CREDIT EDUCATION

Understanding Your Credit Score

Your credit score affects your ability to buy a home, get a car loan, rent an apartment, and sometimes even get a job. Here's what the numbers mean.

Score Range 800 – 850
Rating Exceptional
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Best rates available. Approved for virtually all credit products.
Score Range 740 – 799
Rating Very Good
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Above-average rates. Lenders compete for your business.
Score Range 670 – 739
Rating Good
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Near or slightly above average. Most loans approved, decent rates.
Score Range 580 – 669
Rating Fair
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Below average. Some approvals, higher interest rates. Room to improve.
Score Range 300 – 579
Rating Poor
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Difficult to get approved. High deposits, high rates, limited options.
Score Range Rating Visual What It Means
800 – 850 Exceptional
Best rates available. Approved for virtually all credit products.
740 – 799 Very Good
Above-average rates. Lenders compete for your business.
670 – 739 Good
Near or slightly above average. Most loans approved, decent rates.
580 – 669 Fair
Below average. Some approvals, higher interest rates. Room to improve.
300 – 579 Poor
Difficult to get approved. High deposits, high rates, limited options.

Equifax

One of the three major national credit bureaus. Disputes: PO Box 7404256, Atlanta, GA 30374 · 1-800-685-1111 · equifax.com

Experian

One of the three major national credit bureaus. Disputes: PO Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013 · 1-888-397-3742 · experian.com

TransUnion

One of the three major national credit bureaus. Disputes: PO Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 · 1-800-916-8800 · transunion.com

Pennsylvania Credit Repair — Know the Rules

What every Pennsylvania consumer should know before working with any credit services organization:

📜 Written Contract Required

Under both CROA and 73 P.S. § 2184, you must receive a written contract before any service begins, listing all terms, fees, and a description of services.

🚫 No Advance Fees in PA

Pennsylvania law (73 P.S. § 2183) prohibits charging you before services are fully performed — unless the CSO has filed a surety bond or trust account with the PA Dept. of State.

⏱ 5-Day Cancellation Right (PA)

Pennsylvania gives you 5 business days to cancel any credit services contract without penalty — stronger than the federal 3-day CROA right. Always get cancellation terms in writing.

🔒 Surety Bond Requirement

PA credit services organizations must file a surety bond of $5,000–$25,000 (5% of annual fees) with the Bureau of Corporations, protecting consumers from violations.

⚖️ Your Right to Sue

If a credit services organization violates PA or federal law, you can sue for actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. PA law adds claims against the surety bond.

🆓 You Can Do It Yourself

You always have the right to dispute credit information yourself at no cost by contacting the three bureaus directly. Keith provides professional advocacy — not a replacement for that right.