Many people are unaware that even the most minor variations in the names they report to credit issuers or lenders can damage their credit score. This is one of the primary credit maintenance measures discussed in Step 7 of my book 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score.
I encourage readers to “Always apply for credit and pull your report using the same name. If your name is Robert Michael Jones Jr., and you have applied for credit cards under different variations of names, this could adversely affect your credit score. For example, you might decide to use:
| Bob M. Jones Bob Michael Jones B. Michael Jones Robert M. Jones Robert Michael Jones R. Michael Jones Bob Jones Robert Jones |
Bob M. Jones, Jr. Bob Michael Jones, Jr. B. Michael Jones, Jr. Robert M. Jones, Jr. Robert Michael Jones, Jr. R. Michael Jones, Jr. Bob Jones, Jr. Robert Jones. Jr. |
Using a multiple versions of your name increases your risk of having your credit report information divided among the various names or even merged with another person’s information. For instance, if your are Robert Jones Jr , and your father is Robert Jones, the credit bureaus might combine your files if you do not use “Jr.” when applying for credit. Pick one name and stick to it when applying for credit – always.
If you got married and changed your last name – start applying for credit under the new name. It might affect your credit minimally. But, the affect is temporary.”
Philip X. Tirone’s, book “7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score: Strategies for Excellent Credit” as well as Applying the 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score Workbook”, containing samples of the forms, letters and worksheets are both included in his 7 Steps to 720 Credit Score Kit. The kit is available at www.720score.com or by calling 1-888-254-2702.”
