tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26277603.post-60814372064612456642007-06-18T10:32:00.000-05:002007-06-18T10:32:00.000-05:00I used to work for Experian, so I learned a thing ...I used to work for Experian, so I learned a thing or two about the credit bureaus. As for the utility bills and your FICO score . . .<BR/><BR/>The two have NOTHING to do with each other, for good or bad. Your payment history on non-credit bills never hits the credit bureau. Ever. It can be recorded at the debit bureau, but this information is almost never tapped . . . only if you have no credit history does anyone ever access your debit bureau records.<BR/><BR/>So paying your utility/cable/phone bills will not help or hurt your credit score. It's called a "credit" score for a reason . . . it measures your ability to use, handle, and pay back debts. It has nothing whatsoever to do with utility bills (unless the utility company has to get a collections agency after you . . . and THEN it can hit your credit score-- HARD).<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to clarify that point. I'll not weigh in on the main topic except to say that Miel is right and James is wrong. :-)Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04758437865708682623noreply@blogger.com