Understanding FICO 08

Fair Isaac has released their much anticipated FICO 08 scoring model.  This new credit scoring formula has many differences relative to its predecessor FICO model. 

FICO 08 is the first big change in Fair Isaac’s scoring model since the 1980’s.  Fair Isaac proudly predicts this new model will reduce the default rate on loans by 5-15% from their previous version.

Many experts estimate it could actually improve the current risk predicting model by upwards of 50%.  FICO 08 was rushed for release in 2009 in response to a big demand due to changing economical conditions.   

FICO is used by the vast majority of financial institutions so understanding the new changes are crucial.  Many lenders will quickly be integrating this new model.

Many of the underlying principles of FICO will remain the same.  This includes the score range of 300-850 which will continue with the new model. 

One of the most positive changes is that collection accounts with initial balances less than $100 will NO LONGER have an impact on the credit score. 

Very small collections such as small medical bills will not be calculated into the credit score if the initial balance on the account was less than $100 at the onset of the reporting of the item.

The new model will also be more forgiving on consumers who are late in one area, but not late in other areas on their credit.  So if a consumer is occasionally late on a credit card account, the score change will be less than if that consumer was consistently late on all their payments.

The effect of an authorized user account will also change with FICO 08.  There will be no more “piggybacking”.   This is when a customer with challenged credit gets added as an authorized user to accounts of someone with good credit to increase their scores.

With FICO 08 this is only permitted for the consumer’s immediate family.

If the consumer has too few accounts, closes accounts, or has accounts inactive, the damage to the score will be greater than its predecessor FICO. 

FICO 08 now contains between 12- 16 scorecards.  This is versus the 10 prior scorecards that existed with previous score versions.  These scorecards are the actual mathematical models that are used to assign a credit score to an individual.

Each scorecard is specific to an industry.  For example the Mortgage Industry Option Scoring Model uses its own scorecard and weighs past mortgage history heavier than all other accounts while calculating a credit score. 

FICO will be a big upgrade for Fair Isaac.  Most lenders and the credit bureaus are quick to implement this new model due to its increased ability to accurately predict credit risk.

For more questions on credit scoring and enforcing consumer credit rights visit www.PerfectCreditFast.com.