What is the average credit score and why?
The fourth item on that list worries many people. When they hear that “inquiries” hurt a credit score, they assume this includes their inquiries into their own report. This is a dangerous assumption because it leads people to believe that they should check their own reports sparingly. The truth is, to avoid identity theft and mistakes (which are surprisingly common), you should keep a close watch on your credit by checking your report annually — if not more frequently. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, you’re entitled to a free look at your credit report once a year. The three major credit reporting agencies organized the Web site AnnualCreditReport.com to allow consumers to exercise this right. Your
