It is very important to ensure that you determine this amount before you ever start to shop around so you know exactly what you are able to work with.

U.S. auto sales were hobbled in the first half as gasoline prices jumped to record highs. Now, a financial crisis that pushed Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. into bankruptcy has toughened new-vehicle loan terms and may further depress sales.  GM’s sales are down 18 percent through August.  Ford’s are down 15 percent, Chrysler’s a whopping 24 percent. Reports told today you have to have a FICO score of 720 to qualify for a car loan.

Jeff
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-to-qualify-for-an-auto-loan-736725.html

How can I check my Fico scores from all 3 credit bureaus?

By: admin
Published: April 4th, 2010

Currently I have MyFico Score Watch but I can only view my Fico score for Equifax. I went to the Experian website and they’re selling their report and score for a $1 but I’m not sure if that’s a Fico Score. And Transunion has the 3-in-1 scores from TrueCredit.com and again I don’t know if those are FICO scores and if I can trust TrueCredit.

Anyone know how I can get FICO scores for Experian and Transunion? And please don’t give me any bogus websites. Thanks for your help.
To Judy:

FHA wants your Fico score to be at least 580! I have been working on improving my score by paying off med collections. I just want to see what my hard work has resulted…

Hi,

if you are looking for the free credit score usa national site, check out this site

http://Free-Credit-Score-National.com/

Here you can get your 3-in-1 free credit report and credit score rating

Hope this help,

Loans for Bad Credit: Appropriate Cash Resources Despite Credit Hassles

By: admin
Published: April 2nd, 2010

Loans are sanctioned on the basis of certain conditions and if the condition does not seem suitable, it gets difficult to derive. For a person struggling with bad credit, loans are not that easily available. This implies that the individual is not in a position to deal with the financial crisis, leave alone the taking care of the credit disputes. However, the situation has changed and the various lenders have come together and are now offering loans for bad credit, designed exclusively to assist those who want to retain their financial freedom.

Applicants whose credit score is less than 580 in the FICO scale are considered eligible for the loans. But prior to the approval of the loans, lenders prefer to check whether the borrower is capable of repaying the borrowed amount or not. In this regard, they may check various documents pertaining to present employment and income details, recent bank statements etc. once everything is sorted out, the approval comes without any hassles.

These loans are very much easy to derive and assist the borrower to meet the various needs. It can be used for a number of purposes such as making home improvements, purchasing a car, meeting education expenses, wedding, vacation and even debt consolidation, which in turn helps to replenish and refurbish the financial standing and to retain the lost credibility.

These loans are further classified in to secured and unsecured form. This classification enables the borrower to derive the loans as per ones need and requirement. Secured forms of the loans are meant for those who are looking for a bigger amount. However to acquire the loans, one has to pledge collateral. The repayment term is large and due to the presence of collateral, interest rate charged is comparatively low. On the contrary, unsecured form of the loans can be derived without pledging any collateral. A small amount is released for a short term period and that too against a slightly high rate of interest.

Loans for bad credit people are also available online. Online availability of the loans results in its quick approval. The application process is simple and further, comparing and contrasting the rate quotes, one can get access to a better loan deal.

Antonio Vargas
http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/loans-for-bad-credit-appropriate-cash-resources-despite-credit-hassles-687680.html

About Sub-prime Lending

By: admin
Published: March 30th, 2010

A sub-prime loan generally denotes a loan that has a higher interest rate than a prime rate loan. Sub-prime loans are meant and useful for people with poor or limited credit history. The reason behind attaching a higher interest rate is to cover the high risks involved in lending to prospective sub-prime borrowers.

 

Not all the lenders present themselves as sub-prime lenders. It is the high rate of interest that differentiates sub-prime lenders from others. If your credit history or ability allows you to have a prime loan, simply avoid sub-prime loans and lenders.

 

A borrower who has a low credit score and thus fails to qualify to get a prime loan usually becomes a potential sub-prime borrower. The credit score used to ascertain this is also known as a FICO Score. With some additional factors taken into consideration, a person with a mid-range FICO Score qualifies for a sub-prime loan. Factors which are taken into account usually include proposed down payment, ability to document the income quoted and the amount of debts of the applicant. It may so happen that some of the borrowers are unable to document their income like those who are self-employed. These borrowers have an option to apply for stated income loan where they simply (and honestly) state their income on the application form. Due to the fact that these stated incomes are unverifiable, a higher interest rate is charged with the sub-prime loans granted to the borrowers of this category.

 

The factors which are considered by lenders for approving sub-prime loans to their borrowers are same as those of prime loans. Because of the low down payment and low credit scores, interest rates determined in sub-prime loans are higher. The higher risk and higher costs associated with sub-prime loans make the fees and interest rates rise higher.

