Identity Guard

Bottom line: All 3 credit scores free; most comprehensive & best overall service; 25% discount & free 30-day trial
PrivacyGuard

Bottom line: All 3 credit scores for $1; monthly credit score & report updates plus other benefits; 30-day trial for $1
Trusted ID

Bottom line: All 3 credit scores free; great value, especially for families; free 14-day trial
Equifax Complete Advantage

Bottom line: All 3 scores plus excellent 3-bureau monitoring and ongoing Equifax score updates; no free trial
ProtectMyID.com

Bottom line: Cheapest monthly price to monitor all 3 credit reports, but no scores
LifeLock Credit Score Manager

Bottom line: 3-bureau credit monitoring & one-time 3-bureau credit scores; updates TransUnion score monthly
ID Protect Premium from American Express

Bottom line: 3 bureau monitoring and one-time 3-bureau credit reports available upon enrollment but doesn't include credit scores
CreditCheck Total

Bottom line: Monthly 3-bureau credit score updates; $1 7-day trial; a bit expensive
Equifax Score Watch

Bottom line: Only monitors Equifax report; two Equifax FICO® Score reports annually plus updated score whenever it changes; no free trial
CreditReport.com

Bottom line: 3-bureau monitoring; bi-monthly Experian score updates; free 7-day trial
True Credit 3-Bureau

Bottom line: Only monitors TransUnion credit report; unlimited TransUnion scores; free 7-day trial
FreeCreditScore.com

Bottom line: Only monitors Experian report; two updates/mo to your Experian Score; free 7-day trial

Enter your email address to receive NextAdvisor.com Daily Blog updates:

Categories


Blog Archives


Why does my credit score fluctuate?

April 14th, 2009 - Posted by Caitlin

The following post in our Reader Question series is an actual user submitted question. To maintain the integrity of the original question, we do not edit or change reader questions in any way.

Q: Why does my credit score fluctuate by 3-5 points from one month to the next when I have paid accounts on time, have not applied for credit, and had no collection issues with debtors?

A: There are a few other factors that impact your credit score, aside from paying your accounts on time, applying for credit, and the absence of any delinquent accounts. As you pay off your debts, your amount of available credit grows. Conversely, when you spend more than you pay off in a particular billing cycle, your available credit shrinks. Available credit is an important factor in determining your credit score. Another important factor is the length of your credit history, which, obviously, is always growing. The longer your credit history, the better your credit score will be.

It is normal for your credit score to fluctuate by a few points, and it is not cause for concern. It is far more important to keep an eye on your credit report, in order to ensure that no fraudulent accounts are being opened in your name, and that the credit bureaus are not inadvertently reporting false information about you.

To learn more about credit report and score services, see our reviews and comparison chart.

70 Responses to “Why does my credit score fluctuate?”

  1. foreclosure Says:

    Hey, nice blog, just looking around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are using. I'm currently using WordPress for a few of my sites but looking to change one of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Keep up the good work!

  2. Ralph Malkin Says:

    powerful luck being consumers

  3. best 32-inch lcd television Says:

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog. I am looking forward some more information from your end, it’s really helpful for me. I will bookmark your site to check if you write more about in the future. Please keep up the good work.thanks for sharing.

  4. Kenrick Eugene Says:

    you are in reality a good webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you're doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have done a magnificent task on this matter!

  5. radiant cut diamond engagement rings Says:

    This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog. I am looking forward some more information from your end, it’s really helpful for me. I will bookmark your site to check if you write more about in the future. Please keep up the good work.thanks for sharing.

  6. uniwee - make money online Says:

    good job,great articles.

  7. world cup jerseys Says:

    Interestingly, charming discussion is worth comment. additional In this topic , it not Subject it but in general to talk about such topics. To the next. Cheers

  8. vitamin a cream Says:

    I like to read your weblog a couple instances a week for new thoughts. I was questioning for those who have any other subjects you write about?

  9. Article Writing Says:

    Awesome. Really great blog you have, which has many information. And it's also useful. Wanna say for posting this informative blog.

  10. Vietnamvisa Says:

    This article is very nice i like it or this is very informative article or i think readers read this article they take good knowledge

  11. Concrete Flooring Says:

    Your blog is fine. I simply want to touch upon the design. Its too loud. Its doing approach an excessive amount of and it takes away from what youve got to say which I think is basically important. I dont know in the event you didnt suppose that your words may maintain everyones consideration, but you have been wrong. Anyway, in my language, there usually are not a lot good source like this.

  12. modern warfare 3 Says:

    Another issue is that video gaming became one of the all-time biggest forms of entertainment for people of all ages. Kids play video games, plus adults do, too. The particular XBox 360 is amongst the favorite games systems for individuals that love to have hundreds of activities available to them, as well as who like to play live with other individuals all over the world. Many thanks for sharing your opinions.

