VantageScore^® 3.0 is available monthly when you enroll to receive statements electronically. To enroll, log in to your account at www.yourcreditcardinfo.com and chose Electronic Delivery under the Statements menu.

Request your free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Credit reports, also known as credit files, are composed of the credit-related data a credit reporting company (CRC) has gathered about consumers from different sources. Credit reports include records of mortgage payments, credit card balances, credit card payments, auto loan payments, and credit inquiries. It may also include public records, such as tax liens and other information from government sources.

A credit score is a three-digit number (derived using a mathematical formula) from all the information in your credit report. That mathematical formula is called a credit scoring model, which attempts to measure the likelihood that you may default on a loan payment, which is defined as being more than 90 days past due. Not all credit scores will be the same; nor will they remain the same. Credit scores may differ from one source to the next because different lenders use different credit scoring models. And since a score is based on frequently updated credit files, it may vary over time.

VantageScore^® 3.0 model uses a score range of 300 to 850. Regardless of the model’s score range, higher scores indicate to lenders that you’re a less risky borrower, while lower scores indicate that you’re an increased risk.

A credit score summarizes your credit report into variables. Your score is not physically a part of your credit report. It is calculated at the time a lender requested your credit report.

• Pay your bills on time. How promptly you pay your bills has the strongest influence on your VantageScore® 3.0 credit
• Apply for credit only when you need it. Do not open too many accounts too frequently. And avoid opening multiple accounts within a short time span.
• Keep your outstanding balances low. A good rule of thumb? Keep balances below 30 percent of the credit limit on any account.
• Reduce your total debt. It is not necessarily bad to owe some money. But it is not good to owe too much money. Consider paying down some of your outstanding loans.
• Build up a credit history. Maintaining a timely payment history for a mix of accounts (e.g., credit cards, auto, mortgage) over a longer period can improve your score.

• VantageScore^® 3.0: Scores range from 300-850. Created by the nation’s three major Credit Bureaus and used by some lenders to decision loans. Most influential factors include: payment history, age and type of credit, percentage of credit limit used and total debt.
• FICO^® Score: Scores range from 300-850. Created by Fair Isaac Corporation and used by some lenders to decision loans. Most influential factors include: payment history, amounts owed and length of credit history.