Credit bureaus

Don't ever trust that little 3 number score you are shown when you pay those credit agencies that collect and sell your entire life.  Those three little scores they show you are not the real deal and if you are trying to make a mortgage or buy a vehicle, those lenders see a totally different score, usually many points lower than what you have been shown.  Your life is controlled by business and they will sell all your data at the drop of a hat and usually drop the hat themselves.  And banks and credit unions, when you inquire about making a loan whether you have any intention of doing so or not, will sell the information you give them to Every. Damn. Fly. By. Nite. Lending company.  Every one of them.  You have no privacy any more.  And do not ever think that you as a customer matter to any business or bank.  You do not.  You are just someone to be taken advantage of.  Best scenario, go cash only.  No credit cards, no checks.  It is not as difficult as you think.  However, you will have no credit then because every thing hinges on the number of credit cards you have.  Have too high a balance, negative. Pay it off every month. Another negative.  Use occasionally.  Another negative.  I really think that those doing those scores just toss a coin and see what comes up.  There is no rhyme or reason to these three little numbers.  Good luck.