  13. arifur rahman Says:

    Twitter is a great place for growing online business. The simple strategies are to build followers, brand and advertise websites.
    It is not hard to use Twitter. But it's not so easy to use Twitter effectively to grow follower numbers and then get traffic which can lead to sales.
    It's a good news for the online business holders that ebooks containing all the concerned features of business in Twitter are available.
    To have access one of the most powerful resources about using Twitter for business, just one have to do is download Twitter Marketing Made Easy.

    Details twitter follower generator, quick twitter followers, champions league twitter, twitter marketing

  14. Forex Says:

    My colleague has this same issue and I think until now she didn't know how to handle it. I think this will greatly help her in understanding the case she's involved. Thanks.

  15. Google Redirect Virus Removal Says:

    That's the bad part of having a credit card. Some company didn't really explain some things and some agreement which is the most affected is the consumers. They don't know that they had a credits because of some hidden charges. The law must have a concrete law about this.

  16. Easy Beginner Guitar Lessons Says:

    Thanks for your info about credit score.

    They're very useful to me!

  17. Hostgator Hosting Coupons Says:

    I am glad that I observed this weblog, exactly the right info about credit score that I was looking for!

  18. cascade gradini Says:

    This is first time i am visiting on this site and seriously this site very interesting thanks for sharing such a wonderful information with us..

  19. mobile signal booster Says:

    Many factors are affected to our credit score in this post you have describes all the important points.

  20. painters melbourne Says:

    Interesting article. Where did you got all the information? Can you provide some sources? Thanks!

  21. Jhon Says:

    I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

  22. SMS Chat Flirt Says:

    Some great article, it helped me very much!

  23. plans for Boat building Says:

    This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!

  24. Daisy Platko Says:

    Oh my gosh! an incredible article dude. Cheers However , I'm experiencing issues with ur rss feed . Don’t know why I am cannot subscribe it. Is there somebody getting the same rss problems? Anyone who can help kindly reply. : )

  25. Hobert Darocha Says:

    Does your site have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd like to send you an e-mail. I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  26. Ivory Stefansky Says:

    Your blog doesnt render properly on my i phone – you might wanna try and repair that

  27. Corey Carragher Says:

    Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

  28. escort Says:

    thanks good share

  29. langlang33 Says:

    This is definitely fantastic, dont stop the great work!

  30. regras poker texas holdem Says:

    She simply told me "I hate juice" and smiled… What does that mean???

  31. Paris Pettay Says:

    With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of completely unique content I've either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you know any techniques to help reduce content from being stolen? I'd genuinely appreciate it.

  32. "leave a reply" "powered by wordpress" Says:

    iniglmhiugmuilh

  33. Online Technical Support Says:

    It is undoubtedly one of the best and the most helpful post which needs to be read. The information you have put into your answer are worth mentioning. These are exactly the reasons why the credit score of a person fluctuates.

  34. Jake Says:

    How do I go about removing articles that breach copyright?

  35. auto power blog review Says:

    Want to find the great way to make money with blogging you might to check this out

  36. Tired of purchasing hundreds of thousands of hits to your site and your Alexa ranking hardly moves? With Alexa Traffic Booster you can skyrocket your Alexa traffic rank up to a whopping 60%. Improve your website traffic hits and increase your Alexa rankin Says:

    Thank you for another informative blog. The place else may I get that type of information written in such an ideal means? I've a undertaking that I am simply now working on, and I've been on the glance out for such information.

  37. erotikhotline Says:

    feels awesome this website. within few moments happen to be on place A couple with your key word. brand-new seo'ed that with this keyword and key phrase? cya bye

  38. online Gewürze Afrika Says:

    Hello! I’ve been reading your web web site for a even though now and lastly got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent function!

  39. Peter Sousa Says:

    Thank for the info. I am bookmarking this now.. fat cup

  40. Peter Sousa Says:

    Thank for the info. I am bookmarking this now.. transport map

  41. donna bellissima Says:

    what do you think of elisabetta canalis ?

  42. mountain slot Says:

    thx for the info.
    i wanted to ask .. how the length of my credit history affect?
    thx again :)

  43. garden centre belfast Says:

    RSS Subscribed! Great informational resource,I will tell a friend :)

  44. Carlos Winquerque Says:

    HI there. I liked what I read here, very good and the blog is quite useful. Continue so.
    I also invite you visiting my blog, is about several good news and opportunities for business, marketplace, social network, recreation. Here we all can find what we need more usefull. I know you'll like it.

  45. 311_grassroots(94) Says:

    Very worthwhile. appreciation for sharing!

