Using the new EQ FICO simulator, more information was available regarding what exactly is considered in the score. First, it shows how many inquiries are taken into account. I had 74 inquiries. All soft except for 1 that was marked as EU and is 10 months old. I was not sure about CSC inquiries (EQ affiliate). The new system told me that I have 0 inquiries considered in the score. So, CSC and EU don't count!!!! Secondly, I had a disputed positive account that had a balance. I am disputing the fact the CL is not showing. Using the simulator, the balance listed and taken into account in the score did EXCLUDE the balance on the account under dispute. Third, I have about 9% utilization for my credit cards. The simulator showed that I can get about 20 points more by reducing my balances and about 40 points more if my balances were anywhere from 0 to $300.00 (my current score is 704). Fourth, it showed that I had a settled account that was settled on 3/99.. It has an R1 rating though since it was never late before settlement. It is listed as # 1 reason for having a lower score. However, the positive reasons also list that the settled account is old (38 months ago) so its effect is not high on the score. Fifth, it is listing that my oldest account is 10 years. However, this account is closed. My current oldest account is only 8 years old. So in evaluating the length of the history, closed accounts are taken into consideration.. I did not know better when I closed my oldest account. My second negative reason is length of history, which is 10 years and newest account is only 10 months old compared to an average of 14-15 years and 20 months for the newest accounts.. Hope this helps someone
