I pulled up creditexpert (the Experian online tracking deal) and since 8/3/01 my FICO has gone up 86 points to 598. The only thing to change on my report is that one of my credit cards posted a payment. That seems a little extreme to me. I have challenge six loans that show 180 days past due which was a mistake by Sallie Mae. However, these aren't showing as any different on the report. Any ideas. TIA.
Your score went up mostly because of your disputes and is not your "real" score unless those derogatories are eventually removed. After the investigation, if they remain, your score will go back down.
Another thing.... It shows you how much those derogatories are "costing" you. Some of the increase in points is probably due to another month of "aging" of your tradelines and also the payment reported on the one you mention but those would likely only account for a few points - maybe 5 to 10.
