Credit Score Q&A: Answers to Your Most Common Credit Questions

Your credit score plays a role in whether you're approved for credit cards, car loans, mortgage loans, and even rental properties. Yet, the typical consumer has no idea what a credit score really means and why it changes overnight. Maximum Fico Score offers reliable credit counseling and credit repair services near you in Bakersfield, CA and beyond. This Question and Answer page will answer the most commonly asked questions about FICO scores, Credit Karma, credit repair and so much more.

Why did my FICO score drop?

Your FICO score can drop for many reasons, including:

• A late payment that was recently reported

• Higher credit card balances that raise utilization

• A new collection/charge-off

• Closing an old account—which lowers your average age of accounts

• Hard inquiries that are generated in a short period of time.

👉 Tip: Always check your credit reports for errors. You can use the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to dispute invalid information with the bureaus.

Bank of America credit score FICO--how to get it?

Eligible clients of Bank of America can get their FICO Score through Bank of America Online Banking for free. This is the FICO Score that Bank of America uses. Updated monthly. Keep in mind that lenders can use different versions of the FICO Score depending on the loan.

Difference between FICO score and Credit Karma?

• FICO Score is what 90% of lenders use.

• Credit Karma is going to show you your VantageScore, which is a completely different model.

👉 This is why your Credit Karma score is higher or lower than your real FICO score. Use your FICO for real credit purposes.

How often does a FICO score update?

Your FICO score updates based on when creditors send information to the bureaus. This can be:

• Weekly/daily for certain accounts.

• Monthly for most credit cards and loans.

  
  

When does the FICO score update?

Your score updates when information gets reported to the bureaus from lenders. This means:

• If you've paid down a credit card by the 15th, your FICO score will not show the reduced amount until the lender reports it at the end of the billing cycle.

Why is my Credit Karma score different from my real score?

Because Credit Karma uses VantageScore and measures things differently than FICO. For example, it might give more credit to new accounts. However, creditors rarely use VantageScore so always check your real FICO to get the real story.

Why is my FICO score different from soft pulls?

• Soft pulls (Credit Karma, pre-approved searches) do not affect your score but use different scoring systems.

• Hard inquiries (when you apply for credit) show creditors your real FICO score.

  
  

What's the difference between a FICO score and Equifax?

• FICO: a scoring system.

• Equifax: A credit bureau that provides the information to create a FICO.\ Your FICO score will be different based on credit bureau used (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) because not all creditors report to all three.

AI credit repair - can artificial intelligence fix your credit?

AI tools and software can create dispute letters or analyze reports but the FCRA says credit bureaus are required to respond to disputes filed by you (or an authorized representative). When you use Maximum Fico Score to get your results beyond what an AI service can provide because we know the law.

Auto repair credit card - will it help or hurt your credit?

Auto repair credit cards can help if:

• You make payments on time.

• You maintain low balances. But a high balance could be detrimental to your utilization ratio.

  
  

Credit repair software - does it work?

Credit repair software can file disputes but does not provide personalized insight. Many people fail when they use credit repair software because they don't know what to do afterwards. When you seek credit counseling near you in Bakersfield, CA, you not only get the letters but the insights of someone who knows the business.

Credit repair lawyers vs credit repair companies-- which do I need?

• Credit Repair Attorneys: if you're being sued or for complicated identity theft.

• Credit Repair Companies: if you want to dispute errors, increase scores or get educated.

  
  

What is a credit repair lawyer-- when do you need one?

You need a credit repair lawyer when a creditor/bureau is infringing upon your rights as determined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) since you may need to pursue legal action. Otherwise, guidance from a third party is enough for other credit improving activities.

Can you really repair credit in 60 days?

Yes, in some cases, people can fix their credit in 60 days by:

• Reducing high utilization/percentages.

• Removing erroneous late payments.

• Removing paid or erased collections.

However, real credit repair is 3–6 months to really make a difference.

How do I choose the right credit repair company?

Choose the right credit repair company by seeking:

• Licensed and registered companies.

• Upfront costs.

• Positive reviews.

• A contract (this is required by the Credit Repair Organizations Act, CROA).

Credit Repair Reviews - Signs You Should Join

• Real Customer Reviews.

• Score improvements verified.

• Address based location (Maximum Fico Score is in Bakersfield, CA).

• No such thing as "800 scores overnight" guarantee.

  
  

✅ Take Control Of Your Credit Today

Your FICO score is essential to your life. Collections, failure to pay bills, late payments or errors are all issues that can negatively impact your score, but you have rights as a consumer per the FCRA and FDCPA.

👉 Interested in improving your credit score?\ Book a free credit consultation today at www.maximumficoscore.com.