Credit report score

What's on your credit report besides your credit history? It now has a credit score, a number ranging from 300 to 850 that represents your creditworthiness. If you've had credit for five or more years and never missed a payment, your score should be high. A higher score makes you eligible for lower interest rates and fees.

If your report shows negative information--even if it's inaccurate or outdated--your score will be lower and you could be turned down for a loan, an apartment or a credit card. Before applying for any of these, get a copy of your report from the three major credit bureaus--Equifax ([800] 685-1111), Experian ([888] 397-3742) and TransUnion ([800] 888-4213)--because each may contain different data. If you've been denied credit, you're entitled to a free credit report within 60 days of denial.

The report lays bare your credit life--personal information; public records, such as bankruptcies, tax liens and monetary judgments, which can remain on your report for seven to ten years; credit inquiries; history of all your accounts. Mistakes are common. If you find errors, don't hesitate to dispute them by filling out the form that comes with the report.

"Credit reports are now consumer-friendly. They're easy to read and you get full disclosure," says Jeffrey Junkas, public-relations specialist at TransUnion. And you can now order them on-line.

For more info, log on to 3bureaureport.com/3bsample/PersonalProfile.asp.