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FICO’s grip on mortgage credit scores challenged

Mar 14, 2018
Mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac consider one credit score when determining the creditworthiness of mortgage applicants: FICO.  Some members of Congress want to change that by adding a provision to a bank deregulation bill that would require Fannie and Freddie to also look at applicants’ VantageScore. The company that calculates VantageScores is […]

Why consumer credit is a matter of "social trust"

Jul 25, 2017
The modern credit economy mostly works, author Josh Lauer says.
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Americans have higher credit scores, but also higher household debt

May 30, 2017
Americans’ credit scores are averaging way higher, around 700 according to a new report from FICO. Credit agencies are also cleaning up their rolls and getting old or bad data off people’s reports. Plus, many people who went into bankruptcy during the financial crisis are now returning to credit-worthiness as the statute of limitations comes […]

Making credit more accessible — and less exclusive

May 21, 2015
Changing FICO criteria may benefit renters and those with medical debt.

A new credit score gives credit for paying phone bills

Apr 2, 2015
Still in a pilot phase, the new score would help people with no credit cards.

A brief history of the credit score

Apr 22, 2014
The FICO credit score is one of the most significant numbers we live with. Turns out it's only 25 years old.

Giving credit where credit is due

Jan 24, 2014
But did you know there’s an unlisted category of consumers? People who have a credit score of more than 800.
Your credit score says a lot about what kind of consumer you are.
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Lightning Round: Credit cards, how to improve your FICO and more

Jan 7, 2014
For the start of 2014, we're tackling all of your questions about credit cards.

What to do if your credit history is 'thin'

Mar 9, 2012
Living debt-free is a good thing, right? Those with little or no credit history are finding out you really can be "too thin."

Patience scores!

Jan 20, 2012
Columbia Business School's Stephan Meier discusses his new study, which says that the more patient you are, the better your credit score is likely to be.
How much patience you have may directly relate to your credit score.
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