fico scores

Couple of questions:
I have a fico score of around 535 currently. This is caused by a couple of years of late pays, worst being 60 days late. I am in the process of paying off my credit card bills, with around 14k left. I have a great deal of income, so this should only take about 5 more months. How much can I expect my FICO score to increase with all credit balances at zero with the exception of my mortage and car loans? I have no charge offs, and one collection account which i have sucessfully disputed and had removed. thanks.

I don't have a crystal ball!

I can't even understand how your score could be 535 with the worst delinquency being a 60 day late - doesn't sound right to me!

I've had about "25" 30 day lates in the past 36 months. I am on track now, no lates since Dec, 02. I was just trying to get a ballpark figure of what to expect. thanks!

A 535 is lower than most peoples' scores before, during and after bankruptcy. It makes no sense!

yep. thats what it was...i just double checked the info. any suggestions?

Well, I'd start with paying on time. Your scores should go up about 20 points every month till you're in the 620s or so.

But I still think there's something else.

Did you go through a finance company at all??? Fico punishes harshly for this crime whether you pay them on time or not.

I can't imagine that a finance company account would cost *many* points.

Can't remember if I posted it, but I was very surprised when I recently saw the factor and couldn't even find any obvious finance company accounts.

Tonight I saw a 657 with a gazillion lates, 6 collections as recently as barely 2 years ago, and SIX Citifinancial accounts.

Since I can't tell when an account is reported as finance company account and I rarely see that score factor, I'd sure like to see more info on that.

no finance companies. just a bunch of lates. Very encouraging that I can improve 20 or so points a month just by paying on time, which I am doing of course. now i guess i will start challenging a few of the derogs, and hope for the best!

I only have a car note and a secured credit union loan and my scores don't go up every month at all!

It obviously won't go up every month forever, or people would have scores in the thousands.

If you don't have any derogs, your score *should* be just fine.

I don't have a crystal ball and without actually taking the time to review the credit reports, I really can't give any general recommendations.