It's important to keep in mind, however, that each person has more than one score. That's because each of the three credit bureau biggies keeps somewhat different information, leading to three different scores.
Checking your score is something only lenders do. In fact, scores are used routinely by landlords screening tenants and auto and home insurers because it's been shown there's a high correlation between poor scores and a tendency to file claims.
Some employers also require it, particularly for high-level managers dealing with finances and for government jobs that require security clearance, says Weston. But no one is supposed to obtain your credit score without seeking your permission first.
Fixing bad credit history can be accomplished quickly. You can't erase negative information, such as late payments and collections, which can remain on your record for as long as seven years. But you can improve your credit score by correcting errors that reflect badly and by paying down outstanding debts. The myfico.com site offers those who purchase scores the use of a simulator that tells them, within a range of scores, how certain actions would improve or hurt their ratings.
Weston says that most of the mail she receives from readers about credit scores comes from consumers struggling with credit mishaps and wanting advice on how to improve their standing. But she also gets a surprising number from people at the other end of the scale, those with nearly perfect credit. "They have a 780," she says, "and demand to know why they don't have an 850."
