: You can access your full credit report for free once a year from each of the three major bureaus ( Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion ).
: Older accounts contribute more to a positive score.
: A higher score typically qualifies you for lower interest rates on mortgages, auto loans, and insurance.
: Keeping your credit utilization ratio (the amount of debt you carry relative to your credit limits) under 30% is ideal.
: Checking your own credit is a "soft inquiry" and does not hurt your score . Key Factors That Influence Your Score
: Applying for multiple new accounts in a short period can temporarily lower your score. What Do the Numbers Mean?