1. Experian won’t disclose their credit score to consumers.

2. I have read articles and have spoken to customer servcie representatives form different credit bureaus who advised me that each credit bureaus has hundreds of different score models. So, when you purchase your credit score the relevance is not so good. It’s a poor predictor of what the lender will receive. I purchased two scores and two reports from Experian within two days of each other and their was a 152 point difference. But, there was no difference in the credit reports. Would you call that reliable? In my opinion, the credit scores that consumers purchase are defective products and are not valid predictors or reliable predictors of the credit score actually sold to the lenders.

3. I have two installment accounts that are not being report on a regular basis. One has not reported for four months. The other had not reported for three months. So, my balances weren’t decreasing. When computing my credit scores I would wager that they are factoring my account balances into the score. I disputed this with the credit bureaus and instead of being corrected, the account were totally deleted from my reports. That decreased my score because I now only have two revolving account and no installment loans. I wonder if they factor deficient credit reporting by creditors and deficient data collection by the credit bureaus into the credit scores.

4. Credit score analysis is a “trade secret” of the credit bureaus. Since they are a seccret there is no tranparency to the consumer. The game is rigged. There is more to this game than just a good history of paying your bills.

5. Credit bureaus essentially don’t exist for the consumer. Their loyalty lies with the creditor and they are definitlely bias. It wouldn’t be illogical to assume that the credit bureaus could have a motive in deflating credit scores. Lower credit scores could translate into higher interest rates charged by creditors thus resulting into greater profit.

6. Building credit can be harmful to your credit scores. When you apply for a loan, you will be penalized for a hard credit inquirey. And if it’s not a auto loan or a mortgage, you better not rate shop. That would mean increased inquires and a lower score. When the loan is reported to the credit bureaus, your credit is very likely to get another his because you have a new account. And many times when you pay off a mortgage, auto loan or other installment loans, your score could get hit again for having a decreased number of accounts. I’m sure that when the nuts fall from the trees, your score will take another hit.

It’s probably healthy for consumers to take a high dose of cynicism before relying upon the credit bureaus.