 

When do prime borrowers become sub-prime?

 

Quite surprisingly, you may find many prime borrowers with good credit scores, required down payment ability and documented income ultimately end up paying for sub-prime loans. The main reason for this is the fact that the borrowers somewhat fall in the trap of the extensive media campaign on the TV or radio by the sub-prime lenders boasting about their attractive deals in financing or refinancing your mortgage. These so called ‘unbelievable deals’ offer you cash that may lower the interest rates and eventually the monthly installments, but what they do not mention is the early expiry of such lower rates and consequent extremely high pay-back of your home’s loan which may amount to almost double.

 

When you do a market analysis for financing or re-financing your home, check for the pros and cons of the different loan options. Remember, TV is primarily meant for entertainment and NOT draining your wallet. You must always double check your eligibility for a prime loan with leading lenders.

 

Wall Street Journal made a very interesting report about prime borrowers becoming sub-prime. According to their findings, in 2006 alone, about 61% sub-prime borrowers had a credit score that allowed them to be a prime borrower. The figure says it all!

 

The reason why sub-prime loans continue to exist is the predominance of the borrowers with no or poor credit conditions. They are considered as ‘riskier’ borrowers by the lenders. This is why sub-prime borrowers should be prepared to encounter surprises like higher payments, higher losses along with the endless supply of various prospects.

Mohammad Yousuf
http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/about-subprime-lending-717953.html

About Sub-prime Lending

By: admin
Published: March 18th, 2010

A sub-prime loan generally denotes a loan that has a higher interest rate than a prime rate loan. Sub-prime loans are meant and useful for people with poor or limited credit history. The reason behind attaching a higher interest rate is to cover the high risks involved in lending to prospective sub-prime borrowers.

 

Not all the lenders present themselves as sub-prime lenders. It is the high rate of interest that differentiates sub-prime lenders from others. If your credit history or ability allows you to have a prime loan, simply avoid sub-prime loans and lenders.

 

A borrower who has a low credit score and thus fails to qualify to get a prime loan usually becomes a potential sub-prime borrower. The credit score used to ascertain this is also known as a FICO Score. With some additional factors taken into consideration, a person with a mid-range FICO Score qualifies for a sub-prime loan. Factors which are taken into account usually include proposed down payment, ability to document the income quoted and the amount of debts of the applicant. It may so happen that some of the borrowers are unable to document their income like those who are self-employed. These borrowers have an option to apply for stated income loan where they simply (and honestly) state their income on the application form. Due to the fact that these stated incomes are unverifiable, a higher interest rate is charged with the sub-prime loans granted to the borrowers of this category.

 

The factors which are considered by lenders for approving sub-prime loans to their borrowers are same as those of prime loans. Because of the low down payment and low credit scores, interest rates determined in sub-prime loans are higher. The higher risk and higher costs associated with sub-prime loans make the fees and interest rates rise higher.

 

When do prime borrowers become sub-prime?

 

Quite surprisingly, you may find many prime borrowers with good credit scores, required down payment ability and documented income ultimately end up paying for sub-prime loans. The main reason for this is the fact that the borrowers somewhat fall in the trap of the extensive media campaign on the TV or radio by the sub-prime lenders boasting about their attractive deals in financing or refinancing your mortgage. These so called ‘unbelievable deals’ offer you cash that may lower the interest rates and eventually the monthly installments, but what they do not mention is the early expiry of such lower rates and consequent extremely high pay-back of your home’s loan which may amount to almost double.

 

When you do a market analysis for financing or re-financing your home, check for the pros and cons of the different loan options. Remember, TV is primarily meant for entertainment and NOT draining your wallet. You must always double check your eligibility for a prime loan with leading lenders.

 

Wall Street Journal made a very interesting report about prime borrowers becoming sub-prime. According to their findings, in 2006 alone, about 61% sub-prime borrowers had a credit score that allowed them to be a prime borrower. The figure says it all!

 

The reason why sub-prime loans continue to exist is the predominance of the borrowers with no or poor credit conditions. They are considered as ‘riskier’ borrowers by the lenders. This is why sub-prime borrowers should be prepared to encounter surprises like higher payments, higher losses along with the endless supply of various prospects.

Mohammad Yousuf
http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/about-subprime-lending-717953.html

About Sub-prime Lending

By: admin
Published: March 15th, 2010

A sub-prime loan generally denotes a loan that has a higher interest rate than a prime rate loan. Sub-prime loans are meant and useful for people with poor or limited credit history. The reason behind attaching a higher interest rate is to cover the high risks involved in lending to prospective sub-prime borrowers.

