You're graded in school. You're ranked in sports. You're even rated online. Seems wherever you turn, someone is judging you. The same is true in the world of finance. Your credit score is your own personal rating system that tells lenders whether or not you're likely to repay a loan.
Credit scores range between 300 and 850, with a score of 700 or greater considered excellent credit. Under 620 is usually where the trouble begins - you can get credit, just not at very good terms.
The following quiz uses a similar scoring system. And just like in the world of credit, you'll get rewarded for a point total in excess of 700.
Question
1:
4 points
The higher the credit score, the better your chances for loan approval.
True
False
Question
2:
7 points
A perfect credit score (850) allows the borrower immediate access to unlimited credit.
True
False
Question
3:
13 points
One universal credit scoring system is used by every single credit union in the country.
True
False
Question
4:
22 points
Your credit score updates annually on January 1st.
True
False
Question
5:
31 points
Individuals with poor
credit scores:
may still be approved for a loan
may pay a higher interest rate
may be required to provide collateral and/or
a cosigner
all of the above
Question
6:
39 points
To approve a loan,
lenders may take into account factors other than your credit
score, including which of the following:
race
religion
total income
national origin
Question
7:
46 points
Numerous credit report
inquiries can have a negative impact on your credit score.
True
False
Question
8:
55 points
A potential employer
may reject your employment application based on your credit score.
True
False
Question
9:
61 points
An indication of bad
credit will remain on your credit report for up to 12 years.
True
False
Question
10:
74 points
When making a loan
decision, the lender will often look at your debt ratio in conjunction
with your credit score. A debt ratio is typically calculated
by dividing:
assets by liabilities
liabilities by equity
monthly debt payments by monthly income
total debt in good standing by total delinquent debt
Question
11:
87 points
A credit bureau is:
a type of credit union
an independent organization that provides
credit scores to financial institutions
a large vault that contains the credit history of every borrowing American citizen
a government agency that audits credit files
Question
12:
93 points
The Transparent Bankruptcy Act (TBA) of 2008 prevents any and all bankruptcies from having a negative
impact on your credit score.
True
False
Question
13:
101 points
Some online lenders
can approve you instantly by accessing your credit score.
True
False
Question
14:
104 points
If you find incorrect
information on your credit report:
don't panic, most lenders will recognize it as incorrect information
you should contact the reporting agency
directly to have it fixed
leave it alone - trying to correct it may lower your credit score
you will need to apply for a new social
security number
Question
15:
113 points
Credit scoring systems
must be:
reviewed
periodically for legal compliance
routinely updated to reflect current U.S.
Treasury rates
approved annually by the U.S.D.A.
all of the above
Did you break 700? Click here to see your credit score.