How well do you know your credit payment history? Though FICO is not sharing the exact formula they use to calculate your FICO or credit score, they will say that there are five major categories. Your payment history counts for 35% and is the most heavily weighted category in the calculation of your score. There are many pieces to your payment history. Here are some things to look out for:

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The main system in place for determining credit scores is called FICO, an acronym for Fair Isaac Credit Organization, which is the company that owns this formula.

The three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian all use this system to establish credit scores, but they each market it under a different name. Equifax markets their product as Pinnacle; Experian as the FICO Advance Risk Score; and TransUnion as Precision. It is important to be aware of these names, and to note that all of these products employ the same formula for establishing credit score.

The notable differences in the different products marketed are due to slightly differing data that each of these bureaus collects on any given individual or business’s borrowing habits. These bureaus are competitors, and work independently of one another. Certain aspects of one consumer’s credit history may not be reported to all three, and thus may be missing from one or more bureau’s data. Likewise, contested aspects of a credit history may not be removed as requested from all of the bureaus.

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Many companies and programs are offering fast credit report tips, however they often come with a hefty price tag. There are many things the average consumer can do to make improvements without the help of a professional. If you have the time and a some organizational skills, and a do-it-yourself attitude, you can increase your credit score rather quickly. In some cases the results can be a couple days, but within 30 days significant improvements can be made.

The first step is to access a copy of your credit report and review it for errors. Seventy-five percent of credit reports include inaccurate information. One in four reports include errors that actually hurt you in a negative way, so pay particular attention to loans that you never took out, credit cards that should have been closed years ago, and late payments on accounts that you’ve always been on time for. If there is something as serious as a bankruptcy filing that does not belong to you, that is something that would take immediate priority, as you might be a victim of identity theft.

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