 

Not all the lenders present themselves as sub-prime lenders. It is the high rate of interest that differentiates sub-prime lenders from others. If your credit history or ability allows you to have a prime loan, simply avoid sub-prime loans and lenders.

 

A borrower who has a low credit score and thus fails to qualify to get a prime loan usually becomes a potential sub-prime borrower. The credit score used to ascertain this is also known as a FICO Score. With some additional factors taken into consideration, a person with a mid-range FICO Score qualifies for a sub-prime loan. Factors which are taken into account usually include proposed down payment, ability to document the income quoted and the amount of debts of the applicant. It may so happen that some of the borrowers are unable to document their income like those who are self-employed. These borrowers have an option to apply for stated income loan where they simply (and honestly) state their income on the application form. Due to the fact that these stated incomes are unverifiable, a higher interest rate is charged with the sub-prime loans granted to the borrowers of this category.

 

The factors which are considered by lenders for approving sub-prime loans to their borrowers are same as those of prime loans. Because of the low down payment and low credit scores, interest rates determined in sub-prime loans are higher. The higher risk and higher costs associated with sub-prime loans make the fees and interest rates rise higher.

 

When do prime borrowers become sub-prime?

 

Quite surprisingly, you may find many prime borrowers with good credit scores, required down payment ability and documented income ultimately end up paying for sub-prime loans. The main reason for this is the fact that the borrowers somewhat fall in the trap of the extensive media campaign on the TV or radio by the sub-prime lenders boasting about their attractive deals in financing or refinancing your mortgage. These so called ‘unbelievable deals’ offer you cash that may lower the interest rates and eventually the monthly installments, but what they do not mention is the early expiry of such lower rates and consequent extremely high pay-back of your home’s loan which may amount to almost double.

 

When you do a market analysis for financing or re-financing your home, check for the pros and cons of the different loan options. Remember, TV is primarily meant for entertainment and NOT draining your wallet. You must always double check your eligibility for a prime loan with leading lenders.

 

Wall Street Journal made a very interesting report about prime borrowers becoming sub-prime. According to their findings, in 2006 alone, about 61% sub-prime borrowers had a credit score that allowed them to be a prime borrower. The figure says it all!

 

The reason why sub-prime loans continue to exist is the predominance of the borrowers with no or poor credit conditions. They are considered as ‘riskier’ borrowers by the lenders. This is why sub-prime borrowers should be prepared to encounter surprises like higher payments, higher losses along with the endless supply of various prospects.

Mohammad Yousuf
http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/about-subprime-lending-717953.html

Instant Approval Credit Cards: For an Instant Online Decision

By: admin
Published: March 12th, 2010

If you look online for a credit card, you’ll find that some credit cards offer a feature known as “instant approval.” The idea of getting something so soon can be very appealing. While this type of card has many perks, it’s important to understand what’s all involved before you apply for one. Here’s the scoop on instant approval credit cards.

An Answer in less than a Minute

If you apply online for an instant approval credit card, you will usually find out in less than 60 seconds whether or not you’ve been approved for it. This is because credit card companies, when they receive your application, run a quick credit check. They then make a decision based on what they find.

In most cases, a credit card company will look at your FICO score. This is a score that is based on various factors, including your credit history and current standings. A FICO score can fall anywhere between 300 and 850. Higher scores indicate better credit.

If you’re not sure what your credit score is, you may want to check before applying for an instant approval credit card. If you know that you have good or excellent credit, you have a very good chance of getting approved for a credit card. While better credit will help you get more cards, some companies have recently issued instant approval credit cards for those with low credit scores.

After the Approval

Once a company sends you its decision, it then does a more thorough check into your credit history. This means that the answer you first receive could potentially change when the company finds out more information. That said, this rarely happens in the credit card world. If you receive an email that states you have been approved for a card, it is very unlikely that the answer will change.

After the company grants approval, your card is sent to you through the mail. It usually arrives in five to seven business days. When you receive the card, you’ll have to authorize it. Then you can use it however you want to.

Other Features

Many instant approval credit cards come with other benefits, so you’ll want to look for one that fits your lifestyle. You may be interested in low interest rates, a rewards program, or the chance to transfer a different balance to the new card. Whatever the case, be sure to consider the other features attached to the card before you apply.

In today’s fast-paced world, many consumers want to know right away whether or not they’ve been approved for a credit card. With online applications, you have the opportunity to receive an answer in less than a minute. This can help you as you shop for credit cards, and plan how you will use them.

Once you have the card, it is important to manage it wisely. Try to avoid carrying a balance whenever possible, and take advantage of any rewards offered. With a little planning, you can make your instant approval credit card last a long time.

Stephanie Andrews
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/instant-approval-credit-cards-for-an-instant-online-decision-736023.html

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