  46. Driver Detective Says:

    Thanks for that useful informations, I was already upset with my score and don't understand because…

  47. Freebie Hunter Says:

    Really nice blog..
    :)

  48. Sherry Velez Says:

    Hi There Nextadvisor,
    Thanks for the info, Many people get affordable credit scores for a range of explanations – failing in paying out credit cards and mortgages, lavish lifestyles, personal bankruptcy and accidents. The suitable information is there are ideas to salvage and correct credit scores. Borrowers can seek the advice of with their economical advisors about this and appear up with ideas that are ideal for them.
    Good Job!

  49. Felgi Aluminiowe Says:

    certainly like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I?ll surely come again again.

  50. Przedszkole Says:

    I?ve read several excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you set to make this sort of magnificent informative site.

  51. Sulejow Says:

    Hi there, simply become aware of your blog through Google, and located that it's really informative. I?m gonna be careful for brussels. I will appreciate if you happen to continue this in future. Many other folks might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  52. car insurance Says:

    What happen to be you saying, man? I realize everyone's got their own point of view, but really? Listen, your website is engaging. I enjoy the work you put in to it, specially with the vids as well as the pics. But, come on. Theres gotta be a much better method to say this, a way that doesn't make it seem like everyone here's dumb

  53. Juliane Dietrich Says:

    thx…

  54. batman year one Says:

    Hey, I what theme are you using? i use a theme from elegant themes but i have been looking for some other different ones.

  55. LifeLock Discount Says:

    It didn't sit well with me when LifeLock's CEO told everyone his SSN all over the place. It was too much of a publicity, media-whoring thing.

  56. Marie Greenhalgh Says:

    Great answer. I hope others will also read this and learn from this. I hope you will continue posting helpful information. More power! Marie Greenhalgh

  57. Grady Staneart Says:

    How do I add Facebook comment box to Blogger, different in each post?

  58. Buy Medicines Says:

    great topic choosed loved the way written .personalpharmacy.co.uk

  59. Nila Janus Says:

    Ash package sighing!

  60. Terrence Friels Says:

    I enjoy you because of all of your labor on this web site. Ellie really likes getting into internet research and it's easy to understand why. My spouse and i learn all relating to the compelling way you deliver both interesting and useful strategies on your web site and even boost response from some others about this idea while our daughter is really understanding a whole lot. Take pleasure in the rest of the year. You're the one carrying out a powerful job.

  61. Candelaria Weihe Says:

    Could u add a backlink on this page? You can reach me at MilesEverett2927@msn.com or ICQ:580027805

  62. Wide Calf Boots Says:

    I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You are amazing! Thanks!

  63. Mindi Biggio Says:

    Hi there, simply become alert to your weblog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you happen to continue this in future. Lots of folks shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  64. Tessa Tayan Says:

    My wife and i were absolutely excited Albert could finish off his survey from your ideas he came across from your web site. It's not at all simplistic to simply always be freely giving tips which other folks have been trying to sell. And we all recognize we've got the blog owner to be grateful to because of that. All the explanations you made, the easy website navigation, the relationships you can make it easier to promote – it is many astonishing, and it is assisting our son and our family imagine that the content is satisfying, and that's incredibly fundamental. Thanks for everything!

  65. website designer Says:

    Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this website. It's simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's hard to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you've done a awesome job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Internet explorer. Excellent Blog!

  66. sacred heart diet Says:

    "we should really just be happy for the parents rather than questioning it"

  67. Mathew Guilbert Says:

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of completely unique content I've either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any methods to help reduce content from being stolen? I'd really appreciate it.

  68. Tyson Parmar Says:

    I needed to draft you this tiny remark to finally give many thanks once again for the precious guidelines you have contributed on this site. It's so particularly open-handed of you to make unhampered what most of us would have sold for an electronic book to make some money on their own, even more so given that you might have done it if you ever decided. Those techniques additionally worked to be a easy way to understand that other people have a similar passion like my very own to find out much more related to this matter. I am sure there are millions of more pleasurable opportunities in the future for folks who find out your website.

  69. Clerissa Says:

    I'm still learning from you, as I'm trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely love reading all that is written on your site.Keep the information coming. I enjoyed it!

  70. health care blog Says:

    I never thought that I will post comments but I must say that this time it's different… You shocked me with that story… Amazing work!

Leave a Reply

Recent Comments



Disclosure: NextAdvisor.com is a consumer information site that offers free, independent reviews and ratings of online services. We receive advertising revenue from most of the services we review. Our editors thoroughly research and whenever possible test each service we review and offer their honest opinions about each one. We are independently owned and operated and all opinions expressed on this site are our own.