There are currently 3 different reporting agencies which provide FICO scored. These agencies are Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. You, the lenders or just about anyone with access to your private information can access your credit score. It should be noted that the government has made it compulsory that each of these companies provide a person one free credit report every year. So you are actually entitled to 3 credit report every year for free.
 
A group of people are unhappy about the use of credit reports to signify the creditworthiness of an individual. They say that a person's credit report should consist far more than just a list of infractions and a credit score at the end. According to them each case should be evaluated separately as each person's financial situation differs from another person's. The unfortunate truth is that the FICO score has become such an important tool in determining a person's credit worthiness that we all have to be weary of it. Groups of people may object to its use but the fact is that its simple summary of a person proves invaluable and as such will continue to be used until the foreseeable future.
 
As mentioned earlier to actually dissect the FICO credit scoring system is tedious but there are a few factors that weight much larger than any other when it comes to determining your credit history. The biggest determinant is if you have been bankrupt before and also how long ago. The next biggest contributor is your frequency of late payments, how much and if you settle your late payments in a timely manner. Your employment history and also how often you move from your primary residence also plays an important role. Your criminal record also plays a part in determining your credit score.

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